Abstract: In a configuration for an airbag module behind the instrument panel of a motor vehicle, a charge channel for the airbag is mounted on the back side of the instrument panel, while the airbag module is held by an axle tube of the vehicle body. The charge channel loosely encompasses the airbag deployment opening of the airbag module. A catch on the charge channel acts in conjunction with a hook component fastened to the suspension tube in such a way that bending of the instrument panel in the direction of the passenger compartment is limited when the airbag is deployed. In this manner, an orderly unfolding of the airbag is ensured. Additionally, the separate configuration of the charge channel and the airbag module is not susceptible to component tolerances.

Abstract: An occupant protection device of the present invention includes a knee-protecting airbag device and a container box. The airbag device includes an airbag for protecting knees of an occupant seated in front passenger's seat, an inflator, and a case opened rearward for housing the airbag and the inflator. The container box includes a box body and a lid. Before being mounted on the vehicle, the knee-protecting airbag device and the container box are integrally assembled into a mounting module. By mounting the module on the vehicle, the knee-protecting airbag device and the container box are mounted on the vehicle. The occupant protection device of the present invention contributes to reduce tact time per vehicle even if the knee-protecting airbag device and the container box are both mounted in front of front passenger's seat.

Abstract: A gas generator includes a housing having an inner wall delimiting an igniter chamber peripherally, and at least one igniter opening into the igniter chamber. The gas generator further includes a cap arranged for displacement along the inner wall and delimiting the igniter chambe, said cap having a cylindrical peripheral wall and a radially extending cover wall. The peripheral wall has a first section extending from the cover wall in displacement direction (R) and a second section extending in a direction opposite thereto. The first and second sections lie against the inner wall and guide the cap during a displacement thereof. The cover wall is turned axially into the interior of the cap.

Abstract: An airbag inflator is provided including a housing defining a storage chamber containing contents including a supply of a gas source material in a fluid form and a propagation member contained at least in part within the storage chamber and defining a propagation chamber having a volume containing a supply of a reactive material that reacts to at least produce heat. The propagation member having a first end and a second end and including a plurality of gas exit holes. A first initiator at the first end of the propagation member is in discharge communication with the supply of reactive material and effective to initiate the reactive material and a second initiator at the second end of the propagation member is in discharge communication with the supply of reactive material and effective to initiate the reactive material. At least one of the first and second initiators is actuated to produce a supply of inflation gas for inflating an airbag.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an airbag cushion, which simultaneously exhibits a very low amount of fabric utilized to produce the target airbag cushion in correlation to an overall high amount of available inflation airspace within the cushion itself. These two correlative elements are now combined for the first time in what is defined as an effective fabric usage index (being the quotient of the amount of fabric utilized in the construciton of the airbag cushion and the available inflation airspace volume). The inventive airbag cushion must possess an effective fabric usage factor of at most 0.0330. A cushion exhibiting such low seam usage and fabric usage factors and also comprising an integrated looped pocket for the disposition of an inflator can is also provided as well as an overall vehicle restraint system comprising the inventive airbag cushion.

Abstract: A safety arrangement compriese a unit (20) to be located beneath a bonnet (8) of a motor vehicle. The unit is adapted to become of increased lenght in response to a signal from a sensor (35) and may comprise a bellows-sleeve (21) and a gas generator (19), the unit has a catch arrangement (23) adapted ot engage part (9) of the bonnet structure so that that part of the bonnet structure is engaged and retained when the lenght of the unit is increased.

Abstract: A deformation element, in particular for use in motor vehicles, comprises a first base part and a second base part. The first base part includes at least one protrusion which tapers starting from the first base part The second base part includes at least one recess which tapers from a front side to a rear side thereof and is associated to the protrusion.

Abstract: An occupant protection apparatus has a panel which constitutes part of a passenger compartment side surface of an instrument panel and which is separatable from the instrument panel to move when at least a knee load of an occupant is inputted, and a plurality of support members which face transverse end portions of the panel 2a, respectively, and which have a rigidity higher than that of the panel. An impact load applied to the knees of an occupant who faces the instrument panel can be absorbed effectively.

