Abstract: A collapsible support structure has pairs of leg members (17) pivotally joined intermediate their length in crossed fashion by a connection member (18) that is capable of sliding longitudinally with the pivotal joint as the leg members extend in a scissors—like manner to support an object.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inflatable airbag (5) for vehicles. The airbag (5) comprises at least one seam (1) interconnecting the fabric layers (2) of the airbag (5), and an inner, gas-impermeable bag. The invention likewise relates to a method of manufacturing an inflatable airbag (5) comprising fabric layers (2). A gas-impermeable bag is swen in position between the fabric layers (2). Alternatively, two joined-together gas-impermeable layers (3) form the gas-impermeable bag, which gas-impermeable layers (3) are swen in position between the two fabric layers (2).

Abstract: A lid body for an airbag apparatus that can be torn along tear lines without generating hangnails. The lid body includes a lid body and a tear line disposed on a surface of the lid body. The tear line includes a center tear line extending in a lateral direction along the surface of the lid body, a left tear line continuing from a left end of the center tear line, and a right tear line continuing from a right end of the center tear line. The left tear line and the right tear line extend in directions of mutual intersection. Additionally, the angle of intersection between the left tear line and the center tear line is an acute angle, and the angle of intersection between the right tear line and the center tear line is an acute angle.

Abstract: An air-bag is adapted to be positioned on the floor pan of a vehicle in the foot-well, to be located beneath the feet of an occupant of the vehicle. The air-bag unit is an upper cover located above an air-bag. On inflation of the air-bag, the cover is lifted from its initial position to an elevated position. The cover includes two sections inter-connected by a hinge-line. On inflation of the air-bag, part of the cover adjacent the hinge-line is elevated to a greater extent than the portions of the cover which are remote from the hinge-line.

Abstract: A restraint apparatus for protecting a vehicle occupant in a side impact or rollover event. The restraint apparatus includes a deployment guide that includes a housing having a channel with a substantially smoothed interior and longitudinal slot. A guide member is slidably retained in the channel and has an extension protruding from the slotted side of the channel. The extension is attachable to a restraint device deployable laterally of a vehicle occupant. An actuator is provided and is operable to drive the guide member from a first end of the channel toward a second end. A driving of the guide member facilitates deployment of the restraint device and supplies at least a longitudinal tensioning force to the restraint device to provide lateral support thereto.

Abstract: In an air bag apparatus structured such that an air bag (11) housed in a part of a vehicle in a folded manner is inflated and deployed by a gas supplied from an inflator (14) so as to protect an occupant, the gas supplied from the inflator (14) is dispersed in a three-dimensional direction by a shower head (13a) so as to be supplied to a gas passage (11b) of the air bag (11).

Abstract: A steering wheel assembly has a steering wheel and an airbag disposed about the steering wheel. The airbag is contained within an airbag housing spaced from an airbag inflator to form a gap between the airbag inflator and the airbag housing. A shield selectively bridges the gap between the airbag inflator and the airbag housing.

Abstract: A method of producing a gas generator housing part of a thin-walled tube (22, 24) and a connecting piece laterally mounted thereto, is characterized by the following steps: a) providing a tube (22, 24) having a wall thickness (WS) which amounts to a maximum of 10% of a tube external diameter (D) and a minimum tensile strength which amounts to at least approximately 800 N/mm2; b) providing a connecting piece having an external diameter (do) which amounts to between 15% and 40% of said tube external diameter (D); c) aligning said connecting piece radially to said tube (22, 24) such that an end face (78) of said connecting piece faces an outer face of said tube (22, 24); d) joining said tube (22, 24) and said connecting piece by friction welding, with producing a relative rotation between said tube (22, 24) and said connecting piece and moving said tube (22, 24) and said connecting piece towards each other, f) a maximum welding time amounts to less than 1 sec, preferably less than 0.

Abstract: A vehicular safety system comprising an inflatable restraint gel cushion having a gel rigidity of from about 50 gram Bloom to about 1,200 gram bloom.

Abstract: A passenger restraint includes a knee bolster having receptacles for receiving knee blockers. The knee blockers are multi-celled elements that absorb kinetic energy attributed to collisions of a motor vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle steering apparatus is provided with a transmitting ratio variable gear ratio mechanism in a steering force transmitting system, and a lock mechanism which limits relative rotation between an input shaft and an output shaft of the steering force transmitting system. In the lock mechanism is provided a lock holder which rotates together with a rotor of a motor, and in which is formed a plurality of first indented portions in a circumferential direction along the circumference and a second indented portion indented deeper than the first indented portions at one end portion of each of the first indented portions. In the lock mechanism is also provided a lock arm which is provided on a stator side of the motor and which engages with the one of the first indented portions or second indented portions.

