Patents Issued in April 8, 2004
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Publication number: 20040066015Abstract: An improved vehicle suspension system in which the conventional upper and lower ball joints, each having a spindle, are replaced by a Heim joint which includes a tapered insert that is dimensioned to accommodate the spindle to which it is attached. The resulting suspension system has enhanced vertical and horizontal travel.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2003Publication date: April 8, 2004Inventors: Kip Kilburn, Roger Winiger
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Publication number: 20040066016Abstract: Poles and fastenings for biking upright allow enabling of the effort of an additional upright cyclist on practically any operator-powered vehicle. Those poles consist of a bar with a handle and a support below. The bar can be resilient and the support may have a pear-shaped form, or it may look as a spike. The support may also contain a roller with an overrunning clutch (or without it). The poles' bars can be interconnected by a crossbar, which can be fixed on the skeleton of the vehicle near the rear wheel with the possibility of sliding in the location clutches. The poles in the cyclist's hands can lean on the road surface or on fasteners provided in a special devices set for biking upright. The fasteners for the legs of upright cyclist contain stationary pedals. The body movements of the upright cyclist are similar to the body movements of a skier.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2002Publication date: April 8, 2004Inventor: Pol Raikin
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Publication number: 20040066017Abstract: A drive train for a bicycle includes a housing mounted in a bicycle frame with a pedal assembly attached to a drive shaft fixably mounting a plurality of different diameter drive elements, the drive shaft is journalled in and between the housing cover plates. A driven shaft is also journalled in and between the housing cover plates. The driven shaft mounts a plurality of rotatably unfixed different diameter driven elements, with the driven shaft rotationally coupled to a bicycle rear wheel. A plurality of connection elements rotationally couples the plurality of different diameter drive elements to the different diameter driven elements, wherein a single connection element rotatably couples a single drive element to a single driven element that are in alignment. Also, a means for rotatably engaging a selected single driven element to the driven shaft to establish a selected rotational ratio between the drive shaft and the driven shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2002Publication date: April 8, 2004Inventor: George J. Dratewski
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Publication number: 20040066018Abstract: A toddler tricycle folding footboard structure consisting of a shaft hole formed through the lateral surfaces of a connective tube positioned between the rear and front brace of a toddler tricycle frame that is aligned with the shaft holes in the vertical extremities of a pair of L-shaped bracket members, a bolt inserted through the shaft holes, and a nut fastened onto it to effect a tight conjoinment, following which the pair of L-shaped bracket members remain movable at the shaft hole in the lateral surfaces of the connective tube. The horizontal extremities at the bottom aspects of the L-shaped bracket members facing outward from the two sides of the connective tube are then conjoined to a footboard such that they become a unitary structural entity, with the bolt functioning as an axle that enables free swinging for folding and unfolding to reduce space occupancy and facilitate utilization convenience.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2002Publication date: April 8, 2004Inventor: Hsing Li
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Publication number: 20040066019Abstract: A folding bicycle, wherein a head pipe is pivotally supported on the front end of a main frame so as to freely rotate, a handle shaft for rotatably supporting a front wheel is supported while being inserted into the head pipe, a rear wheel is rotatably supported on the rear end of the main frame, a saddle post having a saddle on the top end is pivotally supported on the rear side of a pivotal-support portion of the head pipe, a stay having the top end detachably fixed on the saddle post is pivotally supported on the front side of the rear wheel of the main frame, a crank gear is rotatably supported between a pivotal-support portion of the saddle post and a pivotal-support portion of the stay, a chain is looped over the crank gear and a small gear provided on the rear wheel, and the stay, the saddle post and the handle shaft can be folded so as to be overlaid one another along the main frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2003Publication date: April 8, 2004Inventor: Hideyasu Yamabe
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Publication number: 20040066020Abstract: A foldable creeper is disclosed that has a rolling mechanism coupled to connectors that couple a seat support and back support. A locking mechanism may be provided that retains the creeper in an open position.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2002Publication date: April 8, 2004Inventor: Hector R. Hernandez
