Abstract: An improved hammermill assembly utilizing shear bolts and shear plates designed to break upon extreme loads exerted upon the hammermill assembly, thereby reducing the occurrence of damage to the hammermill assembly or attached equipment.

Abstract: A pulverizer housing liner for the housing unit of an EL pulverizer is made up of an arcuate liner body having an inner curved surface forming a segment of the circular housing unit and two circumferentially spaced flutes fixed to the inner surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to improvements to rock crushers, and in particular rotary impact rock crushers. The crushing chamber may be angled to achieve the desired rock product. Also disclosed is an anvil for use in crusher whereby the anvil position adjustable. The invention enables the operator to dial up a particular rock product specification by adjusting the angle of the crushing chamber and/or the position of the anvil. The adjustments may be made without ceasing the operation of the machine. Improved control over fracture mechanisms within the crushing chamber and as a consequence the rock product, are achievable with the present invention.

Abstract: Described is a reel that comprises a single side element that, when attached to a second identical side element, forms a complete reel structure. The side element comprises a ring. The preferably form of the ring comprises an inner ring attached to an outer ring by at least two, preferably eight spanning supports. There is an inner perimeter of the ring that has at least two, preferably four attachment apertures located nearby. There is a handle attached to the ring by two legs to an inner perimeter of the ring. The handle has a top side and a bottom side. Located in the center of the handle is an aperture that, when a rigid objected is inserted into the aperture, allows easy and convenient rotation of the reel thereby facilitating easy wrapping and unwrapping of the linear object.

Abstract: A recording-media tape reel including a cylindrical hub with its center line as an axis of rotation, and a pair of disc flanges extending radially from upper and lower ends of the hub. The tape reel meets the following Equation: H1−&agr;>H2+&bgr; in which H1 is a reference value for a distance from a reference plane perpendicular to the rotation axis along the bottom surface of the lower flange, to the radially inner end of the interior surface of the flange, a is a tolerance on the negative side of H1, H2 is a reference value for a distance from the reference plane to the radially outer end of the interior surface, and &bgr; is a tolerance on the positive side of H2.

Abstract: The center of pressure of a projectile is caused to move upon the occurrence of an event that changes the static margin, such as the jettisoning of a body previously attached to the projectile, as noted above. In particular embodiments, this is achieved by a flare disposed toward the rear of the projectile. The flare has petals that deploy from a first, stowed position to a second, deployed position upon the occurrence of said event. In the stowed position, the petals are aligned with the air stream, in order to minimize drag. In the deployed position, the petals project into the air stream in such a way as to move the lift center rearward. A slide ring within the flare has sufficient inertia that it shifts aft in response to an acceleration that occurs when the attached body and the projectile are separated from one another. The slide ring is linked to the petals in such a way that the petals are deployed by the displacement of the slide ring.

Abstract: A disclosed vertical lift flying craft includes a lift unit that, during operation, develops a force including an upward component. A payload unit suspends from the lift unit. The payload unit suspends from the lift unit in such a way as to impart lateral stability while remaining capable of horizontal flight, without incurring the adverse effects of a downward pitching moment. In addition to a lift unit and a payload unit, the vertical lift flying craft includes a pair of bearings and a suspension structure, which cooperate to suspend the payload unit from the lift unit. Other systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A wing-drive mechanism is described that permits, with proper control, movement of a wing about multiple wing trajectories. The wing-drive is capable of independent movement about three rotational degrees of movement; movement about a flap axis is independent of movement about a yaw axis, and both are independent of changes in the pitch of the wing. Methods of controlling the wing-drive mechanism to affect a desired wing trajectory include the use of a non-linear automated controller that generates input signals to the wing-drive mechanism by comparing actual and desired wing trajectories in real time. Specification of wing trajectories is preferably also accomplished in real time using an automated trajectory specification system, which can include a fuzzy logic processor or a neural network.

Abstract: An anti-hijacking security device, an associated kit for constructing the device and a method of using the kit for thwarting a hijacking event within an airplane are disclosed. The device includes a pressurized gas container, an incapacitating chemical agent, and an emergency control system. The pressurized gas container is operatively connected to the internal air ventilation system of the airplane. The incapacitating chemical agent is stored within the pressurized gas container. The emergency control system includes a gas release switch operatively connected to the pressurized gas container for the controlled release of the incapacitating chemical agent through the air ventilation system in the airplane. The kit includes the unconnected components of the device. The method of using the kit includes the steps of adjoining, affixing, assembling, attaching, bolting, connecting, coupling, erecting, fastening, joining, linking, locking, mounting, obtaining, and welding.