Abstract: A lightweight vehicle frame capable of bearing significant loads is provided. The vehicle frame includes first and second rail members extending parallel to one another and at least one cross-member extending between the first and second rail members. At least one of these members includes adjacent apertures in a side wall. One of the apertures is larger in size proximate one edge of the side wall than an opposite edge of the side wall. The other aperture is complementary in shape and is larger in size proximate the opposite edge of the side wall than the one edge of the side wall. The resulting structure reduces the weight of the vehicle frame, yet maintains significant load-bearing capabilities.

Abstract: A seat belt device includes a shoulder belt portion for restraining the front portion of the upper half of the body of a passenger seated in an associated seat, a lap belt portion for restraining the thighs of the passenger, and a thigh belt portion which extends across a seat cushion of the associated seat so as to be disposed under the thighs of the passenger in use, and which is provided for restraining the thighs of the passenger together with the lap belt portion.

Abstract: A container for releasable attachment to a book having a binding with a plurality of spaced apart openings includes first and second hook members projecting outwardly from a first end of the container. The hook members are spaced apart from one another sufficiently to be received in at least one pair of the plurality of spaced apart openings. The hook members are configured to releasably engage with the binding upon insertion into the at least one pair of openings.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a book (1) comprising a plurality of pages bound together and divided into different sections (2,3,4) adjacent to each other; each of the sections comprises at least one page (2A,3A,4A) of a first type and at least one page (2B,3B,4B) of a second type; all the pages of each section have the same shape; pages of different sections have different shapes; when the book is closed, the combination of the different sections (2,3,4) forms a subject in relief.

Abstract: A postage sheet includes a face sheet adhesively bonded to a release liner. The face sheet includes a removable internet stamp having a diecut perimeter. A visible security indicium is disposed on the front side of the stamp and has a different color than the face sheet, and is not reproducible by photocopying.

Abstract: A flexible sheet which includes a substrate having at least one visually discernable surface and at least one electroluminescent lamp assembly positioned proximate to the surface and controlled by a suitable power source as well as means for isolating at least one electroluminescent lamp assembly from deleterious interaction with environment external to the flexible sheet. The flexible sheet can be employed in various applications including bound books, functional cards, locational orientation devices as well as in mechanisms for selectively indicating ingress or egress from architectural structures and other safety indicators. At least one component of the flexible sheet with the electroluminescent lamp assembly can be produced by drop ejection.

Abstract: A fitting for lawn sprinkler systems which have pipes of rigid, plastic such as polyvinylchloride (PVC). The fitting includes a main body with a tubular section affixed to it at about a 30 degree angle. The tubular section has an outer surface with at least a pair of posts extending outwardly from it in opposite directions. In use, the main body of the fitting can be mounted onto the outer surface of the pipe and portions of a coring tool can then be positioned substantially about the opposing posts to anchor the tool to the fitting and aid the tool in coring the pipe.

Abstract: A coupling assembly is disclosed that includes a first member and a second member having a receiving portion sized to receive the first member. A retaining formation is provided on one of the first and second members. The retaining formation includes a ramp and two or more grooves, wherein each groove is at least partially defined by converging surfaces. A locking member is moveably secured in a cavity in the other of the first and second members. The locking member is condfigured to be moved in a first radial direction by the ramp upon movement of the first member into the second member.

Abstract: A union for which may be secured by press fitting in a housing recess (6). It possesses an insert (12) which comprises holding means (17) having at least one sleeve-like insert body (15) and holding means (17) serving for holding a fluid line to be connected. For fixing the the insert (12) a separate attachment ring (28) is provided, which may be press fitted in the housing recess (6) and which in the press fitted state is in front of at least one support face (32) on the insert (12), said support face facing in a direction opposite to the direction (13) of insertion.

Abstract: A welded joint for metal pipes provided with an inner lining, which is resistant to damages caused by the fluids flowing through them. The pipes are machined in the inside at the areas next to the ends to be joined, forming an undercut at each end. An spacer ring is inserted in the hollow annular space formed by both undercuts. The outer diameter of this spacer ring is substantially equal to the diameter of the corresponding undercuts, and its axial length is substantially equal or less than the sum of the axial lengths of the undercuts of the pipes to be joined. The spacer ring is made of an outer annular layer of a high thermal conductivity metal and at least one inner annular layer of heat-insulating and heat resistant material. The outer annular layer abuts in heat conducting contact with the metal pipes within said undercuts, and the metal pipes are joined by a weld seam.