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Publication number: 20040066021Abstract: A lighter, low-cost inflatable restraint module is disclosed. The inflatable restraint module may include an inflator positioned within a heat shield. The heat shield and inflator may be disposed within an inflatable cushion. A portion of the cushion containing the inflator and heat shield is situated within a chamber. The chamber may include an opening in the chamber and an extension that projects away form the opening. Attachment of a portion of the inflatable cushion to the extension keeps the portion of the cushion away from the opening of the chamber and, thus, away from potentially damaging heat generated by the inflator. Alternatively, the portion of the cushion may be kept away from the opening by attachment to a cover which is, in turn, attached to the extension. The inflator, heat shield, chamber, and cushion may be secured within an interior region of a canister.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2002Publication date: April 8, 2004Inventors: Conrad C. Dumbrique, Geoffrey A. Mills, Donald J. Paxton
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Publication number: 20040066022Abstract: A vehicle includes an air bag device for an occupant seated in a rearmost seat. The air bag device includes an air bag, which is accommodated at the rear end portion of the roof of the vehicle in a folded state, and an inflator, which supplies gas to the air bag. The air bag is unfolded downward to be inflated between the rearmost seat and a rear window glass. The air bag device has several functions to effectively protect an occupant seated in the rearmost seat, such as a function to apply a predetermined tension to the inflated air bag, a function to properly restrict the thickness of the air bag, and a function to properly control the unfolding direction of the air bag.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2003Publication date: April 8, 2004Inventors: Kenji Mori, Masakazu Hashimoto, Hiroyuki Kobayashi, Naoki Hotta, Shinji Oguchi
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Publication number: 20040066023Abstract: A supplemental passenger restraint system including a load cell (15) mounted between the seat-mounting surface and the floor of the vehicle for sensing the weight of a siting occupant (110). A controller (25) controls an air bag (1, 2) such that the air bag (1, 2) is deployed at a rate corresponding to the weight of the occupant (110). A controller (75) for said supplemental restraint system wherein the controller is dependent on an occupant's presence for measuring the crash severity and the speed of the vehicle to enable single or plurality of airbag deployments. Such that, when a collision is sensed at the collision sensor (75), the collision sensor (75) will enable the control module (25), which will then enable the amplifier (20) to amplify the accelerometer microprocessor (150), the release gas control processor (130), and the current igniter (55) to ignite the released igniting gas (65) inside the combustion chamber (101).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2001Publication date: April 8, 2004Inventor: Tabe Joseph
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Publication number: 20040066024Abstract: The present invention provides an inflator in which a flow amount of a pressurized gas can be kept almost constant.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2003Publication date: April 8, 2004Inventors: Hiroshi Shioji, Yasunori Iwai, Masakazu Tokuda
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Publication number: 20040066025Abstract: The invention capitalizes upon the absence of an engine compartment forward of the passenger compartment in the vehicle body and provides a frontal impact energy dissipation compartment forward of the passenger compartment. The frontal impact energy dissipation compartment is filled with an energy absorption structure, such as an aluminum honeycomb structure. Alternatively, a bulkhead member extends across the vehicle at the forward end of the passenger compartment to enhance structural integrity of the forward end of the vehicle. The bulkhead member may be integrated with air flow systems, cross-car structural support, safety airbags, slidable driver interface, speakers, etc.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2003Publication date: April 8, 2004Inventors: Christopher E. Borroni-Bird, Adrian B. Chernoff, Mohsen D. Shabana, Robert Louis Vitale
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Publication number: 20040066026Abstract: A trailer comprises two elongate panels as loading ramp panels. A wheel assembly supports the panels and a trailer drawbar having a first end for connection with a draft vehicle and a second end which is secured with the wheel assembly by a first fastener and a second fastener secures the panels to the drawbar at a point spaced from the wheel assembly. A kit for utilizing two panels in a trailer comprises a wheel assembly, a drawbar and first and second fasteners for securing, respectively, the second end of the drawbar with the wheel assembly and the panels to the drawbar at a point spaced from the wheel assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2002Publication date: April 8, 2004Inventor: Harold M. Schilling
