Abstract: In an articulated vehicle which comprises a bogie unit (10) which is pivotally connected or pivotally connectable to a trailer chassis (12), the position of the pivotal connection (15) is displaced or displaceable relative to the neutral optimum point (22) of pivotal interconnection of the bogie unit and chassis, whereby to create a net moment at said point of pivotal connection (15) and thereby impart enhanced stability to the articulated vehicle as a whole.

Abstract: A docking structure having an electrically conductive cable with a proximal end attached to a retractable cable reel assembly to be secured to a proximal vehicle and a distal end to be attached to a connector on a distal stationary apparatus. The electrically conductive cable runs between a left contact and a right contact. If the proximal vehicle is turned too sharply to the left in attempting to align a connector on the proximal vehicle and a connector on the distal stationary apparatus, a left light connected—either with a wire or through a transmitter and receiver—to the left contact, is illuminated. A right light operates similarly. And both lights are illuminated simultaneously when the connectors are properly aligned.

Abstract: A hitch assembly adapted to secure a trailer and tractor vehicle includes an elongated housing, a threaded shaft in the housing, a coupling member on the shaft, a carriage member secured to the coupling member, a rotatable drive that turns the shaft to advance the coupling member and carriage member, a first member secured to the housing for connection to one of the vehicles and a second member secured to the carriage for connection to the other vehicle. This allows the effective height of the hitch assembly to be varied so that different towing situations can be accommodated. In one embodiment, flat slide surfaces between the carriage and the housing are provided. A yoke assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A gliding or rolling board, having, in height, a first reinforcement, a second reinforcement, and a core located between the reinforcements. The core has a matrix made from a filler material, at least one insert being housed in the matrix, the insert having at least one mechanical property greater than that of the matrix, which property can be the tensile strength or the like.

Abstract: A snow glider is provided having a design that facilitates gliding through snow rather than skidding. The snow glider has an extremely narrow waist width combined with an elevated binding assembly to promote positive engagement with a skiing surface during use. The glider body waist is between 25-44 mm at its narrowest point. A further embodiment of the snow glider ski has secondary edges for effecting multiple, changeable turning radii in a single ski.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a safe suitcase which can prevent safety accidents caused by carelessness when a cart pedestrian passes by terminals, airports, general footways or other sites crowded with people and cars while drawing a bag that is equipped with wheels and filled with clothes, his or her belongings and so on at night, by enabling general pedestrians, people riding on bicycles, or drivers of motorcycles or cars around the cart pedestrian to easily distinguish the cart pedestrian by the brilliant luminescence of the wheels.

Abstract: A gas bag module comprises a gas generator (16) and a generator carrier (12), to which the gas generator (16) is fastened and via which the gas generator (16) can be fastened directly or indirectly to a vehicle steering wheel. The generator carrier (12) consists at least partially of a multiple-component plastic (30, 32). There is further proposed a vehicle steering wheel including such gas bag module.

Abstract: The present invention provides an integrated circuit for an air bag system which can be reduced in weight while maintaining an excellent operation performance.

Abstract: An algorithm for evaluating information from sensors interacting with strips that are extended during activation of the airbag determines whether the airbag has contacted an out-of-position occupant. In one embodiment, each strip includes an alternating pattern that generates a frequency in a sensor through which the strip passes during deployment. The frequency generated is based upon the speed with which the strip passes by the sensor and, in turn, the speed of deployment of the airbag. A controller evaluates the frequency and the changes in frequency from the sensor during deployment. Depending upon the specific configuration of the system and the specific vehicle, a decrease in the speed of deployment of the airbag may be indicated by a decrease in the frequency of the signal.

