Abstract: A booster seat head rest comprises a harness assembly and at least one pillow attached to and suspended from the harness assembly.

Abstract: A juvenile restraint system includes a juvenile seat and a tether coupled at one end to the juvenile seat and at an opposite end to an anchor provided in a vehicle.

Abstract: A child safety seat pivots between a sitting and reclining position on a base secured by a vehicle safety belt. A pair of pivot arms extending from each side of the safety seat slide in a pair of grooves in each side of the base. The primary pivot arm moves in an essentially horizontal groove to maintain a low center of gravity. A secondary pivot arm stabilizes the safety seat and helps to maintain the safety seat back in close proximity with the vehicle seat back. A high pivot arm near the top of each side of the seat may be positioned in a mating opening or a slotted opening in each side of the base. A motor and reversible drive assembly, which may be remotely controlled can be used to move the safety seat.

Abstract: A folding chair equipped with inflatable waist pad comprises a plurality of pedestals located on the floor and a plurality of rods connecting pivotally to the pedestals to form a chair bracket. The chair bracket has a backrest section and a seat section to hold a seat cushion. The backrest section has a housing compartment to hold an inflatable waist pad. The chair bracket has two sides each has an armrest rod. When the inflatable waist pad is inflated and held in the housing compartment, the backrest section may be in close contact with the waist of an user sitting on the chair to comfort the waist muscles of the user.

Abstract: An office-type chair which provides for synchronous differential tilting of the seat and back assemblies, with the seat assembly being constructed such that the front lip thereof does not significantly lift upon rearward tilting. The chair incorporates a tilt control mechanism formed by a control body which secures to the upper end of the chair pedestal and an upright which pivotally connects to the control body about an axis disposed forwardly of the pedestal. A pivot assembly connects the upright and control body together.

Abstract: An adjustable in height armrest comprises a tubular armrest column and a tubular armrest carrier telescopes on the armrest column. An arm support is secured to the top of the armrest carrier. The armrest column is releasably lockable at various heights and angles using a releasable locking system. The releasable locking system includes two locking members carried by the armrest carrier and lockable with the armrest column spring biased lock release member is slidable on the armrest carrier and moves between a locked position and a release position against the spring bias. In the release position the locking members are free to move outwardly allowing movement of the armrest carrier and the armrest column for both height and angular adjustment thereof.

Abstract: A theatre chair having a frame to which there is connected at least a seat component (21) and a backrest component and, providing means on the seat component (21) to co-operate with a seat member (30) and means on the backrest component to co-operate with a backrest member whereby the seat member (21) and backrest member can each be readily attached to the appropriate component to be positively affixed thereto, the members being able to be removed from the appropriate component when required. The connection between the components and the members can be by way of interacting lugs (24), interacting ribs (26) and means (25) whereby the parts are held in compression and tension. Means to rapidly replace the upholstery and means whereby the same components can be used for chairs of different widths are also disclosed.

Abstract: A belt retractor for a vehicle safety belt comprises a belt spool (12) rotatably mounted in a frame (10) and a coupling disc (32) rotatably mounted relative to the belt spool. With a rotation relative to the belt spool, the coupling disc can bring about a locking of the rotation of the belt spool in unwinding direction of the safety belt. The belt spool has a first friction element (22) and the coupling disc has a second friction element (66). The first and second friction elements are positioned such that they are able to connect the belt spool and the coupling disc with each other with a friction fit.

Abstract: An interlock system for stopping seat belt payout from a retractor when a seat is not secured is provided. The interlock system includes a connector between the seat latch and the retractor with the connector operating a retractor locking actuator which utilizes the vehicle inertia sensor to cause retractor locking. In one form, the actuator is shifted into engagement with the inertia member for retractor locking when the seat is released. In another form, the actuator is mounted to a module secured on one side of the one of the retractor frame plates to which the actuating mechanism for the vehicle sensor is secured on the other side thereof. The connector causes shifting of the actuator member from the one side to the other to operate the vehicle sensor actuating mechanism for retractor locking when the seat is released.

