Abstract: An automotive hinge facilitates substantially rotary motion of a closure panel relative to a fixed body structure by means of a single resilient member configured to carry all required structural and operational loadings.

Abstract: A motor vehicle door having a door inside part (19), a door outside part (20) and a supporting panel (3) which is connected in a tight-fitting manner to the door inside part (19).

Abstract: A power-operated system for actuating the rear doors or liftgates of motor vehicles includes a strut assembly having two struts, each strut mounted on one side of the door between the door and the vehicle's door frame. One end of each strut is connected to a powered rotating arm. To open the door, the rotating arms change the angular orientation of the struts such that they have a substantial mechanical advantage. In this position, the force provided by the struts overcomes the weight bias of the door, thus opening the door. To close the door, the rotating arms change the angular orientation of the struts such that the struts have a decreased mechanical advantage, reducing the force provided by the struts, and therefore causing the door to fall closed under its own weight bias. A control system for controlling the power-operated system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A motor vehicle having a flap, which is implemented, for example, as a tail gate, and is swivellably linked by way of a hinge device to the body of the motor vehicle, and opens and closes a flap opening, which hinge device comprises a body-side and a flap-side fitting part, and the two fitting parts are swivellably connected relative to one another by way of at least one multi-control-arm arrangement having at least two control arms. For adjusting the flap relative to the body of the motor vehicle, the flap-side fitting part for the fastening to the flap is provided with at least one oblong hole, and between the flap-side fitting part and the flap, an adjusting slide is arranged which has at least a second oblong hole, in which case a fastening element reaches through the two oblong holes and is fastened to the flap, and the second oblong hole extends at an angle (&agr;) with respect to the first oblong hole, this angle (&agr;) amounting to more than 0° and less than 90°.

Abstract: This invention relates to a control panel for a vehicle interior. The control panel includes a housing having a recess formed therein. A panel is movably attached to the housing. The panel defines first and second sides, wherein the first side generally defines a first plane which is at an acute angle relative to a plane defined by the second side. The panel is movable between first and second positions, wherein at least a portion of the panel is disposed in the recess when the panel is in the first position. A first control mechanism is mounted on the first side of the panel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle with underbody and wheels mounted in wheelhouses which are guided on wheel guide elements coupled to the body, functional elements being mounted in the area of wheel dishes opening inward, and with wheel spoilers mounted on the underbody in front of the wheels in the direction of travel, for the sake of better deflection of environmental influences such as dirt particles, moisture, etc the wheel spoilers of at least one wheel axle per wheel ending in a structurally simple configuration in a deflecting strip extending more or less vertically downward, the deflecting strips being extended continuously inward and rearward at least to the vertical central plane of the wheels extending through the axes of rotation of the wheels.

Abstract: A trailer body employs hollow and generally rectangular dual wall tubes stacked, interlocked and welded on both sides continuously to form each side of the trailer body. The extrusion walls are of varying thickness to minimize weight and maximize strength and durability.

Abstract: A conversion kit assembly for converting a sleeper truck cab with a modular sleeper/cab into a day cab includes a sleeper truck cab including a rear sill, two laterally spaced walls, and a roof, with each of the walls having a B-pillar assembly at a rearward end of the sleeper truck cab. The B-pillar assemblies are coupled together at their upper ends by the roof, and at their lower ends by a lower member such as a lower panel or a rear sill such that the rearward end of the sleeper truck cab is substantially square. The sleeper truck cab further has a plurality of attachment points at the rearward end for attaching the modular sleeper. A first plurality of fasteners, which connect the modular sleeper to the sleeper truck cab, are removed. The modular sleeper is removed from the sleeper truck cab thereby creating a rearward opening at rearward end of modular truck cab.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting an assembly including a wiper drive motor, a linkage, and a pair of wiper arm drive shafts with respect to a windshield of a motor vehicle to be cleaned includes a molded cowl/plenum member having two integral bosses extending therethrough. Each boss receives a wiper arm drive shaft extending therethrough. The cowl/plenum member also includes an integral wiper drive motor mount. At least one bearing is associated with each boss for establishing the proper orientation of a rotational axis of each drive shaft to be mounted through the integral bosses. The bearing preferably includes a pair of hat-shaped cylindrical bearings press fit into opposite ends of each boss to define the rotational axis of the drive shaft.