Abstract: The Abstract of the Disclosure has been amended as follows:

Abstract: An inflator 10 of a vehicle occupant protection system contains an elongated housing 12 having a plurality of gas exit orifices 14 spaced along the length thereof. A first propellant body 31 and a second propellant body 33 are provided in lengths substantially equivalent to the length of the housing 12 wherein the first propellant body 31 is placed in physical contact with the second propellant body 33 for all or most of their respective lengths. Once the first propellant body 31 is ignited upon a crash event, resultant uniform ignition and combustion across the length of the second propellant body 33 results in uniform gas generation and uniform inflation of an airbag 26, wherein the airbag 26 is at least substantially coextensive with and in fluid communication with the housing 12. Preferred mixtures of first propellant body 31 contain silicone, a perchlorate oxidizer, and a nitrate salt.

Abstract: An extendable and contractable steering column apparatus includes an outer column through which an inner column is slidably inserted, a lock housing portion formed on the outer column, and a locking mechanism that includes a pair of movable pieces slidably fitted within a cylinder bore formed in the lock housing portion. In response to swinging of an operating lever, the locking mechanism shifts the pair of movable piece toward each other so as to press the inner column and to shift the pair of movable pieces away from each other so as to release the pressure on the inner column.

Abstract: A magnetorheological (MR) vibration damper for damping axial and rotational vibrations of an automotive steering system may include a housing encasing MR fluid therein and a gear-like rotor and orifice plate disposed within the housing. The rotor and orifice plate, which may be affixed to the steering wheel shaft, includes a plurality of gear-like teeth on its surface and a plurality of holes for producing shear and normal forces, respectively, on the MR fluid. Electric coils may be disposed within the housing for generating an electric field for activating the MR fluid. The MR vibration damper may be activated or deactivated by a controller by comparing a signal value from a steering wheel vibration sensor to a predetermined threshold value. The controller may be programmable by a user to increase or decrease the predetermined threshold value, so as to enable customization of driving feel.

Abstract: A vibration dampener for a vehicle to militate against vibration which results in undesirable noise. In an embodiment, the dampener is used in a steering column in the vehicle to militate against the vibration being transmitted to the hands of a driver during operation of the vehicle.

Abstract: Two or more pre-selected rigid frames from the group (1),(5),(8), or (9), maintained in semi-rigid conformance by pre-determinably spaced cross beams (15),(16A),(16B). Each beam is elastically isolated from members (28A),(28B),(28C) of the rigid frames (1),(5),(8), or (9), by intervening resilient inserts (26A), (26B). In addition, the application of the RESILIENT SUPPORTIVE STRUCTURE to a mobile device with wheels (31) or casters (40A)(40B). In addition, a platform assembly (30), a power source [M] or [E], a rotary power transmitting device [GB], driving wheel assembly (12), steering mechanism levers (46A)(46B) and brake force equalizer (17).

Abstract: A seatbelt apparatus includes a first pretensioner for winding a webbing to a retractor by a predetermined tension, a second pretensioner for applying a tension to the webbing in an emergency to restrain a passenger finally, a brake-pedal stroke sensor for detecting a manipulated amount of a brake pedal, a laser radar for detecting an obstacle in front of a vehicle and a first controller for controlling the tension by the first pretensioner in accordance with at least one of a tension control based on the detection data by the brake-pedal stroke sensor and another tension control based on the detection data by the laser radar. In operation, the first controller adopts the control based on the detection data by the brake-pedal stroke sensor while taking its precedence over the control based on the detection data by the laser radar.

Abstract: An advertising card is provided which includes a supported blank having a frontal surface for display of an indicia, at least one depression extending across a width of the blank for folding the blank at an angle into a bottom section and a top section, with the bottom section attached to a side wall of any structure.

Abstract: Advertising materials are provided for cooperative promotions. The materials consist of a set of coupons and a promotional piece or flare. Each coupon includes a back face with award structure information printed thereon and a front face with product advertising printed thereon. Each coupon entitles its purchaser to a substantial discount on a product, which discount exceeds the purchase price of the coupon. Multiple break-open windows are formed in the coupon and are movable between closed and open positions respectively concealing and revealing outcome-determining indicia. The indicia comprise symbol combinations and identify respective coupons as either losers or winners entitled to pre-determined awards. A cooperative promotional method utilizing the advertising materials is also disclosed.

