Abstract: An easily assembled and disassembled modular furniture system includes a base frame, a plurality of furniture modules including a first arm module, a second arm module, a seat suspension module and a backrest module, at least one fastener assembly for securing at least one of the modules to the base frame or the modules to each other. Also included is a replaceable upholstery cover for a corresponding one of at least one of the modules, the cover including a sheet of fabric with a first releasable fastener for tensioning the fabric in a first direction upon assembly to the module, and a second releasable fastener for tensioning the fabric in a second direction upon assembly to the module.

Abstract: A folding speaker bracket comprising a first half and a second half, wherein the first half is rotably connected to the second half, so as to define an axis about which the first and second halves may rotate. By this rotable attachment of the two halves, the speaker may be folded and then inserted through a hole in a mounting surface that is smaller than it would have been if the bracket did not fold.

Abstract: A support for a drink holder has a receiving opening, the diameter of which can be modified by altering the position of lamella in an iris-like manner. The lamella are disposed on the circumference of the holder.

Abstract: A bottle suspension device for suspending a bottle upside down to facilitate dispensing of all of the contents of the bottle. The bottle suspension device includes a belt member comprising a first loop portion and a second loop portion. The first loop portion is designed for being positioned around a neck of the bottle. The second loop portion is designed for extending around a body of the bottle. The belt member is designed for selectively engaging a support structure to suspend the bottle from the support structure.

Abstract: A modular display system for display devices, especially flat screen monitors which is a hub and spoke design whereby multiple motors are mounted at the same hub height. The display system has means for locking the height of each display device using a cam and brake concept adjusted using a jackscrew. For quick change-out of display devices, a bayonet mount is used to attach the display device to the spokes.

Abstract: A picture hanger has a metal base from which is stamped a tougue for receiving a wire of a picture frame hung on a wall. The tongue has a convex shape with respect to a front face of the base and a ledge therefor on which the wire rests bears against a protrusion extending from the base front face. The tongue has bends with progressively increasing angles as it extends away from the base.

Abstract: Tethering stakes of the nature intended to be pounded flush with or below ground level. Certain of the tethering stakes include a cap on the pounding end which is adapted for ease of placement and release of a tethering line. Accordingly, the tethering line can be removed from the stake when it is to be pounded into the ground and then engaged with the stake only when tethering is desired. Certain of the embodiments include caps having uniquely shaped apertures for securing the tethering line. Another includes an aperture in communication with an aperture in the stake such that a lead cable or the like may be moved out of the way when the stake is pounded into the ground and may be fully received within the stake when tethering is not desired. Another embodiment employs a coupler passing through an aperture directly beneath the pounding surface to facilitate ease of attachment and removal of the tethering line.

Abstract: A connecting member (4) for a fast-fit safety coupling (1), having a tubular main member (10) connectable to a first conduit (2) for conducting pressurized fluid; a valve member (11) fitted inside the main member (10) to slide axially between a first work position separating the first conduit (2) in fluidtight manner from the outside, and an open second work position; first retaining means (18) for releasably connecting an endpiece (5) of a second conduit (3) to the valve member (11); second retaining means (17) for releasably connecting the valve member (11), in the second work position and connected to the endpiece (5), to the main member (10); and control means (70, 71, 72, 54) for disconnecting the connecting member (4) and the endpiece (5).

Abstract: Provided is a butterfly valve that prevents occurrence of erosion, thereby rendering it possible to secure fine adjustment of a volumetric flow rate of a fluid in an area of low degree of valve opening or in an area of minute degree of valve opening, to infallibly attain high range ability.

Abstract: The weed puller comprises foot block molded out of plastic material with tines molded into a forward end and with an aperture formed in its upper surface for receiving a handle. In the embodiment disclosed, the foot block comprises two opposite facing sides and six edge surfaces which comprises a front surface, an upper surface, a fulcrum transverse to the upper surface and which comprises a rear surface, a bottom surface, and a forward fulcrum surface. A surface also extends from the forward fulcrum surface to the first end. The tines are molded into the block and extend out of the front surface.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a device for attaching a polygonal baluster end to a handrail or base. This device includes a connector which is generally cylindrical. This connector also defines an internal axial channel having a polygonal cross-section. The axial channel is adapted to receive the polygonal baluster end.