Abstract: Hinges are provided for vehicle floor systems that include an elongated, planar bridge member, and opposite first and second hinge members pivotally attached to the bridge member. The first and second hinge members are each pivotally connected to a respective edge portion of the bridge member. Each hinge member includes a base member and a planar upper panel that extends outwardly from the base member. The upper panel of each hinge member is configured to removably secure a vehicle floor panel thereto. Each hinge member is movable between a first position wherein the upper panel may be substantially coplanar with the bridge member, and a second position wherein the upper panel is transverse to the bridge member. The width of the bridge member is at least twice the pile dimension or compressed pile dimension of overlying carpet to prevent damage to the carpet when the hinge members are pivoted.

Abstract: A personal conveyance is herein disclosed wherein a space frame or roll cage of an integral passenger and engine compartment is fabricated from at least two (2), preferably elliptical, roll bars that are directly or indirectly associated with a floor pan. In each case, at least one (1) roll bar is integral with and supportive of the perimeter of the floor pan and preferable permanently bonded (e.g. welded) thereto. A second, (and possible multiple roll bars), is then arranged inboard of said horizontal roll bar, in a linear array along the length of the vehicle, and at an inclined angle relative to the plane of the floor pan. The horizontal roll bar is affixed to the inclined roll bar at each point of intersection or coincidence thereof, so as to form an essential unitary structure or roll cage sufficient to accommodate both passenger and power plant compartments.

Abstract: An integrated molding of an automobile and a method of manufacturing thereof, into which separated conventional molding pieces manufactured hitherto in various ways, such as a drip rail molding and a rear piece drip rail molding, are incorporated, and which is integrally manufactured in a unified single manufacturing way including the insert-injection molding and pressing. In the integrated molding, clips, which are separately manufactured from and assembled with conventional moldings and assembled with a vehicle frame or a drip rail attached to the vehicle frame or assembling holes formed through the vehicle frame, are integrally with the integrated molding by insert-injection molding, so that the integrated molding can be assembled with an automobile simply by inserting the clips into holes formed through the vehicle frame. Therefore, the process of manufacturing the integrated molding is simplified, and the integrated molding can effectively prevent wind noise and water-introduction.

Abstract: A passenger seat having a walk-over seat back mounted for movement on a pair of rotatable shafts through a pair of of levers mounted on each end of the shafts. The levers contact each other at opposite seat positions to support the seat back. The pair of shafts include a torsion section at each end portion capable of undergoing plastic deformation upon a lock mechanism detecting predetermined deceleration forces. A lever and link element are operatively connected between the seat cushion frame to permit movement. The seat cushion is removable secured to the seat cushion frame.

Abstract: A sliding arm-rest console assembly for a vehicle includes a console and a storage bin disposed within the console to allow objects to be stored therein. The assembly includes a stowage door pivotally connected to the console for opening and closing the storage bin in an open position and a closed position. The assembly further includes a sliding arm-rest disposed over the stowage door to slide between a retracted position over the stowage door and an extended position extending forward past the stowage door. A slide guide cooperates with the stowage door to latch the stowage door to the console in the closed position and cooperates with the sliding arm-rest to guide movement of the sliding arm-rest along the stowage door between the retracted position and the extended position when the stowage door is in the closed position.

Abstract: A seat assembly for supporting a seat occupant in an automotive vehicle comprising a seat cushion for support the seat occupant on the seat assembly (10) and a seat back (16) extending longitudinally between a lower portion operatively coupled to the seat cushion and an upper portion for supporting the seat occupant in an upright position. The seat back (16) includes an outer peripheral frame member and an inner occupant support frame operatively connected and supported by the outer peripheral frame member and movable from an occupant support position to an impact displacement position extending rearwardly of the outer peripheral frame member. A displaceable connection member operatively interconnects the inner occupant support frame in the occupant support position during normal seat occupant use and for providing movement of the inner occupant support frame to the impact displacement position in response to a predetermined impact load exerted on the seat assembly (10).