Abstract: Frequency varying patterns are aligned on the front and back surfaces of a document to provide an anti-counterfeiting security device. The frequency varying patterns are reversed images. The document is sufficiently transparent to allow see-through of the pattern on the back of the document to be superimposed on the pattern on the front of the document. The frequency varying patterns will form a moire pattern if misaligned, regardless of the magnitude and the orientation of the misalignment.

Abstract: Patterns are aligned on the front and back surfaces of a document to provide an anti-counterfeiting security device. The document is sufficiently transparent to allow see-through of the partial image on the back of the document to be superimposed on the partial image on the front of the document to form a complete image if the patterns are properly aligned. The complete image will disappear if misaligned.

Abstract: A system for reducing health-insurance costs including fraud for patients uses an identification card to allow doctors to obtain a patient's medical history. The identification card can either hold the medical history itself or can link the provider to a database containing the medical history. A method of using the card requires the card to be present to bill; this prevents fraud by the provider. A method of using the card requires the card to be matched to a photograph of the user; this prevents fraud by the card holder. The system includes a database of patients. According to a method, the database of patients can be monitored to check the frequency of diseases.

Abstract: A uniquely shaped plate may be transmitted through a card printer designed to print on only a card having a standard size and shape. The plate includes a laminate including a card having a sheet of backing material affixed thereto, preferably by an easy release adhesive. For example, the card may have a backing, such as release paper. If the plate is a flexible material, the backing material is a rigid sheet. The standard card is kiss cut through its thickness to form segments having contours for making said unique shape. However, the kiss cut does not cut the sheet of backing material, which continues to hold the segments in place. Therefore, the card retains its standard size and shape so that it may be sent through the card printer with the segments in place. Then, the segments are separated.

Abstract: A compact retractable label assembly includes a flexible label tongue and a guide bracket for receiving the label tongue. The guide bracket is adapted to mount to the inside of an enclosure surface such that the label tongue may be pulled from a mouth of the bracket to the outside of the enclosure surface. The guide bracket has a curved profile so that the label tongue bends when it is pushed inside the enclosure. The bend in the excursion path of the label tongue preserves space inside the enclosure.

Abstract: A card with a removal and reusable covering thin transparent vinyl layer sheet with indicia thereon and a backing material sheet layered under said vinyl layer sheet and removably retained thereto by static cling without the use of adhesives there between. The covering vinyl sheet may cover part or all of one side of the backing material sheet such as in a folded greeting or a unfolded postcard, respectively. The indicia may take on almost any form of visual data including letters, words, pictorial representations, drawings, photographs, logos or any combination thereof. When the vinyl layer sheet is removed from the backing sheet, it may be placed on any flat smooth surface, such as a glass window pane, as long as static cling can hold the removable vinyl layer sheet thereto.

Abstract: An elbow comprising a body including an inlet having a inlet cross-sectional area is disclosed. The elbow includes a first section having a first end in communication with the inlet and a second end. The second end has a first cross-sectional area larger than the inlet cross-sectional area. A second section having first end and a second end is also included. The first end is in communication with the second end of the first section. The second end has a second cross-sectional area. The elbow includes a transitional section having a first end being in communication with the second end of the second section. The transitional section has an exit surface. An outlet is provided having a first end in communication with the exit surface and an second end through which the fluid exits.

Abstract: A coupled version of a threaded connection 10 includes first threads 16, 38 and second threads, 20, 34 on both elongate tubulars 14, 30 and a coupling 45. An integral joint version 50 preferably includes a first and second tapered threads 58, 60 on each of the connected tubular bodies 54, 56. The coupling preferably includes a dope entrapment cavity in one of the connected tubulars between the first and second threads. A tapered metal seal surface is provided preferably between the first and second threads. The second thread in a preferred embodiment is a hook thread with a negative rake angle. In another embodiment, the pin ends of a coupled connection may engage, with seals provided between the first and second threads on each tubular.