Abstract: In a fuel-air mixture device, downstream of a throttle (4) and a fuel introduction device, a block (51) is provided across the primary air passage (2). The block has a plurality of passageways (54) through it for air flow towards an inlet manifold. These improve mixture of the fuel and air.

Abstract: A carbonation system comprises a vessel for carbonating a liquid, a CO2 supply connected to the vessel so as to create a CO2 atmosphere in the vessel, an inlet diffuser through which the liquid enters the vessel, and an outlet pipe through which the carbonated liquid exits the vessel. The inlet diffuser comprises a plurality of openings arranged on its vertical face, such that when the liquid exits the inlet diffuser through the plurality of openings, the liquid is substantially atomized and the atomized liquid is ejected in a direction that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vessel. The plurality of openings can be arranged in horizontal rows so that openings in adjacent rows are not in vertical alignment with each other. In addition, the atomized liquid can be ejected at an upward angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus for distributing a liquid in an exchange column includes a plate and at least one elongated internal baffle. The plate has at least one elongated channel, which has a first longitudinal axis, a bottom, and at least one aperture in the bottom. At least a substantial portion of the internal baffle, which has a second longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the first longitudinal axis, is disposed in the channel.

Abstract: An innerspring assembly, preferably pocketed spring core, includes a plurality of interconnected springs having a same height and arranged to form adjoining rows to provide a resting area. At least several of the rows are arranged in relation to the respectively neighboring rows offset in height.

Abstract: A compression wave spring assembly including a base and a compression spring with three wave regions that are formed from a continuous elongate flat wire strip. The first wave region begins at one end of the spring with a terminal wave. The waves of the first wave region have a constant amplitude. The second wave region is positioned adjacent to the first wave region. The wave amplitude of the second wave region varies from the first wave amplitude to zero. The third wave region begins where the second wave amplitude reaches zero. The third wave region includes a zero amplitude thereby forming a flat circular shim end. The base assembly includes a recess that receives and supports the terminal wave at the non-shimmed end of the spring.

Abstract: A fluid-elastomeric damper assembly operable for damping relative motion between a first structure and a second structure including a housing structure grounded to the first structure and a plurality of elastomer seals coupled to the housing structure, the housing structure and the plurality of elastomer seals defining a fluid-elastomeric chamber operable for containing a fluid. The fluid-elastomeric damper assembly also including one or more piston structures disposed within the housing structure and the fluid-elastomeric chamber, the one or more piston structures grounded to the first structure and driven by the second structure, and the one or more piston structures each including a first substantially fluid-filled chamber and a second substantially-fluid-filled chamber in communication via an orifice, the first substantially fluid-filled chamber and the second substantially fluid-filled chamber also in communication with the fluid-elastomeric chamber.

Abstract: A clamp system includes a plurality of clamping devices arrayed along at least a first hydraulic supply loop and a plurality of support devices arrayed along at least a second hydraulic supply loop. The clamping devices may include vertical rotating clamping devices which rotate vertically to secure a workpiece to a base plate. The clamping devices may also include horizontally rotating clamping devices which rotate axially and extend vertically to clamp the workpiece. The support devices support and stabilize the workpiece during machining operations. The first and second hydraulic supply loops are interconnected and allow the clamping devices to clamp the workpiece before the support pieces support the workpiece. The second hydraulic supply loop boosts support to and locks the support devices for additional stability.

Abstract: A sheet feeder having a driving mechanism to release sheets of document from a stack out of an exit nip, one sheet at a time. A retard mechanism is used to prevent other sheets from being drawn out of the exit nip by the frictional force between the sheets. The retard mechanism has a frictional surface driven by a cylinder, which is allowed to rotate freely in only one direction to move the frictional surface against the editing direction of the released sheet. The driving mechanism is programmed to move backward in an intermittent manner to move the sheets in the bottom of the stack away from the exit nip so as to cause the cylinder to rotate in order to spread out the wear of the frictional surface. Preferably, the frictional surface has a plurality of cuts in a helical or partially helical pattern.