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Publication number: 20040066027Abstract: A safety-belt arrangement for use in a motor vehicle has a safety-belt (5), one end of which is connected to a retractor (8), a sensor (11) generates a signal representative of the amount of safety-belt paid-out from the retractor. A force limiter (10) is associated with the retractor to permit safety-belt to be paid-out with a variable force limiting effect.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2003Publication date: April 8, 2004Inventor: Anders Ingemarsson
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Publication number: 20040066028Abstract: The present invention comprises a splashguard for use in controlling tire splashes of a vehicle. The splashguard comprises a first plate being attachable to the vehicle. The splashguard further comprises a second plate attached to the first plate. When a surface being traveled on by the vehicle changes surface level, the second plate preferably pivots relative to the first plate to adjust height of the splashguard. The present invention further comprises a method of creating a splashguard. The method comprises providing a first plate, which is configured to be attached to a vehicle and to substantially block tire splashes. The first plate preferably defines at least one removable portion. The removable portion is preferably configured to accommodate at least one vehicle component protruding from the rear side of the vehicle, such as a muffler or a trailer hitch receiver.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2003Publication date: April 8, 2004Inventor: Jerry A. Edwards
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Publication number: 20040066029Abstract: A method of fabricating a book from a bound stack of sheets and a hardcover assembly having first and second relatively rigid cover sections separated by a spine region. A layer of pressure sensitive adhesive is disposed over the inner surfaces of the cover sections, with there being a pair of release liners covering both the pressure sensitive adhesive layers. The book is assembled by placing the hardcover assembly on a surface and removing one of the release liners from one of the pressure sensitive adhesive layers. The bound stack is then positioned on the hardcover assembly, preferably using a guide apparatus to ensure proper positioning, so that the one end sheet of the stack and the and assembly will become attached by the exposed pressure sensitive adhesive. The stack is then folded away from the hardcover assembly in a manner such that the user can access and remove the second release liner thereby exposing the remainder of the adhesive on the one cover section.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2002Publication date: April 8, 2004Inventor: Kevin P. Parker
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Publication number: 20040066030Abstract: A method of fabricating a book from a bound stack of sheets and a hardcover assembly having first and second relatively rigid cover sections separated by a spine region. A layer of pressure sensitive adhesive is disposed over the inner surfaces of the cover sections, with there being a pair of release liners covering both the pressure sensitive adhesive layers. The book is assembled by placing the hardcover assembly on a surface and removing one of the release liners from one of the pressure sensitive adhesive layers. The bound stack is then positioned on the hardcover assembly, preferably using a guide apparatus to ensure proper positioning, so that the one end sheet of the stack and the and assembly will become attached by the exposed pressure sensitive adhesive. The stack is then folded away from the hardcover assembly in a manner such that the user can access and remove the second release liner thereby exposing the remainder of the adhesive on the one cover section.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2003Publication date: April 8, 2004Inventor: Kevin P. Parker
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Publication number: 20040066031Abstract: A folder having at least one document retaining tab for receiving and retaining at least one sheet of paper that has been inserted into a pocket of the folder. The document retaining tab may be provided as a center tab and/or as at least one interior corner tab of the folder. The folder may be formed from a single sheet of die-cut material that is folded along a plurality of score lines to form the folder and center or corner tabs. The die-cut sheet may be provided with extended portions that may be used to form the center or corner tabs. The extended portions may be mirror images of one another.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2002Publication date: April 8, 2004Applicant: Avery Dennison CorporationInventors: Galen C. Wong, Alice Chou, Christina Freeman
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Publication number: 20040066032Abstract: A mailing form for facilitating the mailing of a document is disclosed, the mailing form comprising a first panel, a second panel, and, a third panel of substantially the same area, each panel separated by a horizontal fold line. The mailing form includes a top ply of the mailing form and a document in the second panel. The mailing form further includes a bottom ply coupled to the top ply and a frame portion of the top ply. The mailing form further includes an adhesive on the outer edges of the front of the bottom ply extending over the second and third panel. The mailing form further includes a first horizontal fold line between the first and second panels and a second horizontal fold line between the second and third panels. When the mailing form is in folded form, the document in the second panel is securely situated between the first and third panel.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2003Publication date: April 8, 2004Applicant: Laser Substrates, Inc.Inventors: Warren M. Fabel, Jose Cortez