Abstract: A threaded pipe connection is shown which features a cylindrical metal-to-metal containment seal. In addition to the cylindrical sealing surfaces, the connection utilizes a separate ramp or ramp regions that simulate a pin swaging or a box expansion which results in the ability of the cylindrical components of the seal to assemble without interference or with only slight interference.

Abstract: An undersea hydraulic coupling member has a seal retainer that holds and secures a plurality of annular seals that may be removed from the coupling member together with the seal retainer. At least one of the seals is a pressure energized hollow metal seal. The seal retainer includes a shell that engages the coupling member and a seal carrier that holds the annular seals.

Abstract: A glue-less head casing assembly of an optical fiber transmission cable capable of connecting with an optical fiber conductor wire includes a head casing main body and a head socket. A lashing ring is coaxially disposed at a front end of the head casing main body thereby tightly connecting the front end area with an optical fiber core wire of the optical fiber conductor wire; the diameter of a distal end portion of the head socket is reduced by a squeezing tool. The distal end portion with reduced diameter tightly connects with a buffering layer of the optical fiber wire so as to stabilize the transmission of optical signals.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for creating energy lag time technology by creating and converting multiple energy sources to produce a self-powered generator power supply system with an optional multi zone HVAC/R add-on. An electric starter motor that mechanically turns a generator or alternator that produces the amount of electric energy needed to be transformed into heat (thermal) energy, wherein this heat energy is absorbed by a liquid fluid. Heat energy converting the liquid fluid into a super heated high pressure energy vapor. This super heated pressure energy is then transformed into mechanical energy by means of a rotary turbine. The turbines' mechanical energy is used to turn the generator or alternator producing an electric energy source. The electric energy at this point will have means for stepping up the voltage to a higher output of electric energy needed for operating other electrical and/or electronic devices and applications apart from the system.

Abstract: A solar driven turbine loop for electricity production and cooling can advantageously be erected in sunny countries. Solar cells (1) with circulating water are heated up to 120°-160° C. (2). Pumped (3) via the superheater (4) f a medium turbine loop to a medium vaporiser (19) and then in return for reheating. A second branch (27) of the hot water is led to accumulators (30-31) for night operations. Superheated medium vapour is forced through a liquid separator (5) to the medium turbine (7) at high pressure and with high energy content. The turbine drives an electric generator (8), possibly also a heating pump compressor (10). If only the electricity generator is driven, an electrically driven heating pump is installed. The medium vapour expands to a lower pressure and the medium energy content in the turbine and condenses in subsequent condenser (13). This with the aid of cool circulating water (38) which was cooled in an air cooled condenser (37).

Abstract: A starter for a piston aircraft engine is constructed by placing the pinion-gear and drive clutch, the engagement solenoid and the driving motor in a linear arrangement, the motor driving the clutch via a geared shaft passing by the engagement solenoid. Such construction provides minimum diameter for a solenoid-engaged piston aircraft engine starter in order to fit the available space on existing aircraft originally designed to be equipped with centrifugally-engaged starters.

Abstract: A starter/battery charger, which is coupled to an internal-combustion engine, operates as a starting motor for starting the engine and also operates as a charging generator for charging a battery after the engine has been started. Control unit controls the rotation speed of the engine by performing a driving control and a braking control on the starter/battery charger. The control unit carries out a judgement that a self-ignition state has been established in the engine depends on one of the rotation speed of the engine and a variation rate of the rotation speed has exceeded a prescribed value. The control unit switchs from the driving control to the braking control upon the judgement, thereby preventing the overshoot in the rotation speed of the engine.