Abstract: A feeding device for feeding a processing line with printed products, including folded or non-folded printed sheets, from a stack of printed products. The printed sheets are held in a magazine. A conveyor defines a circulating path and moves in a conveying direction for conveying the printed products to the processing line. A synchronously driven separating mechanism, which is pivotally attached to the magazine, acts upon a closed fold or an edge of the printed product and operates to partially remove the printed product from the stack of printed products. A gripping arrangement includes a controlled gripping device attached to the conveyor in a feeding region of the processing line and essentially moves along in the conveying direction for taking over the printed product from the separating mechanism by gripping a front edge of the printed product relative to the conveying direction.

Abstract: A card hopper for holding a stack of identification cards that are to be printed or in other ways processed has an outlet opening on one end through which the cards are fed. The outlet opening is adjustable in size to accommodate cards of different thicknesses by using a control gate that is slidably mounted relative to the hopper and can be adjusted through the use of a cam actuator to change the opening size of the outlet opening. Manual operation is shown using both rotating and sliding cams.

Abstract: An image-forming apparatus allows duplex print to be performed using tabbed sheets. A plurality of paper sensors A, B, C, D, E, and F are installed on a paper output side of a paper tray 20 in a direction perpendicular to a sheet transport direction. The location of a tab 12 and the tab length in the transport direction are determined from a difference in timings of the rise or fall of output signals from the paper sensors A-F. When the tab 12 is located on the leading edge of the sheet in the transport direction and does not traverse a transport control sensor X, operation timing of a device &agr; which is activated based on the timing of the rising of output signal from the transport control sensor X is advanced by an amount corresponding to the length of the tab 12. On the other hand, when the tab 12 traverses the transport control sensor X, or when a sheet without a tab is used, the operation timing is not advanced.

Abstract: A transporting system and method for use in a high velocity document processing system using lower velocity print technology. The invention including an upstream transport conveying spaced apart documents at a first transport velocity. A deceleration transport decelerates documents from the high speed to a lower print velocity before passing the documents a print transport. A sensor located at the deceleration transport, detects the presence of documents at the deceleration transport, and triggers the deceleration profile to be performed on the document. The deceleration transport is controlled such that a leading portion of a document that is being decelerated overtakes a trailing portion of a downstream document that already traveling at the lower print velocity in the control of the print transport. An overlapping arrangement urges the lead portion of the upstream document to overlap on top of the trailing portion of the downstream document when the upstream document overtakes the downstream document.

Abstract: A gaming device comprising a gaming apparatus configured to allow a player to place a wager and play a game and a bonus display configured to indicate a bonus prize to be awarded to the player. One embodiment of the gaming device comprises at least one game reel having a plurality of game symbols. At least one symbol on the game reel may indicate a game outcome. The gaming device also comprises at least one bonus position reel having a plurality of bonus position symbols. The bonus position reel does not have gaming symbols and does not display the outcome of the game. The bonus position symbol displayed by the bonus position reel changes the bonus display in a predetermined relationship.

Abstract: A marble sequestering skill game having transparent hollow vertical tube members attached to a base and to a nontransparent hollow tubular top member, and being filled with marbles, each marble having an identifying feature. The marbles can be moved from one vertical tube member to another through the tubular top member so that marbles can be sequestered by the identifying features into a selected vertical tube member by tilting and rotating the base.

Abstract: A music game, which incorporates the characteristics of the popular Karaoke singing phenomenon and draws upon the players' knowledge of songs and performing artists. The game includes game pieces, game board, die, timer, and Karaoke instruction cards. The game board consists of Karaoke, ATM and Stage Fright squares, each distinguished by a unique icon, interspersed along the perimeter of the board. The instruction cards have coordinating icons, each with specific instructions. A team member sings songs recorded by the performing artist identified on the card and the other team members must guess the artist. A correct guess allows the team to advance their game piece the number of squares rolled on the die. The object of the game is to be the first game piece to advance from Start to Finish by drawing cards, singing songs and guessing performing artists.