Abstract: A plastic honey comb mounting bracket having a center passage surrounds a mast jacket of the steering column. The top of the plastic mounting bracket is clamped flush against a flat panel on a body of the motor vehicle by a pair of spring washers supported below respective ones of a pair of platforms on the mounting bracket by a pair of rigid studs on the vehicle body. The rigid studs are exposed through a pair of vertical slots in the mounting bracket. In some embodiments the spring washers release the plastic mounting bracket for linear translation as a unit with the mast jacket with the path traversed by the mast jacket being defined by the vertical slots in the mounting bracket. In another embodiment, the plastic mounting bracket remains stationary and the path traversed by the mast jacket during its collapse stroke is defined by the center passage in the plastic mounting bracket.

Abstract: A vehicular seatbelt retractor comprises a load control for controlling an excessive force applied to a web and a web sensor for sensing the webbing acceleration of a seatbelt to take counteraction against the abnormal state of a vehicle at a quick speed, in which the load control enables a disk to be frictionally engaged with one surface of a spool winding portion, thereby dissipating the force applied to a web, and a torsion bar coupled at one end with a boss to be cooperated with a spool, thereby controlling the force applied to the web and the web sensor enables a latch member elastically supported at one end by an inertia spring to sense the web acceleration in an adjusted time range along with a wing thereby to take counteracts against the abnormal state of a vehicle.

Abstract: A device that is attached to a ski or other host instrument and which comprises a rigid body with a slot cut into it. The slot size is such that a ski pole shaft fits into and slides through the slot but the ski pole basket that is attached to the ski pole shaft does not pass through the slot.

Abstract: The present invention provides an antiskid device which covers inline skate wheels and which can be folded onto itself so as to become half as long. In this way, it is much easier to conceal inside a pocket or a pouch.

Abstract: To avoid exertion of an external force on a fuel tank as much as possible. A mounting structure of a fuel tank for a motorcycle provides a fuel tank that is disposed between a pair of left and right frame members of a vehicle body frame and the fuel tank is mounted on the vehicle body frame at a first mounting portion and second, third, and fourth mounting portions. The fuel tank is mounted at each of the mounting portions via a plurality of tubular resilient bodies. The first mounting portion allows resilient support in the fore-and-aft direction and in the vertical direction of the vehicle and limits the lateral movement. The second, third, and fourth mounting portions allow resilient support in the fore-and-aft direction and in the vertical direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: Multi-ply labels with validity information are addressed. The validity information typically is included in the area of the rails of one or more plies, notwithstanding that adhesive might also be contained in these areas. The validity information additionally may be viewable (rather than hidden or wholly confused) when the labels are candled, facilitating determination of validity of a game piece within a label without separating or destroying the plies.

Abstract: Disclosed is a locking device for extension pipe of a vacuum cleaner which can be easily operated, especially in separating the extension pipe supporting holder, and be compactly manufactured since the components do not require much space. The locking device according to the present invention comprises a holder connected to an operation handle and having a locking hole formed on one side to correspond to a fixing hole of the operation handle, and a locking/unlocking lever having a hook portion movable into and out of the locking hole, and a button portion formed opposite to the hook portion along the diameter, the locking/unlocking lever movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, a locked position in which the hook portion is inserted into the locking hole, and an unlocked position in which the hook portion is escaped out of the locking hole. The button portion is disposed such that a force for unlocking the combination is applied in the same direction as the holder separating direction.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with the arrangement of the interface between appliances forming part of a medical or surgical handpiece system and a supply hose, in the form of a fast-fit coupling. The fast-fit coupling may include a shape-actuated plug connection with a locking element and sealing elements, e.g. ball bearings. The coupling thus can be of an especially short and light construction, as well as being hygienically and ergonomically advantageous.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a T pipe for connecting a reduced branch pipe to a main pipe and to a method for producing such a pipe. The invention is characterized in that said T pipe comprises a thermoplastic connection piece (1) including a connection (2) for the branch pipe as well as a base part (3) essentially matching with the curvature of the main pipe and being essentially rectangular viewed in the direction of the central axis of said connection (2), said base part being butt welded to a pipe ring (4) having a size similar to that of the main pipe and a width similar to that of the base part (3), instead of a piece removed from said ring pipe and having a size similar to that of the base part (3).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a structure for coupling a fitting for a hose assembly in which an assistant nut having one end engaged with a relative part adapted to supply a certain fluid using a rotatably supported nut and the other end used when engaging a coupling for a connection with a hose is detachably threaded to the fitting.