Abstract: In an arrangement of a child seat on a motor vehicle seat according to the ISOFIX standard, in the case of a crash-associated deceleration, the child seat is displaced in a limited manner in the direction of travel (FR), so that the resultant movement of the child in said direction of travel (FR) is compensated within the seatbelt system of the child seat.

Abstract: A tip-up seat assembly with a backrest, adapted to be secured to a supporting structure in a generally upright orientation, a corresponding seat member adjacent the backrest, hingedly mounted for rotation between an open position wherein the seat member is substantially horizontal and a folded position wherein the seat member is tilted upwardly toward the backrest, biasing device for biasing the seat member toward the folded position, and a tilt-limiter configured to resiliently restrain the seat member in an intermediate position thereby avoiding inadvertent rotation of the seat member into the folded position.

Abstract: Each of right and left X-shaped leg assemblies (2) is constructed by pivotally joining middle parts of a front leg (3) and a rear leg (4). The right and the left X-shaped leg assembly (2) are connected to parallel right and left bases (8). One of the front leg (3) and the rear leg (4) of each X-shaped leg assembly (2) has a lower end pivotally connected to the base (8), and the other of the front leg (3) and the rear leg (4) has a lower end supported for turning and longitudinal movement on the base (8).

Abstract: A seat frame recliner mechanism includes a cylindrical element defining an inner surface with gear teeth, a journal contact area, and a notch formed in a radially extending surface. The cylindrical element, including the gear teeth, the journal contact area, and the notch are formed as an integral unit to prevent false latching. A conically shaped element has an outer surface with mating gear teeth and a mating journal contact area. A tab is positioned to be received within the notch for limiting and defining reclining movements. The conically shaped element is movable axially inward into a locked orientation with the gear teeth of the elements engaging for inhibiting relative movement of a back portion and a seat portion, and movable axially outward to an unlocked orientation with the gear teeth of the elements disengaged for permitting relative movement of the back and seat portions.

Abstract: A chair, in particular an office chair, comprises a pedestal; a seat support propped thereon; a seat supporting itself on the seat support; a backrest support mounted on the seat support; a headrest support mounted on the backrest support; and a headrest mounted on the headrest support and having a height setting mechanism for height adjustment of the headrest and an inclination setting mechanism for adjustment of an angle of inclination a of the headrest.

Abstract: A wheel balancing device including at least two ballast chambers, each of which defines an interior cavity therein. A movable medium or ballast is contained within each of the interior cavities and is freely movable within the respective ballast chamber. An annular attachment device is provided to secure the ballast chambers to the wheel.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a wheel rim equipped with rim flanges that show no deformation or damage even though a reduction in weight is achieved. The wheel is equipped with rim flanges 3 consisting of a double structure in which the end portions across the rim part 2 of width of the rim are folded back to the inside and caused to contact the non-folded portions 3B in a state in which there is no gap. The abovementioned folded portions 3A and non-folded portions 3B have respective thicknesses that are greater than the thickness D1 of the rim part, and curved parts 3C that are smoothly continuous with the surfaces of the non-folded portions 3B are provided on the free end portions of the folded portions 3A.

Abstract: A process for braking a vehicle having at least first and second brakes, comprises supplying energy to the first and second brakes so as to actuate them, the energy being distributed between the first and second brakes in accordance with the brakes' response energies. Preferably, the momentary values of the response energies are used so that the first and second brakes are actuated simultaneously.

Abstract: A method and device for driving a pump of a brake system, in which a pump motor achieves full drive for a particular time following a braking request from the brake system. During the subsequent clocked driving action, a drive signal is subjected to a pulse width modulation based on a direct comparison between a motor voltage and a voltage threshold value. Due to a subsequent comparison between the motor voltage and a safety threshold, and the resulting full drive for the particular time, an increased load on the pump causes the pump to produce the necessary delivery capacity. In addition, a selectable maximum off-time of the pump motor guarantees a minimum pump on-time per drive cycle. The pump can be made to achieve full drive prematurely as a function of certain conditions which can be subjected to a preventive check, thereby avoiding an excessively high load. It is also possible to coordinate the way in which different control strategies access the pump.