Abstract: An electrochromic aircraft window assembly includes: a) an outboard pane assembly; and b) a fog preventing electrochromic pane assembly spaced from the outboard pane assembly and defining a chamber therebetween, the fog preventing electrochromic pane assembly having: i) a first substrate having a first surface including a first conductive coating and a second surface including a second conductive coating; ii) a second substrate spaced from the first substrate, the second substrate having a first surface including a third conductive coating, the second surface of the first substrate and the first surface of the second substrate facing each other in spaced-apart relation to define a chamber therebetween; iii) an electrochromic medium contained in the chamber and in contact with the second and the third conductive coatings, the electrochromic medium having a luminous transmittance that varies upon application of an electrical potential through the electrochromic medium; iv) facilities for applying electrical cur

Abstract: A support for electrical conductors, optical fibers, gas tubes, etc., having an elongated base, portions at each end of the base extending towards the front of the support, each end portion containing an aperture oriented perpendicular to the length of that base and lying parallel to the base. The support has a plurality of U-shaped recesses with openings facing the front to form a fluted link. A plurality of the fluted links can be arranged into a flexible carrier belt by inserting wires through the apertures to hold the fluted links adjacent to each other with adjacent ones facing in opposite directions. During assembly of the carrier belt, the conductors, fibers or tubes, etc., to be supported are fitted into appropriate U-shaped recesses that provide support for those items. The flexible carrier belt provides conductor connections between a stationary part and a rotatable part of an apparatus.

Abstract: A boiler tube clamp, for securing boiler tubes in an equal-spaced, parallel arrangement, includes a pair of mating half-clamps having multiple opposed recesses sized to snugly cradle boiler tubes of a given diameter. The half-clamps are brought together around the boiler tubes and either welded or bolted together, thereby aligning the tubes in the desired arrangement. The bolts and/or clamps used to secure together the mating half-clamps of each of the embodiments of the invention are unaffected by downward abrasive action that typically occurs in boilers. For welded-together half-clamps, the welds are on top and bottom surfaces where they are shielded from abrasive action. For bolted-together half-clamps, the bolts are protected from abrasive action by recessing the bolt heads and retaining nuts.

Abstract: A fire sprinkler mount including a base, a bracket and a screw mounting the bracket to the base. The base includes a support attachable to a beam with two arms extending therefrom. Support holes extend through the arms. The bracket includes two parallel plates spaced to receive a standard sprinkler fitting. A cradle is provided at one of the plates while a retaining hole is provided on the other. The screw is able to rotate within the support holes and is threaded to a mounting hole in the bracket for vertical adjustment of the bracket retaining the sprinkler fitting.

Abstract: A device for supporting a container having a wire handle and a sidewall on a support structure is disclosed. The device includes a pair of spaced apart side members, with each of the side members having an upper portion adapted to engage the support structure and a notch sized to receive the wire handle. A central portion of the device is disposed between the side members, with the central portion defining a receiving area sized and shaped to receive the container such that the receiving area engages only the sidewall of the container.

Abstract: Stiffener apparatus for stabilizing a hanger rod includes a clamp having a mechanical fastener extending through openings formed in spaced clamp segments. The clamp is constructed of deformable material so that the clamp segments bend into engaged with a stiffener member extending along the hanger rod. Tightening of the mechanical fastener urges the stiffener member into tight engagement with the hanger rod.

Abstract: An adjustable display arm includes a telescoping assembly for positioning an electronic component in a plurality of vertical positions. The adjustable display arm is maintained in a plurality of vertical positions in the absence of upward or downward forces applied thereto by a counterbalancing assembly. Further, the adjustable display arm can be releasably locked in any one of a plurality of vertical positions using a locking assembly.

Abstract: A wall article hanging device includes a hanger body and a prong element. The hanger body is adapted to attach to the rear of a wall article, and contains opposing slots to receive the prong element. The prong element facilitates attaching the wall article to a wall surface. The prong element is separable from the body element to ease handling of the article prior to article hanging. The hanger body can be used without the prong element for hanging a wall article using items such as a nail and wire.