Abstract: A quick coupling with a connecting, respectively a releasing, capability in the presence of a pressurized hydraulic fluid comprises a tubular body slidably supported in a tubular element and having a sealing circumferential and continuous surface cooperating with an annular gasket, near the sealing surface of the slidable body at least a hydraulic fluid outlet channel coupled with a bleeding fitting being provided.

Abstract: The invention is comprised of a means of quick connecting a male and female member, typically used to transmit fluid or gas under pressure, using only a standard internal retaining ring while still allowing for disassembly.

Abstract: A clamping system for high or ultra-high vacuum system components including a clamping member surrounding a flange of the vacuum system component. A bead along the inside diameter of the clamping member engages a groove in the peripheral surface of the flange. When a clamping force is applied to the clamping member, as by a bolt, the force is transmitted to the flange providing sufficient clamping force to form a vacuum seal.

Abstract: An automatic power supply device for a remote control unit is shown. The device has a rotatable multi-layer disc mounted in an open top casing with a tray slidably mounted in it. The remote control unit is mounted on the tray which is movable up and down when a button of the remote control unit is pressed and released. The disc has printed wire provided in the same area of all layers. The area is located in a spaced manner between magnetic plates mounted in the inside surface of the arms of a U-shaped stator member. Current is generated in the printed wire when the disc is rotated. A capacitor is charged by the current to provide the voltage supply to operate the remote control unit.

Abstract: A control system for a cogeneration unit, the cogeneration unit including a heat engine and an alternator, driven by the heat engine, which generates AC electricity for an electrical load. The control system includes a parameter sensing means for sensing one or more parameters, and providing a sensed parameter value for each sensed parameter. For each sensed parameter, a comparator means compares the sensed parameter value with a respective desired value and provides an error signal according to the difference between the sensed parameter value and the desired value. One or more controlling means use the one or more of the error signals to provide a plurality of control signals, such that each control signal is able to regulate one or more of the controlling characteristics of the alternator and a temperature of a body heated using energy from the cogeneration unit.

Abstract: A fire door lock mechanism is provided, allowing a user to directly push and press a handlebar forwards to activate a lock bolt and open a fire door mounted with the lock mechanism in a comfortable manner. A first opening unit of the lock mechanism is located inside the fire door to operate the lock bolt. The handlebar is located in a second opening unit of the lock mechanism on the fire door. The handlebar, being pressed, activates a link arm connected thereto and accordingly induces a swing arm coupled to the link arm to generate a swing motion, so as to allow a pulley formed at one end of the swing arm to extend into the first opening unit and drive a lock bolt mount connected to the lock bolt to move horizontally, thereby making the lock bolt retract to release the lock mechanism.

Abstract: A fire door lock mechanism is provided. A handlebar is coupled to one end of an actuator whose the other end is connected with a push rod. A lock bolt is rotatably mounted in a lock cover mount which accommodates a glide mount used to drive the push rod to move horizontally. When the actuator receives a depression force from the handlebar, the actuator is driven to rotate and induces the push rod to move horizontally. By the movement from the push rod, the lock bolt is driven to rotate to engage or disengage the lock mechanism. A partition and a fire piece are coupled to the glide mount. The fire piece melts at a high temperature during a fire, making the partition moved by a force from an elastic member connected thereto and cause the lock bolt to be engaged with the partition and maintained in a locked state.

Abstract: A rotary lock seal includes a pin with an elongated shaft and an enlarged head at a rearward end. The forward end of the shaft has a peg projecting coaxially therefrom. An end cap has an enlarged head at a forward end and a central bore extending forwardly through the rearward end, forming an annular sidewall. An annular groove on the inner surface of the cap sidewall corresponds with a groove formed on the peg to retain a locking ring within the pair of aligned grooves when the cap is positioned over the peg on the pin. The locking ring prevents removal of the cap once secured on the pin.