Abstract: A wheel balance adjustment device and wheel balance adjustment method which can improve directional stability and handling stability are provided.

Abstract: A wheel center cap for a vehicle wheel includes a substantially planar body portion, and a plurality of flexibly resilient fingers extending substantially orthogonal to the body portion and adapted to be received within a central aperture of a wheel. Each finger includes a pair of sidewalls and an integrally formed outer wall, wherein the outer wall includes a centrally-located portion defining a first radius of curvature, and rounded abutment portions located proximate the sidewalls and having a second radius of curvature that is less than the first radius of curvature.

Abstract: A rim base to be used with the rim of a wheel, particularly the rim of a so-called box section bicycle rim, as well as a rim equipped with such a rim base, and a wheel having such rim and rim base. The rim base is formed by a continuous annular strip having, in cross section, a median depression, forming a U-shaped radial groove provided to be positioned within in the central well of the rim, two lateral extensions provided to be supported upon on the interior edges of the rim that border of the well, and two lateral walls provided to extend along the flanges of the rim. The walls of the rim base are extended by a pair of lips that project toward the inside relative to the walls of the rim base, the lips being adapted to be positioned adjacent the lips of the rim.

Abstract: An elastic body 35 of a seal member 30 for sealing off a space between an outer race 26 and an inner race 27 of a bearing 15 has three seal lips 35a to 35c and an extending portion 35d. By allowing the extending portion 35 to be held in place in a gap &agr; between an axial end face of the outer race 26 of the bearing 15 and an axial end face of a bearing support hole in a knuckle 13, the penetration of water into the gap &agr; can be prevented by making use of the existing seal member while avoiding increases in the numbers of components to be assembled and man-hours needed to assemble the components by obviating the necessity of any special seal member, whereby the generation of rust resulting from electrolytic corrosion can be prevented effectively.

Abstract: In a threaded mechanism with rolling bodies comprising a spindle rod, a spindle nut at least partially enclosing said spindle rod, and a number of interposed rolling bodies, an axial and radial mounting support is provided for the spindle nut that is adapted to receive both tilting movements of the spindle nut about its longitudinal axis as well as radial movements transversely to its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an actuator for an electro-hydraulic braking system of the ‘brake-by-wire’ type comprised of a hydraulic pressure generator or master brake cylinder and a travel simulator, with said master brake cylinder including at least one piston that is operable by an actuating pedal, and wherein a device for detecting a driver's deceleration wish is provided, said device cooperating with said piston and being at least partly arranged in a master brake cylinder housing.

Abstract: An automotive braking system (10) comprises wheel brakes (12), a master cylinder assembly (18) and a pedal assembly (16) to actuate the master cylinder. The master cylinder comprises fast-fill and high pressure cylinder portions. The pedal assembly is adapted to change progressively the mechanical advantage or velocity ratio of the assembly throughout pedal travel so that in the first part of the movement its mechanical advantage is greater than in the second part of the movement. This is the opposite of what would be expected in a system which is not servo-assisted since the greatest force would be expected to be required in the second part of the movement when braking is occurring.

Abstract: A power and data distribution system for use in combination with a beam-mounted seating structure that includes a series of seat assemblies each mounted to a common support beam. The power and data distribution system includes a wireway that is mounted to the support beam and extends along the entire row of seats. The wireway includes a concealed main electrical conduit that extends along the length of the power and data distribution system. The power and data distribution system includes a series of access housings that extend from the wireway, and each access housing includes a pair of electrical outlets and a pair of data outlets. Each of the electrical outlets is coupled to the main electrical conduit contained in the wireway, while each of the data outlets is connected to a data line also passing through the wireway.

Abstract: A control system and method for simultaneously regulating the operation of a plurality of different types of switching power converters. The system utilizes in regulating the power converters sampled data and nonlinear feedback control loops.