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Publication number: 20040066033Abstract: A hose assembly having a resilient hose constructed of an elastomeric material. A hose clamp is positioned over one end of the hose. This hose clamp is then secured to the tube by applying a molten thermoplastic material over a portion of the hose as well as a portion of the hose clamp. The hose assembly thus achieves accurate positioning of the hose clamp on the hose prior to installation of the hose assembly in its intended application.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2002Publication date: April 8, 2004Applicant: Pilot Industries, Inc.Inventors: Scott D. Rier, Frederick W. Woodward
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Publication number: 20040066034Abstract: Connection verifying device for a pipe and a connector has a body portion, a stop and verification arm and an abutment finger. The body portion includes an abutment plate and a fit-on portion. The stop and verification arm extends from an outer periphery of the abutment plate in one axial direction, while the abutment finger protrudes from one axial end of the fit-on portion in one axial direction. The abutment finger is arranged so as to abut and urge an annular projection of a pipe into an engagement slit of a retainer when the pipe and the connector are in half-fitting relation.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2003Publication date: April 8, 2004Inventors: Akira Takayanagi, Tomoki Inoue
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Publication number: 20040066035Abstract: The invention concern a fixing end-fining for a flexible tubular pipe comprising an inner sealing sheath (2), a pressure vault consisting of a short-pitch helical winding (3) of a metal forming wire, an intermediate sheath (5) and at least a web of tensile long-pitch wound amour wire, (6) and an outer sealing sheath (78), the end-fitting comprising a staged part (112) capable of sliding into a staged cylindrical housing of the end-fitting and designed to ensure through two crimping elements (113, 116),the sealed fixing of the inner sheath and the intermediate sheath (5), screws (120) enabling the staged part (112) to be brought closer and to be fixed on the end-fitting.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2003Publication date: April 8, 2004Inventors: Eric Buon, Hugues Berton
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Publication number: 20040066036Abstract: The invention relates to a pipe having at least one end portion (2) forming a section for coupling onto a rigid endpiece (7) and containing an inner tubular jacket (5) of elastic material. According to the invention, at least one longitudinally-extending indentation (4) is formed in the end portion (2) of the pipe (1). The invention is applicable in coupling a pipe to a member to which it is to be connected in the field of fluid transport.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2003Publication date: April 8, 2004Inventor: Guy Estran
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Publication number: 20040066037Abstract: For connecting flexible corrugated hoses, which are not provided with fittings, for transporting preferably gaseous media in connection with high-pressure applications, a holder 3 is provided, which receives an exposed end of the corrugated pipe 6 of the flexible corrugated hose 2 and is pressed together with it to form a metallic seal. The metallic seal is achieved by the surface pressure between the interior wall 18 of an element 16 of the holder and the ribs 8 of the corrugated pipe 6. Elastomeric seals 24, 25, as well as a soldering joint 34, if desired, can be provided as aids. However, in connection with a preferred embodiment the required sealing is already achieved by the strong pressure against each other of the metallic exterior of the corrugated pipe 6 and the metallic interior of the element 16.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2003Publication date: April 8, 2004Inventors: Axel Schneider, Andreas Hilgert
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Publication number: 20040066038Abstract: A submersible pump drop pipe and casing assembly and method of manufacture is disclosed. The drop pipe/casing has a seated connector and base. The seated connector has a first and second cylinder section, the first cylinder section being used to align and direct the base into the seated connector and to provide lateral strength to the pipe.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2003Publication date: April 8, 2004Inventors: Morris G. Haney, Roy L. Thein
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Publication number: 20040066039Abstract: A mechanical connection for tubular members has a male tubular member with a distal end portion containing an O-ring. A female tubular member fits over the male member in sealing engagement with the O-ring, so that the O-ring is only radially compressed. The female member is crimped or compressed on to the male member, such that engaging ribs and grooves in the male and female members lock the members together against axial relative movement. The crimping operation does not affect the O-ring seal because the ribs and grooves are spaced axially from the O-ring seal.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2002Publication date: April 8, 2004Inventors: Anis Muhammad, Thomas Seiler, Alan Wu, Eric Luvisotto