Abstract: A brake system for a vehicle, as well as a method for operating the brake system for a vehicle, a braking pressure that is dependent upon a correction factor being adjusted by the brake system, the correction factor being produced by a characteristic curve which is between the correction factor and the transversal acceleration of the vehicle and which has a range including an ascent that is dependent upon the transversal acceleration of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for allowing a vehicle to be braked in both a regenerative and a distributive type or frictional manner, thereby reducing the amount of energy which is dissipated as the vehicle is braked.

Abstract: A tool cabinet has a stand, a drawer frame, an upper case, multiple drawers and a locking device. The locking device is mounted in the upper case to keep the drawer from sliding out from the drawer frame. The locking device has a parallelogram four-bar assembly, an upper bar, at least one locking bar and multiple locking tabs attached to the drawers. The locking bar has multiple locking holes corresponding and engaging with the locking tabs on the drawer. Accordingly, the drawers can be held in place by the locking device to keep drawers from unintentionally sliding out from the cabinet. This can keep any person from being injured by the drawers, and the safety of using and transporting the cabinet is improved.

Abstract: A protective enclosure is disclosed that provides protection and energy management for a sensitive or fragile part or device that can be enclosed. The enclosure comprises one or more rigid structural components and one or more soft touch surface components from which one or more ribs originate and pass through the rigid structural component(s) to provide the energy management for the part or device when it is enclosed. The soft touch surface and rib material can be a low modulus, plastic material such as a thermoplastic elastomer and can optionally be foamed to provide further softness for the soft touch surface effect and/or for the energy management needs in the pass through ribs. Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is a particularly suitable thermoplastic. It has also been found that the protective enclosure can be designed to utilize the soft touch component to provide a substantially continuous liquid and dust resistant seal for any moveable or removable structural components.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices are described for a chassis with a repositionable optical feedthrough plate. An apparatus, includes a chassis having a first module bay with a first plate mounting bracket, a second module bay with a second plate mounting bracket and a modular repositionable plate with an optical feedthrough that is removably connectable to the first plate mounting bracket and removably connectable to the second plate mounting bracket.

Abstract: A control panel is retractably received within a recess in an appliance housing. The panel may be moved from an extended position wherein the control panel is exposed outside the cabinet to a retracted position wherein the control panel is enclosed within the recess. A spring urges the control panel to its extended position, and a latch is provided for releasably holding the control panel in its retracted position.

Abstract: The suspendable locker has a plurality of side walls and a top wall interconnected to define an interior space. The suspendable locker has an open bottom leaving the interior space exposed from below. A door is hingedly connected to a side wall to provide an access opening into the interior space along a side at the bottom so a cart can be rolled into and from the interior space. An attachment structure for suspending the locker from a storage cabinet is connected to a side wall. The attachment structure includes a pair of L-shaped flanges connected to an exterior surface of a side wall. The L-shaped flanges engage a lip on a tool storage cabinet, enabling the suspendable locker to be cantilevered from the storage cabinet.

Abstract: A system for holding a device in a computer system, the computer system including a drive cage for holding the device, is disclosed. The system comprises a first rail coupled to one side of the device and adapted to fit into the drive cage and a second rail coupled to the device at a side opposite the one side and adapted to fit into the drive cage, wherein the first and second rails are coupled to the device without requiring a tool. Computer systems utilizing the system in accordance with the present invention, will be better equipped to handle the acoustic vibrations created during the operation of different types of drives such as Direct Access and Storage Devices (DASDs). Accordingly, this will enable computer system manufacturers to incorporate faster DASDs without acoustically coupling the DASD to the chassis. Furthermore, by employing a screw-less rail, PC manufacturers and users will no longer be required to use a tool to remove the attached rails.

Abstract: A precision drawer slide, employing two or more members, wherein, one member is fastened to a cabinet wall, or carcass, and the other member is fastened to a drawer. The member fastened to the cabinet wall comprises a profile that has a “hat” section appearance that generates a surprising amount of rigidity when installed in desk and file cabinets of various kinds. The drawer and cabinet member are also strategically foreshortened and rear-shortened respectively. Other variations or embodiments include the usage of a novel quick disconnect system for the easy installation and removal of a drawer from the drawer slide assembly, as well as the inclusion of a roller bearing component for generation of a progression movement in the drawer slide itself.