Abstract: A power distributor in a redundant power supply apparatus employing one or more metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs). One or more power supplies are connected to a load, each power supply being connected to the load via one or more MOSFETs connected in parallel with each other. The MOSFETs are connected in a reversed direction where the sources are connected to the power supplies and the drains are connected to the load. Each power supply is provided with an associated control circuit which includes a comparator connected to the power supply voltage and to the load voltage, the control circuit generating a gate control voltage for the MOSFETs to turn the MOSFETs on and off and also to provide minor resistive changes via the control circuit that allow dynamic load balancing of each power supply with respect of the load.

Abstract: A power system specifically designed to provide reliable electrical power to a telecommunication facility is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes a number of proton exchange membranes adapted to convert a fuel, such as hydrogen, to DC electrical power, a number of rectifiers operable to convert AC electrical power received from an AC power source to DC power, and a number of capacitors operable to maintain power during the time required to change between power sources. Both the output of the rectifiers and the output of the proton exchange membranes are coupled to the capacitors. Initially, while the output of the proton exchange membrane rises to a predetermined level, power is supplied by the AC power source to the rectifiers and from the rectifiers to the capacitors and the telecommunications facility.

Abstract: An intelligent power system includes one or more common power sources and one or more subsystem components interconnected with the common power sources. Each common power source includes a regulated bus, an unregulated bus, a sensor, a controller and a plurality of switches operated by the controller. A subsystem component includes a regulated bus, an unregulated bus, a power source, a sensor, a controller and a plurality of switches operated by the controller. With such a configuration, the system is able detect and isolate failed segments of the power system and is reconfigurable to restore power.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of determining a charging capacitance of a capacitor in an air bag system using a bus system.

Abstract: A switch is provided that receives user information through a plurality of framer circuits, which group the user information into frames. The frames are fed to a switch fabric including an array of switch elements, each having a switch matrix for routes each frame to a desired output in accordance with configuration data stored in a first table coupled to the switch matrix. If different outputs are desired, i.e., the switch matrix is to be reconfigured, a switch control circuit supplies additional switch configuration data to the frames through the inputs along with additional user information to be routed through the switch. While the additional switch configuration data is stored in a second table, data flow remains uninterrupted through the switch matrix.

Abstract: The electromagnetic moving-coil device in which a position coil is provided to function as a secondary coil in accordance with the principles of a linear variable differential transformer so that when a high-frequency excitation signal is superimposed upon the driver signal applied to the moving coil, a position coil picks up the position of the moving coil and allows that position to be computed or displayed.

Abstract: An essentially iron-free linear motor for a sewing device or sewing machine produces and controls the pressure on the material being sewn by means of a drive rod, with a tubular housing, with at least two annular permanent magnets located therein. Each of the magnets has a north pole and a south pole and is magnetized radially, each in a different magnetization direction, and with a coil divided into at least two partial coils wound in opposite directions and each associated with a permanent magnet, whereby the partial coils and the permanent magnets are mutually displaceable, involving drive rod, in a magnetic lock that is effected by the housing, by a core in the form of center piece, and an air gap with the coil. The partial coils are located inside housing and the permanent magnets are located between said coils and the center piece.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of sensorless control of a linear reciprocating electrodynamic machine used for driving a thermoacoustic device, and/or a similar frequency dependent load. Sensorless control is accomplished by estimating the state of predetermined performance parameters at the linear machine through the use of a system model. Thereafter, the method comprises providing a control means operative to obtain the estimated performance parameters and cause manipulation of at least one input parameter to the linear machine such that desired performance parameters are obtained in view of the estimated performance parameters.