Abstract: A wind energy capturing device for moving vehicles including a wind turbine powered electrical power generator for installation on the roof of a moving vehicle such as a truck cab or tractor. The invention takes advantage of the powerful wind force generated by the vehicle moving on the road at moderate to high speed impinging against the wind deflector mounted on the truck cab or tractor. This otherwise “wasted” wind energy is captured and directed to the face area of the rotor blade, rotating the turbine, which, in turn, drives the generator to generate electricity. The electrical energy may be stored in a battery system and used to drive the motors of an electric vehicle or hybrid-electric vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a reversible, single bolt mortise lock assembly for hinged doors. The lock assembly combines live bolt and dead bolt functions utilizing only a single bolt. The invention further features a reversible lock assembly that can be opened by rotation of the door handle either clockwise or counterclockwise, and a dual slide lock system.

Abstract: A bumper beam for automobiles is composed in cross section of a top wall, a bottom wall opposed to the top wall, a pair of lateral walls connecting the top and bottom walls at opposite ends, one of the lateral walls being a collision side lateral wall and the other a vehicle-mounted side lateral wall, and a connection rib provided intermediate between the top and bottom walls and connecting the lateral walls. The collision side lateral wall is thicker than the vehicle-mounted side lateral wall, and both corners at opposite ends of the collision side lateral wall are curved with a radius of curvature R of 0.1-0.3 of the length of the collision side lateral wall and both corners at opposite ends of the vehicle-mounted side lateral wall are curved with a radius of curvature of 0.6-2.0 of the thickness of the vehicle-mounted side lateral wall. Alternatively, radius of curvature R may be 0.2-0.6 of the length of the bottom wall.

Abstract: A bumper system includes a bumper beam having a face and ends, and an energy absorber mounted on the face. The energy absorber has a one-piece injection-molded non-foam piece with box sections and interconnecting straps, and a one-piece or multi-piece foam component securely insert-molded onto the injection-molded non-foam piece. Different foam molds can be used to form differently shaped front surfaces on the foam component. By this arrangement, different energy absorbing systems are provided for vehicles, such as to satisfy the need for different styling and shapes, while still using the same non-foam piece. By this arrangement, the energy absorber is a single unit that can be handled and attached to the bumper beam. At the same time, capital investment in molding dies and tooling is reduced.

Abstract: A tool for sandwich cookie dunking is provided having a handle and a sandwich cookie supporting element, located at a distal end of the handle, for supporting a sandwich cookie of the type having a top and bottom crust and cream filling therebetween. The sandwich cookie, after being held in place by the sandwich cookie supporting element, can be dunked in a glass of milk or other substance, without getting a user's fingers wet.

Abstract: A retainer for a hoist ring mounted on an apparatus, comprising: a body; a fastener extending through the body and mountable to the apparatus; and an element to control rotation of the body. The element to control rotation of the body could be a friction member between the body and the fastener such as a spring.

Abstract: A portable pet refuse tool having two relatively movable jaws defining a receiving opening for a piece of refuse, and a disposable bag cartridge removably received between the jaws with a thin-walled plastic bag folded into a storage position with a pull tab accessible at the receiving opening attached to a cartridge slide that is latched in place and has a notch for serving as a closure clip for the bag after the refuse is picked up. The bag is extended out of the tool, folded back over the tool, and lines the receiving opening as the refuse is picked up, and then is pulled partially through the tool with the carrier slide so that the closure clip can be fitted around the bag to close it for disposal. A flashlight seat is provided for illumination, and a thumb hole is provided for ease of carrying.

Abstract: A tool is provided and includes a hook member which is attached to an extendable and retractable pole member, and a retainer which can retain the pole member in a collapsed position. The hook member is used to twist a short portion of a workpiece around a long portion of a workpiece in order to secure the short portion to the long portion when the workpiece is hung from an overhead support member. The retainer retains an inner pole of the pole member within an outer pole of the pole member when the pole member is in a collapsed position.