Abstract: To provide a shock absorber that can effectively absorb a large amount of energy generated in case of a collision. A lattice body of synthetic resin is formed by reducing the thickness of a plurality of plate ribs gradually from the proximal ends to the distal ends and disposing the plate ribs intersecting with each other. The lattice bodies are arranged in a stack such that the direction of the plate ribs extending from the proximal ends toward the distal ends is oriented in an impact direction.

Abstract: An automobile bumper structure is provided which is capable of keeping down an increase in weight, strongly supporting a reinforcement member with a vehicle structure body behind it, preventing a pedestrian or the like from getting caught under a vehicle when the vehicle has hit the pedestrian or the like. In this automobile bumper structure, a bumper face 2 includes an opening portion 4, and a reinforcement member 20 is disposed behind and inside of a bumper lower face 2b which extends downward from this opening portion 4. Side-plane portions 22, an upper-plane portion 24, a front-plane portion 26 and a lower-plane portion 28 are formed in the reinforcement member 20. A vertical rib 32 is provided across the upper-plane portion 24, the front-plane portion 26 and the lower-plane portion 28.

Abstract: A step garnish is attached to a rear bumper via a plurality of connectors that are adapted to reduce or eliminate damage to a tailgate in the event of a rear impact. The connectors include first connectors that releasably secure a proximal end of the step garnish to a top portion of the bumper body, and second connectors that affix a distal end of the step garnish to the bumper body top portion. In the event of a rear impact, the proximal end of the step garnish is released from the bumper while the distal end of the step garnish remains attached to the bumper body. Accordingly, the step garnish moves up away from damaging contact with the tailgate.

Abstract: A crash box is described with which a bumper is attached to the longitudinal beam of a motor vehicle. It ultimately involves segments of steel tubes which display an approximately rectangular cross section. The crash box is arranged such that in the case of a frontal impact on the bumper in the direction of the arrow a radial compression of the tubular crash box takes place.

Abstract: A device for collecting pet waste for disposal comprises an elongated handle and a fork comprising a base extending from the handle and support arms extending transversely from the base. A disposable plastic container for receiving pet waste is releasably connected to the support arms. The container has a rigidity effective to retain a preformed shape of the container despite a pushing force of a front surface of the container against the ground. Also featured is the disposable plastic container itself comprising a body including a bottom surface, front and back surfaces extending upwardly from the bottom surface and side surfaces extending upwardly from the bottom surface between the front and back surfaces. The container includes a lip extending along sides of the container around an opening into the interior of the container and a leading edge extending at a front portion of the container between the lip at the sides of the container. A lid is adapted to close the body of the container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container with a pneumatically driven locking mechanism and more specifically a container. One disadvantage of conventional containers is that when they are stacked on top of each other, it is not possible to raise and transport several of such containers at the same time. Another disadvantage is that stacked containers have hitherto needed to be locked manually, resulting in a considerable safety risk for dock workers and ship workers. The aim of the invention is to provide a container which is fitted in such a way that it can be locked with other similar containers without the need for manual activity and enable several stacked containers to be transported simultaneously. This is achieved by providing the container with corners having pneumatically driven, rotatable and displaceable locking devices arranged therein.

Abstract: A gripper device for loosening, tightening or gripping objects. The gripper device has a support structure with a fixed, object contact surface, that preferably has a high friction surface. One end of a pivot arm is pivotally attached to the support structure. The pivot arm has a free end. A cinch strap with two ends is provided. On end of the cinch strap is attached to the free end of the pivot arm and another end of the cinch strap is fixed to the structure. By moving a jar or other cylindrical object into turning contact with the cinch strap, that object will be captured and held in place.

Abstract: A gripper device for loosening, tightening or gripping objects. The gripper device has a support structure with a fixed, object contact surface, that preferably has a high friction surface. One end of a pivot arm is pivotally attached to the support structure. The pivot arm has a free end. A cinch strap with two ends is provided. On end of the cinch strap is attached to the free end of the pivot arm and another end of the cinch strap is fixed to the structure. By moving a jar or other cylindrical object into turning contact with the cinch strap, that object will be captured and held in place.

Abstract: For attaching an accessory to the body of vehicle, a clip is fitted with elastically deformable arms which are inserted by pressure and are secured in a mounting opening in the bodywork sheet. Each clip has a central base and at least six arms. The arms have end formations which rest in opposing senses against the opposite surfaces of the bodywork sheet around the mounting opening. Half of the arms rest on the exterior surface of the sheet and the other half of the arms rest on the interior surface of the sheet.