Abstract: The structure of the entire mechanical device is simplified as an outside seal. The mechanical sealing device includes a two-half stationary seal ring having a first sealing face at one end and retained fluid-tightly by the housing so as to be movable axially, and a first two-half fastening ring fitting to the outer face of the two-half stationary seal ring and closely contacting the splitting faces of the two-half stationary seal ring. The axial splitting faces of the first two-half fastening ring are coupled. A gap through which the sealed fluid passes is defined between the inner face of the two-half stationary seal ring and the rotational shaft. The two-half stationary seal ring is elastically biased against the two-half rotational seal ring.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine aspirating face seal includes rotatable and non-rotatable engine members and a leakage path therebetween. Annular generally planar rotatable and non-rotatable gas bearing face surfaces are operably associated with the rotatable and non-rotatable engine members respectively and are circumscribed about and generally perpendicular to a centerline axis. A substantially fully annular pull off biasing element is operably disposed for urging the non-rotatable gas bearing face surface axially away from the rotatable gas bearing face surface and circumscribed about the centerline axis. The pull off biasing element may be at least one wave spring or one bellville washer. The non-rotatable gas bearing face surface may be on a face seal ring mounted on a translatable cylindrical piston which is axially movable and supported by the non-rotatable engine member.

Abstract: A seal assembly for a shaft has a flange fixed to a work piece having a bore hole therein. The flange encircles the shaft and includes a triangular shaped projecting member having first and second surfaces extending from the flange into the bore hole. An angle is formed between the first and second surface. The first surface of the projecting member is in contact with an inner surface of the bore hole or the outer surface of the shaft. An o-ring encircles the shaft and a backup ring is positioned within a space between the shaft, the flange and the o-ring or between the bore hole, the flange and the o-ring. Subject to axial forces, the backup ring undergoes a wedging action between the shaft and the triangular shaped projecting member or between the bore hole and the triangular member to seal where the shaft penetrates the work piece.

Abstract: In a cylinder head gasket, a base plate forming the gasket is formed of a first metallic material, and a grommet is provided around a hole for a cylinder bore and formed of a second metallic material different from the first metallic material. The grommet and the base plate are connected by welding. Accordingly, the grommet formed of the optimum material can be provided around the hole for the cylinder bore, and the base plate can be formed of the optimum material. Thus, the cylinder head gasket has a good sealing ability and excellent durability.

Abstract: A sealing system for fast-running motors with a directly flanged-on gear unit, used for passenger conveyor systems such as escalators and moving walkways, is provided. The sealing system includes at least one sealing element comprising a radial shaft seal, at least one centrifugal element, at least one cover and suctioning element, and a lubricating oil collection chamber. The lubricating oil collection chamber being provided in a region of the centrifugal element and connected via at least one channel that extends in the direction of the cover and suctioning element to a gear unit chamber of the gear unit, the gear unit chamber being located above an oil level in an intake region of the cover and suctioning element. The cover and suctioning element is arranged between the gear unit and the sealing element.

Abstract: A carrier, especially for storage and transport of golf clubs including one or several bags, a wheel frame and a handle, which are preferably made of aluminum, wherein a removable wheel frame (8), supporting the bag(s) (4,21) from an elongated back element (1), is mounted to the lower portion of the back element (1), and that a removably handle (6) is mounted on the upper portion of the back element (1), the wheel frame has the shape of a U turning downwards, which at the web (9) of the U is removably mounted to the back element (1), and that the transitions between the web (9) of the wheel frame and the legs (10,11) are designed with a radius (R) corresponding to half the diameter (D) of the wheels, characterized in a cross bar (16), which is provide on the wheel frame (8), and which extends from one leg (10) to the other leg (11), which cross bar is provided with one or several support means (17), so that the wheels in dismounted condition may be clamped between the transitions and the support pins (17).

Abstract: A multipurpose cart having a hand truck base with a nose extension, a tub, a handle wherein the handle is adjustably mounted in two positions 90 degrees apart, a shelf, caster wheels and a storage device. The multipurpose cart can be modified into various configurations for a variety of functions.