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Publication number: 20040066040Abstract: A tube fitting for a tube end has a female threaded member that cooperates with a male threaded member. The female member includes a tube gripping device in the form of a gripping ring or ferrule that is attached to the female member by a fungible web. Upon a partial pull-up the female engages a camming surface on the male threaded member and breaks off or separates from the female threaded member to become a separate piece so that the fitting then functions as a single ferrule tube fitting. Additional features include a steep camming angle on the camming surface to cause the ferrule to grip the tube end with a bite-type action and to form a primary seal between the camming surface and a front end of the separated ferrule. The ferrule front end, and optionally the entire female threaded member including the initially integral tube gripping device, are hardened to be at least about 3.3 times harder than the material of the tube end.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2003Publication date: April 8, 2004Inventors: Mark A. Bennett, Peter C. Williams
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Publication number: 20040066041Abstract: An electrical generating system includes a plurality of linear operating magnetos impeded within a roadway pavement, whereby the passage of vehicle wheels from moving motor vehicles directly depresses linear solenoid plungers for generating electricity, without the need for the extra energy consumption drawbacks, such as bellows, compressed air or ratchet mechanisms.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2002Publication date: April 8, 2004Inventor: John P. Hunter
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Publication number: 20040066042Abstract: A power generation device for providing uninterrupted power is disclosed. The power supply device consists of two equal inversely oriented eccentric load flywheels interlockingly rotating in-line on a common horizontal shaft (where surface friction is minimized at all connections) within a housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2002Publication date: April 8, 2004Inventor: M. Blair Pessemier
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Publication number: 20040066043Abstract: A turbine installation configured for large scale hydrogen production includes a foundation structure separating an upper elevation headwater from a lower elevation tailwater. The foundation structure defines a water passageway extending therethrough between an inlet adjacent the headwater and an outlet adjacent the tailwater. A runner is supported for rotation by the foundation and disposed in the water passageway intermediate the inlet and the outlet so that water flowing through the passageway as a result of head differential causes rotation of the runner. A generator is supported by the foundation and connected to the runner by a rotary shaft for generating electrical power as the runner rotates. An electrolyzer is electrically coupled to the generator for receiving the electrical power and producing hydrogen.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2002Publication date: April 8, 2004Applicants: Voith Siemens Hydro Power Generation, GmbH & Co., KG, Voith Siemens Hydro Power Generation, Inc.Inventors: Marco Maiwald, Bertram Kurt Muller
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Publication number: 20040066044Abstract: A turbine generating apparatus includes a control unit which controls the turbine generating apparatus as follows. During a system connection running mode, a fuel is fed to the gas turbine at a fuel flow rate corresponding to a preset load. The converter prepares a pseudo-system in which a frequency conforms to a set rotational speed of the gas turbine at the preset load, and converts an output of the generator to a direct current in a state that a number of revolutions of the gas turbine is specified by operating the generator synchronously with the pseudo-system. A power to be taken out is controlled depending on a magnitude of a turbine output. The inverter converts a DC voltage output from the converter to an AC voltage by a pulse width modulation at a system voltage and a system frequency so as to keep the DC voltage output from the converter at a predetermined voltage.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2003Publication date: April 8, 2004Applicant: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Kazuya Matsuo, Masahide Kawamura, Osamu Noro, Tatsuo Fujii
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Publication number: 20040066045Abstract: A portable wind powered energy generator comprises a base, a frame coupled to the base, a central axis around which a main shaft is disposed, and a plurality of support arms, each symmetrically disposed about the central axis and having a first end coupled to the main shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2002Publication date: April 8, 2004Inventor: Alfonso Aguilar