Abstract: An operating mechanism for selectively extending and retracting a slide-out section of a vehicle. The mechanism includes a vertically extending support member fixable relative to a vehicle body. The support member having an upper edge. At least one pair of rollers are rotatably mounted to the support member. Each roller of the at least one pair of rollers have a radially outwardly facing surface, and at least a portion of the radially outwardly facing surface extends above the support member upper edge. A rail member for supporting the slide-out section engages the at least one pair of rollers for slidable movement between an extended position and a retracted position.

Abstract: A motorcycle assembly affords a motorcycle rider with the easy accessibility to various personal items. A substantially planar structure is affixed either to a windshield support structure or to a rider's handlebars, such planar structure having at least one cup holder and at least one compartment, preferably a covered and latchable/lockable compartment, to facilitate storage of a rider's personal items.

Abstract: A sliding tray trunk for a vehicle having a lower storage box, an upper storage box slidably attached on top of the storage box, a locking cover that secures the upper storage box over the lower storage box, and one or more stops to limit sliding of the upper storage box on the lower storage box to a predetermined distance is provided. The lower storage box has a substantially rectangular shape. The lower storage box has two rails on which the upper storage box can slide. A plurality of wheels are rotatably attached on each of the rails, and the upper storage box slides by rotation of the wheels.

Abstract: An overhead-storage system for the interior of a motor vehicle having a headliner and defining a passenger compartment includes a housing having at least one convenience feature supported in the housing and adapted for use by a passenger of the vehicle. The housing is operatively supported for rotational movement relative to the headliner and about a rotational axis of the housing such that the at least one convenience feature may be selectively moved angularly relative to the rotational axis into close proximity of the passenger.

Abstract: A vehicle seat 1 includes a seat unit 10, a lift-up unit 50 and a long-sliding unit 200. The lift-up unit 50 moves the seat unit 10 between interior and exterior of a vehicle via a door opening portion D2 that corresponds to a passenger seat position. The long-sliding unit 200 moves the seat unit 10 between a driver's seat position and the fellow passenger seat position. The lift-up unit 50 moves the seat unit 10 downward when the seat unit 10 is positioned at the driver's seat position, so that the seat unit 10 is located at a suitable position for driving.

Abstract: A bracket coupling structure is disclosed having hook portions 8, disposed on two positions of a base plate 5 of a panel-side bracket 2, and having L-shape cross sections directed outward, respectively, with respect to a rotation center wherein under a condition in which the hook portions 8 are inserted to a mounting opening 30 of a trim 4, the panel-side bracket 2 is rotated in a mounting rotational direction to cause the hook portions 8 to engage a peripheral edge of the mounting opening 30 for permitting the panel-side bracket 2 to be fixed to the trim 4. Disposed on leading ends, facing the mounting rotational direction, of the hook portions 8, respectively, are resilient catch-up blades 15 each of which is sloped in a direction to be separate away from the base plate 5 toward an upstream of the mounting rotational direction.

Abstract: A tonneau system for a cargo box of a vehicle including a support frame, a cover spanning the support frame; and a clamp. The support frame includes side rails having an inboard section and an outboard section, such that the outboard section is positioned adjacent to the top surface of the sidewall of the cargo box to aid in the supporting and positioning of the support frame. The clamp is capable of hanging from the support frame during installation to improve the ease thereof. The clamp also includes a pair of members being positionable in any one of a plurality of discrete positions for improved installation. A front rail adjustment mechanism permits the selective tensioning of the cover to maintain a predetermined load therein. While a front rail retaining mechanism is slidably coupled to the front rail member to prevent the front rail member from being inadvertently disengaged from the side rail members.

Abstract: A tonneau system for a cargo box of a vehicle including a support frame having a front rail member, a cover spanning the support frame, and a cantilever beam assembly flexibly coupled with the front rail member. An adjustment support bracket extends from at least one of the rail-members and includes a finger member. The finger member is engageable with the cantilever beam assembly to bias the front rail member into a first direction to generally maintain a tension in the cover. The cantilever beam assembly is generally contained within the front rail member.