Abstract: An improved inkjet print head driver. The driver includes a source of predrive charge for a first, drive transistor coupled by its source and drain between an output node and a power supply, and having its gate coupled to the source of predrive charge. A second transistor is provided, adapted to receive an input signal at its gate. A third, control transistor is coupled by its source and drain between the gate of the first transistor and the second transistor, the second transistor being coupled by its source and drain between the third transistor and ground. Optionally, a resistor is coupled in parallel with the third transistor, i.e., across the source and drain of the third transistor.

Abstract: A method and Apparatus for protection of semiconductor micromechanical devices that use circuits with dynamic logic addressing is disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, a fail-safe circuit is provided for an ink jet print head integrated circuit which prevents a catastrophic consequence of the dynamic logic addressed integrated circuit losing its charge.

Abstract: During a print cycle, fire pulses of different profiles are delivered to ink-jets of a print head. Selected ones of the ink-jets are enabled in coordination with the occurrence of selected ones of the fire pulses to control a characteristic of drops that are jetted by the respective ink-jets.

Abstract: An inkjet printing system includes an array of transducers to eject ink, the array including the transducers divided into interspersed sets. A controller controls a firing sequence of the array of transducers. One set of transducers is fired, and after a delay, another set of transducers is fired and then, after further delays, each set is fired in turn. The delays are selected based on known response characteristics of the array of transducers to minimize the average crosstalk for all of the sets.

Abstract: Of a band border portion which is an area where a black stripe might occur, in an area near a band border portion adjacent to an unrecorded area, recording density is reduced only when the recording density is high. Since recording density in any unnecessary area is not reduced, no white stripe is produced, either. It is therefore possible to obtain an image having no banding.

Abstract: A method finds the color gamut of a source device and a destination device in their device-dependent color spaces, converts each color gamut to a device-independent color space, compares the color gamut of the source device to the color gamut of the destination device in the device-independent color space, and finds an optimized intermediate color range in the device-independent color space. Then, the method maps the colors from the color gamut of the source device in the device-independent color space to the optimized intermediate color range using a first gamut-mapping algorithm, maps the colors inside the optimized intermediate color range to the color gamut of the destination device in the device-independent color using a second gamut-mapping algorithm, and converts the colors in the color gamut of the destination device in the device-independent color space back to the color gamut of the destination device in the device-dependent color space.

Abstract: An ink jet recording apparatus comprises a head mounting unit for mounting a first recording head having a nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles are arranged in a predetermined direction to eject out ink from at least some of the nozzles of the nozzle row in order to perform recording on a recording sheet conveyed in the predetermined direction, and a platen arranged opposite to the head mounting unit, for regulating a position of the recording sheet. The first recording head can be replaced by a second recording head which is different therefrom in position or length of the nozzle row in the predetermined direction, and the platen has a preliminary ejection outlet common in use to the first and second recording heads, for guiding the ink ejected out from some of the nozzles of the nozzle row.

Abstract: A solid type semiconductor device comprises energy converting means for converting energy from outside, and operating means operated by energy converted by the energy converting means. The energy converting means converts the electromotive force supplied from the outside to the device in non-contact into electric power. The operating means comprises information acquiring means actuated by electric power obtained by energy converting means; discriminating means; information accumulating means; and information communicating means.

Abstract: In a recording apparatus for effecting recording with a recording head on a recording medium, a temperature detector provided on a control circuit board of the recording apparatus detects a temperature at the board, and a timer measures a first activation time of electric power supply to the control circuit board for a control not involving a recording operation. The timing of reading the temperature detected by the temperature detector, as well as a correction value for the thus read value, are determined according to the first activation time measured by the timer.