Abstract: A connector apparatus is provided which is configured to replace a separation module in a system for dispensing a fluid. When it is desired to purge the system of a dispensed fluid, the connector apparatus, having the same configuration of an inlet and an outlet as the separation module, replaces the separation module and a purging fluid is passed through the system.

Abstract: A connector apparatus is provided which is configured to replace a separation module in a system for dispensing a fluid. When it is desired to purge the system of a dispensed fluid, the connector apparatus, having the same configuration of an inlet and an outlet as the separation module, replaces the separation module and a purging fluid is passed through the system.

Abstract: A junction element for a hydraulic fluid circuit, comprising a body (1) which is provided with inner channels (2,3) leading in an outer direction through a plurality of connection elements (7,8,9,10) which can cooperate with outer channels and with the support (12) of at least one sensor (13) for the value of a physical parameter of the fluid circulating in one of the inner channels (2,3) of the body.

Abstract: In order to protect an angular movable or sidewards bendable hose, such as e.g. a protective hose for supply lines or cables, on a machine or robot against bending and therefore premature wear, in the case of a device (1) for holding such a hose (2), the invention provides at least one holding area (3) for the at least axial holding of the hose (2) and with at least one one-sided support area (4) surrounding the hose (2) and extending towards the free end (4.2).

Abstract: The invention relates to a connector (3) for connecting a flow pipe leading to an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle to a feed pump. Said connector comprises an elbowed connecting sleeve (7) which can be rotationally fixed in various angular positions in a receiver (6). Said connecting sleeve (7) is positively fixed in the receiver (6) by a catch means (9). In this way, the forces acting on the flow pipe are kept at a distance from a seal pertaining to the connecting sleeve (7).

Abstract: The snap connection for sealed and releasable connection of a first tube end (10) with a second tube end (20), with spring arms (33), with a first outer stop projection (14) on the first tube end (10), with a first elastically deformable ring (31) connected with the spring arms (33), and with two first inner stop cams (34) on the first ring (31) cooperating with the first outer stop projection (14), is characterized according to the present invention by a second outer stop projection (23) on the second tube end (20), a second elastically deformable ring (32) connected with the spring arms (33) with distance from the first ring (31), and by two, second inner stop cams (35) on the second ring (32) cooperating with the second outer stop projection (23). Both rings with their stop cams, connected to one another via the spring arms, form a double-connection element (30) separable by and on both tube ends (10, 20), which can be made from a plastic injection molding part.

Abstract: Mechanical lock system for preventing disengagement of a marine loading arm from an inlet/outlet port of a marine tanker by physically restraining rotation of a collar of a quick-connect coupler relative to a main body of the quick-connect coupler.

Abstract: In fittings designed to connect threadless electrical conduits, the improvement of providing raintight fittings, includes a hollow cylindrical housing with a bore adapted to receive an end of a conduit to be connected with such a fitting and a compression ring with a solid ring portion assembled on the conduit along with a seal, with the solid ring portion providing a radial surface for advancing the seal along the conduit and to compress the seal radially against the conduit to effect a raintight seal between the housing and the conduit and segmented projections extending from the solid ring portion which segments are compressed against the conduit by a nut system driving the segments into the surface of the conduit to lock it in the fitting when the radial face of the compression ring abuts against a stop in the housing after compressing the seal.

Abstract: A mechanical power generating device mainly has a stand disposed with a bull gear meshing with respectively a ratchet and a pinion on two sides thereof. The ratchet pivotally connects with a connecting link for connecting two u-shaped swing links; two ends of the swing link are respectively disposed with heavy blocks. The area adjacent to the center of the stand is respectively disposed with a sliding block and a rack; when the swing link swings, the heavy block presses the sliding block downwardly to relatively make the rack drive a driven gear to cause an electric generator to produce power. Furthermore, the swing link swings to rotate the bull gear for driving another swing link thereby achieving the objective of generating mechanical power.