Abstract: A scooter device for providing a swingable skateboard device. The scooter device includes a first panel having a top side and a bottom side. The first panel is rigid. Each of a plurality of wheels is rotatably attached to the bottom side of the first panel. A handle is attached to the first panel. A second panel has an upper surface and a lower surface. The second panel is rotatably coupled to the first panel such that the lower surface of the second panel is facing the top side of the first panel.

Abstract: A crash bar adapted to be mounted specifically to HARLEY-DAVIDSON SPORTSTER® and EVOLUTION® motorcycle models from 1986 to present is provided to support a rider's feet in a more comfortable and stable riding position. The crash bar is designed and configured so as to prevent slippage of rider's feet therefrom and to provide the motorcycle with protection against damage should the motorcycle fall over. The crash bar is of a tubular configuration constructed of steel and defines a C-shaped portion serving as a first foot support surface, while a top member provides a second foot support surface. Spherical-shaped, chrome abutment elements are welded to the crash bar and provide a restraint against which rider's feet bear, thus preventing rider's feet from slipping while riding.

Abstract: A trailer hitch assembly for a vehicle includes a generally tubular receiver configured for attachment to the vehicle, and having a central aperture formed by walls of the receiver. The receiver has a rearward end. A hitch member is slidably received within the central aperture and has an attachment portion configured for attachment to a trailer. The hitch member is movable between an extended position in which the attachment portion protrudes from the rearward end of the receiver for attachment to a trailer, and a retracted position in which the attachment portion is positioned inside the central aperture for storage.

Abstract: A drawbar clevis assembly is attached to a drawbar having a first bore in an end thereof. The clevis assembly includes a clevis member which has a second bore spaced apart from and aligned with the first bore. The clevis member also has a pair of cross bore aligned with each other and extending generally perpendicularly with respect to the first and second bores. A drawbar pin is insertable through the second bore and into the first bore. The drawbar pin includes a shaft and a plate attached to one end of the shaft. A cross pin movably mounted in the cross bores and engagable with the plate to releasably retain the drawbar pin in the first and second bores. In a first embodiment, the cross pin is removable from the cross bores to permit withdrawal of the drawbar pin from the clevis member and drawbar.

Abstract: A security edge for skis and snowboards (1) which comprises indentations or protrusions with variable thickness which are designed, depending on the type of ski or snowboard, to be variable in length, width and height and offer a permanent grip on surfaces such as snow, ice, artificial snow etc.

Abstract: A snowboard binding mechanism for securing a snowboard boot to a snowboard includes at least one moveable engagement member having an open position and at least one closed position. When in the closed position, the engagement member is biased toward the open position. As a result, when a snowboard boot is not disposed in the binding mechanism, the binding mechanism automatically moves to the open position. The engagement member may also function to compensate for snow, ice or debris accumulated beneath the boot. A single handle may be operatively connected to the engagement members to facilitate ease of removal of the snowboard boot from the binding by simply requiring actuation of the single handle to unlock the binding. A separate foot pedal may be operably coupled to the engagement member and is also employed to unlock the binding. The binding mechanism may also include a cocking feature that unlocks the binding mechanism without also causing the engagement members to move to open positions.

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

Abstract: A novel airbag curtain fold configuration for a safety restraint system, especially well suited to protect occupants of a vehicle from lateral impact is described. One or more airbag curtains are provided to inflate between an occupant and a lateral surface, such as a door or side window. The airbag curtain includes a first and second side. A fold portion is configured adjacent the first side and a rolled portion is configured opposite the fold portion adjacent the second side of the airbag. Attachment tabs may extend from an edge of the airbag curtain beyond the rolled and fold portions to facilitate attachment of the airbag curtain to a vehicle as part of an airbag system. A method for folding an airbag curtain is described. A first edge of the airbag curtain is folded to a position adjacent a first side of the airbag curtain.

Abstract: A safety arrangement for a motor vehicle includes an airbag disposed in an area of a roof frame of a vehicle body which includes an “A” pillar, a “B” pillar, and a “C/D” pillar. A connecting tube is coupled to the airbag and extends in the area of the roof frame from the “A” pillar to the “C/D” pillar to conduct pressure gas from a pressure gas source to the airbag. The connecting tube is so configured as to provide stiffening for increasing a lateral rigidity of the roof frame and is firmly secured at least to the “A” pillar and the “C/D” pillar.