Abstract: The invention is based on a method for producing a common carrying part (3) for an electrical drive, whereby a bottom region (2) is formed on the common carrying part (3) that can be produced having various axial lengths and diameters,

Abstract: A winding method comprises winding a single conducting wire around a predetermined number of pegs in sequence to thereby form a stator coil assembly having even coils and two ends. The winding direction of each coil is opposite to a coil adjacent thereto. The stator coil assembly having even coils is mounted to a casing of a D.C. motor with the coils located corresponding to a permanent magnet of a rotor. The rotor having the permanent magnet is driven to turn by magnetic forces created as a result of energizing the coils.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and device for using a homopolar machine to convert a first DC voltage to a second DC voltage. According to the method, the invention can include the steps of applying a first DC voltage between an inner and outer radial portion of a primary conductive disc comprising a rotor to produce an electric current, applying a magnetic field aligned with an axis of the rotor to induce a rotation of the rotor about the axis responsive to the electric current, and coupling the rotation of the rotor to at least one secondary conductive disc disposed in the magnetic field to produce at least a second DC voltage between an inner and outer radial portion of the secondary conductive disc or discs.

Abstract: In a rotor having plural permanent magnets secured on a rotary shaft for use in, e.g., an electric motor which is incorporated preferably into a rack-type electric power steering device, a cylindrical cover is fit on the rotary shaft to cover the external surfaces of the plural permanent magnets, and one or both axial end portions of the cylindrical cover are plastically deformed thereby to secure the cylindrical cover onto the rotary shaft. Thus, the cylindrical cover is firmly secured to the rotary shaft and, even when one or more permanent magnets are separated from the rotary shaft or broken, prevents the separated permanent magnets or the broken fragments from scattering within a housing of the motor.

Abstract: Rotor assembly for an electrical machine, including a body of generally cylindrical shape having an inner opening, wherein slots are provided in the body, the slots extending from the inner opening towards the outer periphery of the body; permanent magnets disposed in said slots; wherein at least one of the slots comprises an end section near the outer periphery of the body having an area of enlarged width.

Abstract: Rotor assembly for an electrical machine, wherein a body of generally cylindrical shape having an inner opening for coaxially mounting the body on a shaft, permanent magnets embedded in said body, wherein at least one of the permanent magnets is split in at least two magnet sections which extend from about the inner opening towards the outer periphery of the body and are inclined towards a plane, which extends in a radial direction of the body.

Abstract: An electric motor with a stator structure having a high thermal conductivity from coils to a stator core, and capable of suppressing vibration of coils and adjusting an output torque and a cogging amount of the motor. A stator core is provided at its inner periphery with main teeth extending radially and spaced at regular intervals from one another. Auxiliary teeth are provided in slots formed between adjacent main teeth. Coils are arranged such that, when wound around the main teeth, their outer peripheral faces are in close contact with the auxiliary teeth. Since the coils are in contact at their central portions with the main teeth and in close contact at their outer peripheral portions with the auxiliary teeth, heat generated from the coils energized is efficiently conducted to the stator core, and removed by cooling devices provided at outer peripheral portions of the stator, thereby cooling the motor. Since the coils are fixedly held between the main and auxiliary teeth, vibration can be prevented.

Abstract: A motor has twenty-four segments and a commutator. Each of eight short-circuit members short-circuits three of the segments with one another. Each short-circuit member includes an annular base portion and three arms radially extending from the base portion. Each arm is connected to one of the three segments to be short-circuited. Each arm has a segment connection portion at the distal end. The segment connection portion is connected to the corresponding segment. The base portions are laminated in the axial direction of the commutator such that the short-circuit members form a laminated body. The arms are formed such that all the segment connection portions are located in the same position with respect to the axial direction of the laminated body. As a result, the manufacture of the motor is facilitated.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electromagnetic machine (10) having a permanent-magnet rotor assembly (54, 56); a stator assembly (58, 64, 60, 100) disposed coaxially with the rotor assembly, wherein the rotor define an interior spaced volume and gear assembly (38, 40, 46) disposed within the volume; the gear assembly being attached to and disposed between the rotor and an output shaft (30) of the motor.

Abstract: A surface acoustic wave device includes a piezoelectric substrate, a first interdigital transducer and a second interdigital transducer formed on the substrate so that the first and second interdigital transducers are opposed to each other. The substrate includes a doping region that is doped with a substance in at least one form selected from the group consisting of atoms, molecules and clusters in a surface between the first and second interdigital transducers.