Abstract: A starter for automotive internal combustion engines is provided which includes a starter output shaft with a pinion which establishes engagement with a ring gear of the engine and a spline tube. The starter output shaft is disposed within the spline tube in splined engagement therewith. The spline tube is supported firmly by a housing through at least two bearings, thereby avoiding precession or wrenching of a pinion-mounted portion of the starter output shaft projecting from the housing about an outside one of the bearings.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus for the production of energy from currents in bodies of water with a surface towards the atmosphere. The apparatus comprises an axial turbine (1) with blades with adjustable pitch. The turbine (1) is secured to a housing and the housing (2) is secured to a foundation (14) that furthermore is founded to the seabed (10) below the flowing body of water. The apparatus is completely submerged below the surface of the body of water, and the turbine blades can be twisted at least 180° to allow the turbine (1) to rotate the same direction regardless of the direction of flow of the body of water. Furthermore the invention describes a method for the installation of such appa-ratuses and a foundation for the installation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a turbomachine of axis X including a compressor and an integrated starter/generator. The field magnetic circuit of the starter/generator is mounted in the bore of at least one disk of the compressor and surrounds the secondary magnetic circuit which is secured to a cylindrical shroud provided on the support structure for the bearing of the compressor. The invention applies in particular to single-shaft or multi-shaft turbomachines.

Abstract: A microturbine engine operable to combust a flow of VOCs without a combustor. The microturbine engine comprising a compressor having an inlet, the inlet receiving a mixture of air and VOCs, the compressor operable to produce a flow of compressed air and VOCs. The invention also includes a reaction chamber including a reactor bed. The flow of compressed air and VOCs is combusted within the reactor bed to produce a flow of products of combustion. The invention includes a turbine driven by the flow of products of combustion from the combustor and a generator coupled to the turbine. The generator is driven by the turbine at a speed to produce electrical power.

Abstract: A detented and dampened hinge mechanism, with push-pull, and pull-push operation includes a first and second arms pivotally connected to move relative to one another in a scissor fashion between a closed and open positions. A cam and cam follower track establish a detent-type hold at both closed and open positions and add a radial motion component to the general pivotal motion. A damper limits relative movement of the arms. A biasing spring is utilized to bias the first and second arms toward the open position. A free moving anti-gravity ball moves in a channel when a momentum is imparted to the hinge mechanism. With the ball in its normal, lower position, arms are free to move; and moved to an upper position, the arms become locked out from full movement by the interference of the ball. Bumper materials are added.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device comprising between the rear edge (1a) of a vehicle door and the edge (12b) adjacent to said vehicle body at least a first element (2) including an electromagnet (2a) integral with one (1a) of said edges and opposite said electromagnet at least a second element (7) including a magnetic material (7a) integral with the other edge (12b), one of said first (2) and second (7) elements being mobile towards the other element when the electromagnet (2a) is powered with an electric current, the ends opposite said elements (2, 7) being shaped to be mutually nested into each other.

Abstract: A device for protecting first and second confronting furniture components includes a base member having opposite first and second faces. The first face is adapted to contact the first furniture component, and the base member has a cushioning projection that extends outwardly from the second face of the base member and covers a void within the base member. The projection is adapted to contact the second furniture component as it confronts the first furniture component.

Abstract: A latch mechanism for a storm door including a nose and a handle operably connected to a spindle that is operatively connected to an exterior handle. The handle and nose are rotatably secured to a linker that is secured to the spindle. The handle includes a cam that, upon rotation, presses against the upper portion of the nose. This causes the nose to rotate on the linker and retracts the front of the nose away from the catch on the interior wall or door jamb.

Abstract: A door securing device that can be secured and removed from a door easily and quickly and can be collapsed into a small unit for transport if desired. The door securing device comprises a base member, a brace member, and a projecting lip coupled to the door by way of an elastic member coupled to a door handle. The base member includes a projecting lip for engagement with the bottom of the door. A door handle hook being pivotally coupled to a telescoping shaft containing the elastic member therein, the hook being coupled to the door handle and the telescoping shaft extended under elastic bias such that the lip is positioned against the bottom of the door. The elastic bias securely holds the lip against the bottom of the door, and thus the door securing device to the door. The hook and shaft are pivotally coupled such that the shaft is positioned substantially parallel with the door. The door securing device remains on the door when in the locked or unlocked position.

Abstract: A locking apparatus for locking the doors of a cargo container, such as the rear doors of a trailer, is disclosed. The locking assembly may include a second tubular member that telescopes and slides within a first tubular member and an L-shaped assembly mounted on or near the ends of the respective first and second tubular members. The locking apparatus may be placed in a perpendicular fashion between the securing rods of the doors of a cargo container, and the tubular members may be slidably telescoped until the L-shaped assemblies substantially fill the spaces between the cam pins of the securing rods and the walls of the cam pin housings containing the cam pins when the securing rods are in a locked position. In this manner, the cam pins will be prevented from being removed from the cam pin housings, thereby preventing the securing rods from rotating, which in turn keeps the doors of the cargo container securely and tightly locked.