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Publication number: 20040066046Abstract: A multipoint lock system is disclosed for use with the active and inactive doors of two-door sets, which provides an operator with the ability to lock or unlock a plurality of locking points both manually and automatically, and features a blocking mechanism to prevent unwanted locking. The system comprises a pair of releasably engaged mechanisms, one of which primarily controls the deployment of the locking members, while the other primarily controls the receiving windows that receive the locking members. Each mechanism is operated by a lever and thumbturn attached to a centralized cassette, which houses the core actuating means for the entire lock system.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2003Publication date: April 8, 2004Inventor: Donald A. Becken
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Publication number: 20040066047Abstract: The invention relates to a device for securing the door leaves (1) of a multiple-leaf door system against unintentional deflection from the normal operating position. Said device comprises a lock (retaining device (HV) that is located in the vicinity of the ends of the door leaves (1) and is configured as a switching gear. The lock can be secured in the normal position by an integrated magnetic brake (MB).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2003Publication date: April 8, 2004Inventor: Manfred Rockenbach
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Publication number: 20040066048Abstract: A bumper system for an automobile vehicle includes a beam configured to attached to vehicle rails and an energy absorber coupled to the beam. The energy absorber is tunable for meeting predetermined criteria for both low speed and pedestrian impacts, and includes a flanged frame for attachment to the beam, a body that includes a plurality of lobes extending from the flanged frame and spaced apart from each other. Each lobe includes first and second side walls, having a concave shape.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2003Publication date: April 8, 2004Inventors: Frank Mooijman, Stephen F. Shuler, Alok Nanda
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Publication number: 20040066049Abstract: A hand-operated sanitary grasping device for grasping an object such as animal feces includes a control assembly, and extension structure, a support structure, which includes a pair of bag clips, a linkage assembly, a pair of scooped-shaped opposed jaws, and a pair springs. A plastic bag is placed over the jaws and attached to the bag clips on the support structure. The control assembly operates the jaws via the linkage assembly and has a latch to lock the jaws open before installing the inverted bag. The bag and jaws are placed around the object and the latch opened, allowing the jaws to grasp the object within the bag. The bag is then detached from the clips, allowing the bag to be pulled down over the jaws. The jaws may then be opened for removal of the bagged object.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2003Publication date: April 8, 2004Inventor: Hormiz Azrikam
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Publication number: 20040066050Abstract: A novel apparatus for gripping and pulling an archery arrow shaft without damage to the arrow from a target or other object in which the arrow is partially embedded. The apparatus uses gripping pads and levers to grip and to pull the shaft of the arrow from the target or other object.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2002Publication date: April 8, 2004Inventor: Dennis A. Downing
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Publication number: 20040066051Abstract: A chain hook with no moving parts that includes a means of passively capturing and supporting both sides of a given chain link. The hook is provided with dual support surfaces that support the link and prevent disengagement of the hook while under load. A horn between the support surfaces protrudes through the hooked link and contacts the adjacent link on the lighter loaded side of the hook. This prevents running of the chain that could result from differential loading on either side of the hooked chain link. The hook surfaces are designed to inhibit disengagement under low load conditions and to facilitate unassisted disengagement of the hook under no-load conditions.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2002Publication date: April 8, 2004Inventors: Raymond J. Serpas, Kirk N. Trombatore, Regas J. Vito
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Publication number: 20040066052Abstract: A cargo storage system (14), e.g. of a road freight semi-trailer (18) comprises a rectangular base (10) with telescopic support masts (12). The support masts (12), by means of height adjustment tables (82) and a rectangularly orientated support cable (70), are adapted to support a box-shaped flexible cover (50) in a raised position over the base (10). The support masts (12) may be retracted and/or the height adjustment cables (82) released to lower the cover (50) may engage against cargo loaded on the base (10). The cover includes a grid pattern of webbing straps integral therewith, which may be tensioned down so that the cover engages against and bears down upon the cargo to restrain the cargo in position. The cover (50) is removeable and foldable and the masts (12) removable for stowage thereof. The invention is also applicable to rigid vehicle, full trailer, intermodal and other freight applications.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2003Publication date: April 8, 2004Inventor: Stephen John Payne