Abstract: A piezoelectric transformation driving apparatus for driving elements or products to be driven by a high or a low voltage includes a pulse-width modulation (PWM) control unit, a plurality of driving units, a plurality of transformation units, a plurality of piezoelectric units, and a plurality of loads. The PWM control unit outputs signals of the same phase and frequency to drive synchronously the driving units, the transformation units, the piezoelectric units and the loads to operate synchronously.

Abstract: A single piezoelectric is excited at a first frequency to cause two vibration modes in a resonator producing a first elliptical motion in a first direction at a selected contacting portion of the resonator that is placed in frictional engagement with a driven element to move the driven element in a first direction. A second frequency excites the same piezoelectric to cause two vibration modes of the resonator producing a second elliptical motion in a second direction at the selected contacting portion to move the driven element in a second direction. The piezoelectric is preloaded in compression by the resonator. Walls of the resonator are stressed past their yield point to maintain the preload. Specially shaped ends on the piezoelectric help preloading. The piezoelectric can send or receive vibratory signals through the driven element to or from sensors to determine the position of the driven element relative to the piezoelectric element or resonator.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electromechanical drive or a sensor element composed of piezoelectric elements arranged in the form of a stack. The drive or the sensor element is intended for measurement instruments and operates even at very high temperatures.

Abstract: A multilayer piezoelectric component includes a compact and sintered ceramic body including a piezoelectric ceramic material and having opposite first and second sides. First and second external electrodes are respectively provided on the first and second sides of the compact ceramic sintered body. A plurality of internal electrodes are stacked in the ceramic sintered body so as to overlap each other with ceramic layers disposed therebetween in the thickness direction. The internal electrodes are arranged to be electrically connected to the first or second external electrode. A dummy electrode is provided between an end of at least one of the internal electrodes opposite to the end connected to one of the external electrodes, and the other external electrode not connected to the at least one internal electrode at the height where the at least one internal electrode is located.

Abstract: An oscillator (2) capable of oscillating signals of specified frequencies in dipped state in liquid, comprising a diaphragm of piezoelectric material (9) having a front surface (9a), a rear surface (9b), and a side surface (9c), a first electrode (10A) installed on the front surface (9a) of the diaphragm (9), a second electrode (10B) installed on the rear surface of the diaphragm (9), and a covering material (6) for covering at least the rear surface (9b) side of the diaphragm (9), wherein an opening (14) is provided in the covering material (6), the first electrode (10A) comes into contact with the liquid with the oscillator (2) dipped in the liquid, gas is held in a space (23) formed of the rear surface (9b) and the covering material (6), and the opening (14) is allowed to communicate with the space (23), whereby, even if the liquid temperature varies, the oscillation frequencies can be stabilized in a rather short time.

Abstract: A crystal unit has a crystal blank provided with a pair of excitation electrodes and a pair of extension electrodes extended from the excitation electrodes, and a casing having a recess. A pair of connection terminals is formed on the bottom face of the recess. An inclined surface is formed at one end of a first principal surface of the crystal blank and the second principal surface of the crystal blank is flat-shaped. A conductive material is disposed between the connection terminals and the extension electrodes so that the extension electrodes are extended toward the end at which the inclined surface is formed and the second principal surface faces the mounting member, and the crystal blank is thereby held by the mounting member at the position of the end at which the extension electrodes are extended and electrically connected to the connection terminals.

Abstract: A method of making an electrical connection between a pair of electrically conductive surfaces, comprising the steps of: placing an electrically conductive (e.g., metal) mesh and a mass of adhesive material between a pair of mutually opposing electrically conductive surfaces; pressing the electrically conductive surfaces together with the mesh and adhesive material therebetween with sufficient pressure that the mesh contacts the opposing electrically conductive surfaces; and curing the adhesive material while pressing the electrically conductive surfaces together. In an ultrasonic transducer, electrically conductive mesh can be placed between a metallized rear surface of a piezoelectric ceramic layer and a printed circuit on a dielectric substrate. Alternatively, the mesh can be placed between opposing metallized surfaces of a piezoelectric ceramic layer and an acoustic backing layer, with electrical conductors being passed through the acoustic backing layer for connection to a printed circuit.