Abstract: A hydraulic actuator (20) with a built-in hydrostatic pressure compensator (111) is provided. The actuator (20) includes an actuator housing (30), a compensator cylinder portion (86), a compensator piston portion (94), a first compensator piston chamber (98), a second compensator piston chamber (103), a hydraulic port (106), and a hydraulic via (108). The compensator cylinder portion (86) is located within the actuator housing (30), is fixed relative to the housing (30), and has a compensator cylinder internal chamber (88) formed therein. The compensator piston portion (94) slidably fits within the compensator cylinder internal chamber (88). The first compensator piston chamber (98) is formed between a first side (101) of the compensator piston portion (94) and the compensator cylinder portion (86). The second compensator piston chamber (103) is formed between a second side (102) of the compensator piston portion (94) and the compensator cylinder portion (86).

Abstract: A fueldraulic metering valve uses pressurized liquid fuel to control flow of gaseous fuel to a jet engine combustion chamber. The valve has a disconnectable body defining a piston chamber and a cavity for an interchangeable venturi nozzle module, both disposed about a stroke axis. A servo valve controls flow of the liquid fuel through the piston chamber and supply and return ports. The liquid fuel drives a piston and pintle assembly to open and close off the throat of the venturi passageway, and thereby control metering of the gaseous fuel, which flow through separate intake and exhaust ports. The gas and liquid fuel are separated by a high temperature seal. The liquid fuel is routed through the piston and a special baffle to dissipate heat transferred to the seal and piston from the hot gaseous fuel. A LVDT position transducer provides feedback to the controller for correcting position error.

Abstract: An electromagnetic fuel injection valve comprises a movable unit having a valve element, an electromagnetic coil, and a magnetic circuit for magnetically attracting the movable unit toward a valve opening side through energization of the electromagnetic coil. The magnetic circuit is composed of a hollow, cylindrical stationary core, which defines a fuel passage extending axially through an injection valve body, a hollow seal ring made of a nonmagnetic or a feeble magnetic material, a hollow nozzle housing, and a movable core constituting a part of the movable unit. The stationary core and the nozzle housing are joined together through the seal ring. This electromagnetic fuel injection valve has improved responsibility.

Abstract: To provide a small-sized and low-cost proportional solenoid valve which is capable of controlling a bidirectional fluid flow. A core is fixed in a pipe, and a hollow shaft having an extreme end thereof closed by a valve seat and a portion adjacent thereto formed with valve holes is fixed in the core. Within the pipe, there are arranged a hollow cylindrical valve element axially movable using the shaft as a guide and urged in a direction away from the core by a spring, for opening and closing the valve holes, and a plunger, while outside the pipe, there is arranged a solenoid coil. The proportional solenoid valve has a body formed by the pipe, and the component parts for opening and closing the valve are arranged within the pipe, so that it is possible to reduce the size of the proportional solenoid valve, the number of component parts, and machining costs and material costs, which contributes to reduction of costs of the valve.

Abstract: Valve and valve lift system suitable for use in a regenerative thermal oxidizer, and oxidizer including the switching valve. The valve of the present invention exhibits excellent sealing characteristics and minimizes wear. In a preferred embodiment, the valve is sealed with pressurized air during its stationary modes, and unsealed during movement to reduce valve wear.

Abstract: The tap intended for controlling the flow of a fluid, for example of a gas, comprises a tap body (34), an inner member (36) for opening and closing the passage of the gases, an outer rotary operating handwheel (42), a connector member (40) connecting the operating handwheel (42) to the closing member (36) and a stop mechanism limiting the movement of the operating handwheel (42) and of the opening and closing member (36) in the opening direction of the tap. In order to avoid the tap becoming jammed in the open position, the stop mechanism that limits the movement of the operating member comprises of an abutment (44) and a counterabutment (46) with frontal contact, which are arranged respectively on a rotary element and on the body (34) of the tap, or vice versa.