Abstract: A module in the form of an applique is mountable on an exterior surface of a vehicle liftgate and provides a mounting platform for a plurality of components mountable on the liftgate in a single assembly operation. The components include at least two of light sources in the form of LEDs or incandescent bulbs, an actuatable switch, a camera and a wash fluid dispensing nozzle. The components are mounted on a substrate in the form of a printed circuit board or a lead frame attached to a substrate for mounting in a carrier. The carrier is affixed to the module and is alignable with apertures in the applique for transmission of light from the light sources exteriorly of the applique as well as to enable the camera to view a field of view through the lens. The electric switch is actuatable by a resilient membrane mounted on the carrier and actuatable exteriorly of the applique.

Abstract: A convertible roof is provided which includes a shelf which can be lowered into a rear stowage space of a convertible. The shelf is movably supported as it is assigned to a rear roof part of the lowerable roof and can be adjusted by an adjustment device between an operating position with the roof closed and a lowered position in which it is moved against the inside of the rear part of the roof which has been lowered into the stowage space, thereby providing space-saving stowage of the roof. The shelf has two opposing outer side areas which can be swiveled relative to a middle part of the shelf.

Abstract: A protective apparatus intended to be applied to an exterior portion of a vehicle, including a method for such application. The invention is a series of sheets or panels affixed to previously-determined places along the front nose of a vehicle to protect the paint and finish located at such areas. Specifically, the sheets are constructed of a polyvinyl chloride material in the preferred mode, and may be designed to be placed beneath a halter or “bra” cover of a vehicle, so as to protect the paint from damage caused by the halter. Such damage is commonly due to the vinyl, plastic, nylon, or cotton halter constantly rubbing against the vehicle exterior during vibration and wind. Thus, strips or pieces of the polyvinyl chloride material are specially placed upon the vehicle to provide a much-needed barrier between the halter and paint.

Abstract: A power-operated system for actuating the rear doors or liftgates of motor vehicles is disclosed. The system includes an articulating strut mounted between a vehicle frame and the rear door. A motor assembly is operatively coupled between the articulating strut and the vehicle frame for changing the angular orientation and, in turn, mechanical advantage provided by the articulating strut. The articulating strut is moved into angular orientations of greater mechanical advantage in order to effect opening of the rear door and lesser mechanical advantage to effect closing of the rear door.

Abstract: An anti-side intrusion assembly for a vehicle door includes a reinforcing beam. Anchoring members secured to the reinforcing beam anchor the reinforcing beam to the vehicle frame or chassis. The reinforcing beam extends across the vehicle door and is anchored to the chassis at each end. One of the anchoring members a door hinge, and the other of the anchoring member is a lug generally perpendicular to the reinforcing beam. When the door is closed, the lug extends into a recess provided in a rigid portion of the door frame or chassis. Substantial bending of the reinforcing beam upon side impact on the door is prevented by bearing the lug on the rigid sidewall of the recess.

Abstract: A unitary vehicle liftgate component module carries a plurality of pre-mounted vehicle liftgate components for one-step mounting on the liftgate when the module is attached to the liftgate. At least two of a liftgate wiper motor, a liftgate window latch, and liftgate window defrost terminal connectors are carried on the module or interact with portions carried on the module. In one aspect, the liftgate window latch striker and an optional electrical contact are carried on a support which is laterally adjustable with respect to a base fixed to the liftgate window for automatic centering of the striker and the optional contact as the liftgate window is moved to a closed position with respect to an opening in the liftgate.

Abstract: A vehicle window includes a pane of self-darkening or laminated glass and a function layer made of a low-emission material disposed on an inside surface of the pane. The function layer reflects a first infrared radiation into the vehicle and reduces an emission of a second infrared radiation from the glass pane into an interior of the vehicle. In addition, a method for regulating a thermal comfort of a passenger in an interior of a vehicle includes the steps of providing a self-darkening glazing as protection against glare and heat, disposing an IR-reflecting transparent layer on the glazing in form of a coating or film, reflecting an infrared radiation emitted from the vehicle interior back into the vehicle interior using the IR-reflecting transparent layer, and reducing a heat radiated by the glazing into the vehicle interior.