Abstract: A thin film micromechanical resonator (resonator) having improved drive efficiency, a resonator gyro having improved sensitivity in detecting an angular velocity, and a navigation system and an automobile using the resonator gyro. The resonator includes a tuning fork structure made of a non-piezoelectric material, and a first electrode and a second electrode disposed respectively at the inner side and the outer side of the tuning fork arm. On the first and second electrodes, a first piezo film and a second piezo film are provided respectively, and a third electrode and a fourth are respectively provided electrode thereon. When an alternating voltage is applied to the third and fourth electrodes at the opposite phases each other, the tuning fork resonates in the direction perpendicular to the center line. The resonator gyro detects, at the sensing section which is formed of another electrodes and another piezo film, the Coriolis force generated in proportion to angular velocity given to the resonator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for connecting a draw-out rail of a drawer-guide to a drawer, comprising an installation fitting which is connectable to the bottom and/or to the front or to the front panel of the drawer, with a catch which can be swivelled against spring force, with said catch being interlockable with the draw-out rail and being releasable from its locking position by a two-armed lever, held at the installation fitting, with one arm of said two-armed lever being shaped as a handle. According to the invention, for releasing the locking connection, the other arm of the lever directly engages the locking catch and a force transmission element connected to said locking catch in the region of said locking catch.

Abstract: A pot-and-pan drawer system has a drawer (1) with dividers (7) which divide sections of the drawers for separating sizes and shapes of pots, pans and lids for them in a residential kitchenware cabinet (9) with doors (10) or a commercial kitchenware cabinet without the doors. Walls (2, 3, 4, 5) of the drawers have divider grooves (8) for containing the dividers in select arrangements and positions. The drawers are slid in and out on preferably telescopic wall slideways (14) and telescopic bottom slideways (15) that allow full opening of the drawers. The walls, the dividers and the divider containers can be sized, shaped and structured for receiving select ranges of sizes and shapes of pots, pans and lids predeterminedly. The drawer system can include a plurality of the drawers structured separately for receiving selections and combinations of selections of the ranges of sizes and shapes of the pots, pans and lids predeterminedly.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a starting element, in particular a sheathed-element glow plug, for the combustion process in an internal combustion engine having a ceramic element (1, 3) is proposed, which substantially improves the glazing of the ceramic element (1, 3). According to the present invention, this is achieved by a dry glaze (2) being applied on the ceramic element (1, 3).

Abstract: A field emission device includes a substrate (11) and a carbon nanotube array (12) formed thereon. Carbon nanotubes (120) of the carbon nanotube array are parallel to each other and cooperatively form a plurality of substantially rod-shaped lower portions (121, 121′) and a plurality of corresponding tapered tips (122, 122′) above the lower portions. Each lower portion and tapered tips have a plurality of carbon nanotubes. Distances between adjacent tips are approximately uniform, and are more than one micrometer. Preferably, the distance is in the range from 1 to 30 micrometers. The field emission device with this structure has reduced shielding between adjacent carbon nanotubes and has decreased threshold voltage required for field emission by the carbon nanotubes. The field emission device also contributes to an improved field emission concentration and efficiency.

Abstract: An electron emission element of the present invention comprises a substrate, and a protrusion protruding from the substrate and including boron-doped diamond. The protrusion comprises a columnar body. And a tip portion of the protrusion comprises an acicular body sticking out therefrom. The distance r [cm] between a center axis and a side face in the columnar body and the boron concentration Nb [cm−3] in the diamond satisfy the relationship represented by the following formula (1): 1 r > 10 4 Nb .

Abstract: This invention provides a steel sheet for a mask frame which maintains a tension-type color CRT shadow mask under tension.