Abstract: A lift tool and method useful for installing a repaired clutch assembly or flywheel in a vehicle bell housing. The tool includes (a) a mounting bracket which can be secured to existing threaded openings in the bell housing, (b) an elongated lift arm pivotably attached to the mounting bracket, (c) a rail supported by the elongated arm, (d) a hook carried by the rail and being moveable along the rail, (e) a hanger bracket which is connected to the hook and which is able to support the clutch assembly or flywheel, and (f) power source for selectively raising or lowering the elongated arm. With proper safety precautions, the lift tool can also be used in the removal of a clutch assembly or flywheel from a bell housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bottom hook block system for a given maximum load, for providing differently portative bottom hook blocks for a crane, especially for a heavy lift crane. The bottom hook block system comprises four individual roller blocks (1a-d) with a plurality of pulley blocks, two load hooks (2a, b) and two intermediate links (3a, b) by means of which two individual roller blocks (1a, b or 1c, d) can be combined to a double roller block (4). An equalizing link unit (5) consists of two equalizing links (6, 7) that are interlinked via a joint support (8) with a vertical and at least one horizontal rotational axis. One of the equalizing links (6) is linked via a first horizontal hinge (10a, b) with the two intermediate links (3a, b). The other equalizing link (7) is linked via at least one bearing block (11a, b) with a second horizontal hinge (12a, b) with the two load hooks (2a, b). The load hooks (2a, b) can be swiveled about a vertical rotational axis in the respective bearing block (11a, b).

Abstract: A vehicle trim component includes an integrally formed self retaining fastening device that extends from the vehicle trim component and a passage that permits insertion of a fastener for securing the vehicle trim component to a vehicle structure. The self retaining fastening device further comprises a head portion and a shaft portion. The head portion comprises a rosebud-type fastener surface. The shaft portion extends from the housing and includes at least one row of ribs. The ribs may be angled to provide a relatively lesser amount of force needed for insertion, but a relatively higher amount of force in extraction of the self retaining fastening device. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A storage apparatus includes a frame suitably shaped to fit within the confines of a vehicle bed. One or more securing members are structured to engage the frame and a surface of the vehicle bed to hold the frame in a fixed relationship relative to the vehicle. The apparatus is designed to be non-invasively installed in the vehicle bed, i.e. without modification to the bed such as drilling or cutting. A cargo tray unit is structured to slide relative to the frame, being rearwardly extensible from the vehicle bed.

Abstract: A security system for a modular system in a vehicle is provided and includes at least one elongated member configured for attachment to an interior portion of the vehicle, at least one module configured for attachment to the elongated member, a module interface unit communicating with the elongated member, and an identification unit coupled to the module and configured to interface with the module interface unit, so that the module interface unit is operable to authenticate the module when the module is mounted on the elongated member.

Abstract: A glove compartment and cup holder device includes a box member, a sliding lid for closing an opening of the box member, and a supporting member attached to a sliding lid. The supporting member is freely slidable along the opening of the box member for supporting a container. When the sliding lid is opened, the supporting member slides in and overlaps with the sliding lid. Only when the glove compartment and cup holder device is used as the cup holder, the supporting member is pulled out from the sliding lid. Therefore, the supporting member does not block the opening of the box member when the glove compartment and cup holder device is used as the glove compartment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vehicle for conveniently receiving an umbrella, including a vehicle body forming a passenger compartment and interior trim attached to the vehicle body in an inside of the passenger compartment, wherein a hollow for receiving an umbrella is formed in the interior trim.

Abstract: A covering for use with a motor vehicle. The covering having a channel and multiple sloped grooves. The groves slope toward the channel for directing fluid toward the channel.

Abstract: A skid steer loader has a rear mounted engine and a tailgate that pivots about a vertical axis, and the tailgate in turn carries an engine cover panel that is pivoted to the tailgate about a horizontal axis. When the tailgate is closed, the engine cover panel overlies the loader engine and other components for the skid steer loader, and provides protection and covers such components. The engine cover panel is made so that it will move upwardly for access to the components and swings away with the tailgate for access to the engine compartment.