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Publication number: 20040066053Abstract: A vehicle storage compartment includes a door with an interior and exterior face. The exterior face of the door faces the interior of a vehicle. The compartment also includes a panel connected to the door, wherein the panel and the interior face of the door define a bin for the storage of goods. The panel is integrally formed with the door in a molding operation to form a single component. The storage compartment door and bin wherein are integrally formed by a counter-pressure molding process such that cell structures are formed in an interior of walls forming the door and the panel.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2002Publication date: April 8, 2004Inventor: Mark W. Fero
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Publication number: 20040066054Abstract: An inner shell (10) for vehicle bodies molded from a foam plastic includes at least one flap (14) which can move optionally between a non-usage position to a usage position. Preferably the flap (14) serves as a sun visor, allows access to a function element (44) or a cavity (16), or both. According to the invention the flap (22) is formed as a part of the inner shell (10) and in its non-usage position closes essentially surface-flush with the areas of the inner shell (10) adjacent to the flap (14).Type: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2003Publication date: April 8, 2004Inventors: Horst Bohm, Rainer Grimm
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Publication number: 20040066055Abstract: An anchoring device for a seat that can be installed and removed inside a vehicle without the use of tools has at least one locking unit (2, 4) with a first functional part attached in stationary fashion to the vehicle, and a second functional part attached to the seat, the functional parts being constituted on the one hand by an undercut extension element (14) and on the other hand by a receiving part (16) having a locking receptacle (18), in such a way that for mounting, the seat can be inserted in a direction approximately perpendicular to a seat base plane (10) and is then displaceable parallel to the seat base plane (10) into a detent position. In the detent position, the extension element (14) sits in the locking receptacle (18) in a manner secured against perpendicular relative motions.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2003Publication date: April 8, 2004Inventor: Jurgen Otto
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Publication number: 20040066056Abstract: The sun visor has a decorative cover securely affixed over a core formed of foldable first and second core halves. Receiving surfaces defining a planar end are formed on each of the first and second core halves and extend substantially continuously between opposed ends.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2002Publication date: April 8, 2004Inventors: Donald Mills, Jay Burgess
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Publication number: 20040066057Abstract: A retractable soft top system includes a support frame with a forward end and a rearward end. The rearward end is detachably and pivotably interconnected with the vehicle body at the rear of the passenger compartment. The support frame includes a latching member extending from the forward end. The latching member is operable to selectively engage an engagement feature on the windshield header so as to interconnect the forward end of the support frame with the header. A cover selectively covers a storage area behind the passenger compartment. The cover is pivotally supported such that the forward end moves upwardly to uncover at least a portion of the storage area. The cover has an underside with an engagement feature adjacent the forward end and a retaining latch spaced rearwardly therefrom.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2003Publication date: April 8, 2004Inventors: Reinhard Wolfgang Quindt, Frank Neubrand
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Publication number: 20040066058Abstract: A convertible top operating mechanism includes a bi-directional hydraulic pump which is selectively connected to top-operating hydraulic cylinders and tonneau-operating hydraulic cylinders by a two-way, 5-condition control valve to selectively raise and lower the top and tonneau. A mechanical linkage connects the top-operating cylinders with a movable rear bow and is co-operable with a spring during operation of the top-operating cylinders when fully extending and initially retracting to move the rear bow to enable tonneau operation and to seal the top on the tonneau.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2002Publication date: April 8, 2004Inventor: George Joseph Frank
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Publication number: 20040066059Abstract: A windup window shade is provided with windup window shade means which, in the extracted state, make possible different degrees of opacity at the window. To this end, the two window shade web can either be wound on separate windup shafts and spread out in the same direction from the same starting point, or the two window shade webs have been connected with each other and, after having been extended, are moved in the manner of a film in front of the window. Two windup shafts are employed in both cases, wherein in the one case the two windup shafts are located directly next to each other, while in the other case the windup shafts are separated from each other during the extension of the shade.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2003Publication date: April 8, 2004Applicant: BOS GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Werner P. Schlecht, Herbert Walter