Abstract: A unit heat value Qpass (=Ipass2·tpass) per pass is calculated from a current value (an effective current value) Ipass of a carriage motor with one pass of a carriage (one-way running in a reciprocation) and a moving time (a motor driving time) tpass of the carriage. Then, the unit heat value Qpass is successively calculated to obtain a heat value Qsigma for a unit time Tbox(=one minute). The heat value Qsigma is converted into a heat generation temperature &Dgr;Tnew. The heat generation temperature &Dgr;Tnew is successively added in consideration of a spontaneous radiation with the passage of time to obtain a current heat generation temperature &Dgr;Tsum (&Dgr;Tsum=K·&Dgr;Tsum+&Dgr;Tnew; K is a radiation factor). When &Dgr;Tsum exceeds a threshold, a pause time for one pass of the carriage is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ink jet printhead identification circuit and method. The identification circuit is constructed of a fuse and other electronic components. A plurality of circuits are arranged and integrated on the printhead of the cartridge and encoded prior to leaving the factory subjecting the identification and detection circuits to achieve its identification purpose (of identifying general information of the cartridge, such as model number, serial number, color or gray-scale setting, and best printing quality). The circuits may alternatively be encoded subsequent to leaving the factory and usage to a certain state subjecting the identification circuits to achieve its detection purpose (of detecting the current status of the cartridge, such as whether its lifespan has elapsed).

Abstract: An inkjet printer includes a printhead having a plurality of ink orifices formed therein. During printing, ink drops are ejected through the ink orifices into a print zone between the printhead and a print medium with an intended ink drop trajectory toward the print medium. An air movement system directs an air stream to the print zone substantially parallel to the intended ink drop trajectory as the ink drops are ejected during printing so as to affect air currents acting on the ink drops during printing and prevent print defects caused by the air currents. The air stream, however, does not disrupt the intended trajectory of the ink drops during printing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for depositing marking material onto a substrate which comprises (a) providing a propellant to a printhead, said printhead having defined therein at least one channel, each channel having an inner surface and an exit orifice with a width no larger than about 250 microns through which the propellant can flow, said propellant flowing through each channel, thereby forming a propellant stream having kinetic energy, each channel directing the propellant stream toward the substrate, the inner surface of each channel having thereon a conductive polymer coating; and (b) controllably introducing a particulate marking material into the propellant stream in each channel, wherein the kinetic energy of the propellant stream causes the particulate marking material to impact the substrate.

Abstract: In the present invention, the minimum necessary consumption of ink can recover the channel miss state of the plurality of nozzles. The present invention provides a recovery processing method of an ink jet printing apparatus for forming images using a print head having a plurality of nozzles for ejecting ink droplets. The method comprises a first step for detecting channel miss state of said plurality of nozzles, and a second step for executing at least one of different recovery processes depending on the channel miss states of said plurality of nozzles detected in the first step.

Abstract: In order to maintain an ink ejectability of a print head which ejects ink droplets to a recording medium, a wiper wipes a nozzle formation face of the print head. A wiper cleaner is formed with a slit which scrape away adhesions on the wiper when the wiper passes through the slit. A width of the slit is substantially identical with a thickness of the wiper.

Abstract: The ink jet printing apparatus of this invention is intended to reduce degradations in image quality caused by color mixing due to bleeding of inks of different colors and thereby enable printing an image with high quality at high speed. To this end, in the ink jet printing apparatus of this invention, a plurality of different nozzle groups are main-scanned M times (M≧2) over a print area to print all print data to be printed on the print area to complete an image. The print head, successively perform the main scans over the print area in such a way that the print head, located at the front position in the printing order, performs an Mth main scan with a lower print density than that of an Nth main scan (1≦N<M).

Abstract: A high-quality image is printed with reduced bleeding in colors that may appear at a boundary between a black image and a color image. A head for ejecting black ink and a head for ejecting color ink perform three times of scanning while feeding is carried out therebetween for moving the printing medium by four pitches of ejection openings arranged on the heads, different ejection openings are caused to correspond to a scanning area, which corresponds to the four pitches, and multi-pass printing is performed to complete printing on the area. The black head completes printing of the black image, and then, the color head completes printing of the color image adjacent to the black image. The arrangement of ejection openings is determined so that between last scanning for completing printing of the black image and the first scanning for printing of the color image, scanning with no performing printing exists.