Abstract: An air bag restraint system for a transportation vehicle. The restraint system includes an inflatable curtain having a gas inlet, an upper edge, a lower edge and a perimeter. A gas emitting inflator is in fluid communication with the gas inlet. The inflatable curtain includes an inflatable flow channel in fluid communication with the gas inlet. The inflatable flow channel extends at least partially around the inflatable curtain in a path such that at least a potion of the inflation gas is communicated through the inflatable flow channel and along the lower edge.

Abstract: An automotive glove box assembly. The glove box assembly includes a storage bin and a door disposed in hinging relation to the storage bin. The door includes an expansible body having a face portion facing towards a vehicle occupant and a back portion in opposing relation to the face portion. The expansible body is operatively connected to at least one gas emitting unit such that upon discharge of gas from the gas emitting unit, the expansible body is pressurized and the face portion is projected outwardly to an extended position so as to intercept lower extremities of the occupant.

Abstract: An articulated, tiltable steering column and method for installing the same is provided. The steering column includes a locking mechanism for retaining upper and lower column members in selected positions of adjustment. The locking mechanism includes a rod received by and slidable along a longitudinal axis within a sleeve. A collar is journalled around the sleeve and includes diametrically opposed bores for receiving the shaft. A biasing member is secured on a first end to a mounting portion extending from the sleeve and is secured on a second end by the collar.

Abstract: A method and system for restraining an occupant on a vehicle seat, the occupant being pulled into the vehicle seat is provided with a force by a belt tensioner when a critical driving state is detected and then held in a pulled-back position on the vehicle seat with a holding force. The holding force selected is lower than the force for pulling the occupant back. A forward-looking detection system for a dangerous driving state and an occupant-position detection system unprovided, in which, when a dangerous driving state is detected, a belt tensioner is subjected to a force and the occupant is thereby pulled into the vehicle seat, and in which the occupant is held in a pulled-back position on the vehicle seat with a holding force which is lower than the force for pulling the occupant back.

Abstract: A shoulder belt retention device for keeping the shoulder strap portion of a vehicle seat belt system in place and away from the child's face, thus providing the child with maximum comfort and protection. The shoulder belt retention device includes a main loop portion that is positionable around a shoulder of a user. A shoulder belt retaining portion is designed for selectively securing a shoulder belt of a vehicle restraint system. The shoulder belt retaining portion maintains the shoulder belt in a substantially fixed spatial relationship with the shoulder of the user such that the shoulder belt does not rub a neck of the user during use.

Abstract: A fuel tank for a recreational vehicle such as a snowmobile is described. The fuel tank includes a fuel tank main body, side wings, and an upper steering post mount. The side wings provide support for mounting components of a vehicle thereto. The side wings extend outward from the fuel tank main body and are in fluid communication with the fuel tank reservoir of the main body. Additionally, the side wings extend downward creating a fuel pick-up recess area and a reserve. The fuel pick-up recess area and reserve independently create a toe hold or a footrest on an outer surface of the side wings. A snowmobile including a fuel tank having side wings is also described.

Abstract: An indexing system with a label display configured for connection to a stack holder for placement adjacent a stack of sheets held in the stack holder. The display has a label portion disposed in a viewing position beyond the stack and is configured for displaying label indicia thereon for identifying a section of the stack. A divider is configured for dividing the section of the stack from other sections and for mounting in the stack holder within the stack. A tab connected to the divider and positionable extending beyond the stack and over the label portion is configured to permit viewing of the indicia therethrough with the divider held in the stack holder. The stack holder preferably includes first and second covers and one of the covers is configured to permit viewing of the tab and a label indicia even when the covers are in the closed position.

Abstract: A system and method for making a repair to a damaged section of a conduit includes a pair of couplers, which securely mate, with undamaged sections of the conduit, which straddle the damaged section of the conduit; and a bridging duct, which replaces the damaged section. In one embodiment, the couplers are placed around the undamaged section of the conduit and the bridging duct is placed around the couplers.