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Publication number: 20040066060Abstract: A system for moving a slide-out compartment includes a modular slider mechanism and a means for connecting the sliding assembly to other sliding assemblies. The sliding assembly includes a guide member having an interior channel defined by the sides and base of the guide member and two securing flanges separated by a gap. A slider rail is disposed within the interior channel and has a middle portion adapted to cooperate with a gear mechanism disposed within the interior channel. The gear mechanism drivingly engages with the slider rail, while being adapted to cooperate with the means for connecting and/or a means for driving the gear mechanism to move extend or retract the slide-out compartment.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2002Publication date: April 8, 2004Applicant: Happijac CompanyInventor: C. Martin Rasmussen
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Publication number: 20040066061Abstract: The body of passenger motor vehicles comprises, among other things, two longitudinal bearers and a rear end having a rear end middle piece. In order to minimize the extent of repair of damages to the rear end, the invention provides that the rear bumper bending bearer (2) is bolted as a lower module (1) in the area of the rear longitudinal bearer to the body via deformation elements (4) provided for absorbing energy. In order to minimize the complexity of repairs of damages involving a greater extent of deformation to the rear end, the invention additionally provides that the entire rear end middle piece or portions thereof is/are structured as another lower module (10) of the rear end module that can be bolted to the body.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2003Publication date: April 8, 2004Inventors: Frank Engels, Friedhelm Buning, Karl-Heinz Baumann, Klaus Rathje
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Publication number: 20040066062Abstract: A vehicle front-end body structure, includes: front side members provided along a left side and a right side of a front portion of a vehicle body, a front deck cross member provided between side walls of the vehicle body, including joint portions for joining the front deck cross member to the side walls; and a connecting member made up of a pipe material including end portions and a middle portion disposed between the end portions. The end portions are joined to the vicinities of the joint portions respectively. The middle portion is joined to the front side members respectively.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2003Publication date: April 8, 2004Applicants: MITSUBISHI JIDOSHA KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA, MITSUBISHI JIDOSHA ENGINEERING KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Masahiro Awano, Kazufumi Takayanagi, Takanobu Uchida, Yoshinori Yokota, Hiroyuki Kurokawa
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Publication number: 20040066063Abstract: A molded resin folding chair having a pair of uprights generally parallel to and spaced apart from each other being connected by at least one cross piece forming a backrest. At least a portion of each upright has a generally C-shaped channel. A seat has a rear portion and opposite sides thereof provided with a tab that is slidably engaged in the C-shaped channel of a respective upright. A pair of struts each have an upper end rotatably attached to the seat and a medial region rotatably attached to respective uprights. The folding chair is folded by sliding the rear of the seat upwards, causing the front portion to move downwards, via the tabs sliding in the C-shaped channels. The struts rotate about the rotatable attachments to the seat and uprights, such that the uprights, struts and the seat fold as flat as possible.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2003Publication date: April 8, 2004Inventors: William E. Adams, Matthew W. Goodworth
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Publication number: 20040066064Abstract: A standing structure is formed by a plurality of poles and a holder movable between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, the holder is dimensioned and configured to grip each of the plurality of poles and hold the poles in a standing structure. The poles form the legs of the structure. The holder is also configured to release the poles when moved to the open position to enable disassembly of the standing structure. A closure mechanism secures the holder in a closed position and a release mechanism releases the closure mechanism and thereby releases the poles from the holder. Accessories may be mounted on the standing structure. For example, with the holder attached to the midsection of the poles, a seat is mounted on the upper ends of the poles to form a stool. With the holder attached to the upper ends of the poles, accessories such as a camera mount, a table top, or a lantern may be attached to the holder to form various useful structures.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2003Publication date: April 8, 2004Inventors: Andrew S. Neely, John W. Endsley