Abstract: A catch assembly that locks a handle onto the spindle of a lock mechanism has enhanced resistance to attempts to remove the handle by forcibly driving the catch assembly inwards. The catch assembly includes a base mounted on the spindle having a threaded opening that receives a corresponding threaded retaining pin. The pin is moved axially by rotating it. When the pin is rotated to an outward position it engages the handle and the threads act to prevent the pin from being forcibly driven inward by transferring axially applied forces to the base. In the preferred design, the head of the retaining pin is softened and specially shaped to limit the torque that can be applied.

Abstract: A bumper system comprising a metal tubular beam, an energy absorber and mounts. The metal tubular beam has a center section having front, rear, top, and bottom walls. The energy absorber includes a rail having a rear surface with a rearwardly-facing C-shaped recess mateably receiving the tubular beam therein, with the energy absorber being configured to crush and absorb impact energy prior to collapse of the tubular beam. The mounts engage a rear of the metal tubular beam.

Abstract: A device is proposed for the contactless grasping and holding of an object (1) from a direction (z) directed at least partially in the direction (z) of the force of gravity (F), using a holding element (3) situated counter to the direction (z) of the force of gravity (F), at least partially above the object (1) and at a distance from the latter, which to the greatest extent possible avoids the carrying off or migrating of particles that are possibly present. According to the present invention this is achieved in that the holding element (3) is designed as a vibrating holding element (3) for generating levitation waves.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention is a sleeve, which facilitates the gripping of, and insulates the hand from, a hot or cold container. The sleeve comprises of sheet foam of a thick, opaque, plastic material that is suitable for snuggly fitting over the exterior surface of a container while permitting any pre-printed indicia on the sheet foam to be visible there through. The sleeve is opaque enough to cover any printing on the container itself. The foam is also available in a variety of forms such as anti-static, laminated, expanded and high or low density which provide different degrees of protection. Different density plastic foam and film material is used to achieve the opaque, thick, gripping and insulating effect for use with a variety of containers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a laminated sleeve for use with a container and a method for manufacturing the same. The laminated sleeve comprises a plurality of layers, wherein at least one layer is a thermal insulating layer and at least one other layer is a graphic objects display layer suitable for printing at least one graphic object thereon. In a preferred embodiment, the graphic objects display layer comprises a paper product.

Abstract: In a hand-held magnetic device for retrieving metallic coins, the device of the present invention comprises; a magnet holding portion fixedly and integrally attached to a handle portion wherein the magnet holding portion is generally disk-shaped and adapted with a hollow magnet holding portion in its underside, a planar upper surface having a slightly raised edge around its perimeter whereby an advertising label may be affixed to said planar surface, a perforation through the end of the handle distal to the magnet holding portion is provided to allow the suspension of the device by means of a wall hook or a neck-string or the like, a removable belt clip adapted to releasably attach to a rectangular opening through the handle having a pair of resilient tabs which come closer together when inserted through the rectangular opening of the handle until such a time that the tabs traverse the opposite edge of the opening, the tabs then separate from each other to be releasably locked in a firm position, then the use

Abstract: Gripping tool for automatic laboratory machines, with gripping appliances for gripping vessels, an appliance for converting and/or transferring of movements, the power take-off of which is coupled with the gripping appliances in order to drive them, a coupling appliance for detachable connection with a drive appliance of a tool support of an automatic laboratory machine, which is coupled with the drive of the appliance for converting and/or transferring in order to drive it, and a mounting appliance for detachable mounting of the gripping tool on the tool support of the automatic laboratory machine, while the coupling appliance is connected with the drive appliance of the tool support.

Abstract: A stacking conveyor conveys packets so that the conveyed packets become stacked together in a standing up configuration as an array of packets. First and second gripping members are automatically controlled so that the first and second gripping members mechanically move independently of each other to grip the array between the first and second gripping members and move the gripped array to a different location such as, for example, to a packaging station for packaging the array.

Abstract: A mobile battle center featuring a command table, a foldable tent for covering the command table, and a transport vehicle for transporting the tent and the command table. The command table includes an aft section, a forward section, electronic equipment stations securely mounted to the aft section, the forward section, or both sections and a bus housing electronic cables running to the electronic equipment stations. An intermediate section is hinged to the forward section and the aft section, the aft section foldable up and over the forward section for transport of the table, the intermediate section providing clearance for the electronic equipment stations when the table is folded. Foldable legs support the table in the deployed position. The transport vehicle includes an equipment rack electrically coupled to the electronic equipment stations of the command table via the bus.

Abstract: A loading system for securing cargo with, typically, at least two spaced forwardly located pin and receptacle assemblies and at least two spaced rearwardly located tensioning systems.