Abstract: An improved quarter-turn valve having an improved valve stem and handle is presented. The valve stem has four substantially square sides of desired predetermined dimensions and a top surface. The valve stem dimensions may conform to ISO 5211. The valve stem has a keyway extending vertically along one of its sides and a position indicator line extending diagonally across its top surface to positively indicate the status of the valve, whether open or closed. The valve handle valve handle has a substantially square bore that conforms to the side dimensions of the valve stem and a key that extends into the valve handle bore at a desired location. The key conforms to the dimensions of the valve stem keyway so that the handle may be attached to the valve stem only in a desired position with respect to the position indicator line so that the status of the valve, whether open or closed, is indicated by the valve handle as well as the position of the position indicator line.

Abstract: An improved air outflow valve having a cable assembly that enhances its reliability. In a particular embodiment, the cable assembly couples the diaphragm to the control arm of the air outflow valve and includes a retainer and a cable. The retainer has a cavity to slidingly accept the end of the cable when the valve is operated in a manual mode. Thus, bending or kinking of the cable is substantially inhibited or prevented, resulting in improved valve reliability. The improved cable assembly also is available as a retrofit kit and a method of retrofitting an existing valve is also provided.

Abstract: A hard and soft plastic integral nozzle structure includes a built-in supporting frame member which is made of hard plastic, and at least having a left and a right clipping rod. A soft nozzle is formed integrally by inrection to wrap the the left and right clipping rods with a soft plastic. A taper board and a peripheral groove are provided in the center of the nozzle. The elasticity of the two clipping rods of the supporting frame made of hard plastic material brings an excellent anti-leaking effect for the water outlet crevice(s) at the center of the nozzle, as well as a fully open status thereof.

Abstract: A highway guardrail system is provided with an end terminal assembly mounted on a pair of support posts. Portions of the guardrail are attached to the support posts, the end terminal assembly preferably includes a kinetic energy absorbing assembly that dissipates energy from an impacting vehicle. An angle strut having a generally L-shaped cross section may be attached to the first support post and the second support post.

Abstract: A scent-emitting system includes a plurality of cartridges containing scented fluids and seated within pockets formed in a system tray. Heating members are provided for heating the cartridges to encourage the formation of scented vapors and an actuation subassembly is provided for selectively actuating the scent cartridges to release the scented vapors. An internal fan generates an air flow for communicating the scented vapors through housing vent openings to an external environment.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a vaporizer valve which accepts a carrier gas and a pressurized liquid and forms a mixture of the carrier gas and vaporized liquid. An internal cavity receives the carrier gas through a carrier aperture and the liquid through a liquid aperture, and the mixed gas and vapor are exhausted out of the cavity via a third aperture. A moveable diaphragm disposed adjacent to the liquid aperture forms a vaporization region having a pressure gradient. The liquid passing through this pressure gradient vaporizes due to expansion. By controlling the diaphragm position with a feedback control circuit responsive to a liquid flow rate monitor, the liquid flow rate may be controlled independently of the carrier gas flow rate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a packing for heat- and material-exchange columns, with a number of approximately perpendicularly arranged corrugated plates (or strips), with the side surfaces thereof lying adjacent to each other. The ribs of the above lie very close to each other and run from top to bottom, in the approximate form of an arc, whereby the ribs of two adjacent plates cross each other and the ribs in the upper region of a plate are straight and inclined to the upper, in particular, horizontal place are straight and inclined to the upper, in particular, horizontal plate edge and, in the lower region of the plate, run bent in the form of an arc.

Abstract: The performance of multiple downcomer fractional distillation trays is improved by intercepting the liquid egressing from the bottom of the downcomers in a manner which directs a portion of the liquid along the major axis of decking of the next lower tray. This is accomplished by the use of improved antipenetration pans suspended below the downcomers of the upper tray. The antipenetration pans have extensions running parallel to the decking areas of the next lower tray. A portion of the liquid falling from the upper downcomer flows to the end of the extensions, where it falls onto the lower decking at more distant points than with prior art antipenetration pans.

Abstract: The sleeve-shaped rolling-lobe flexible member (4) of a rolling-lobe spring (2) is made of elastomeric material and is provided with a reinforcement layer. The ends of the sleeve-shaped rolling-lobe flexible member (4) include neither beads nor cores. The rolling-lobe flexible member (4) is attached pressure-tightly to a cover (8) functioning as a connecting part and/or to a roll-off piston (10) of the spring (2). This pressure-tight attachment is achieved in that each clamping region (18, 20) of the connecting part (cover 8 and/or roll-off piston 10) is provided with a drawn-in connecting surface having at least one peripherally-extending raised portion (22, 24). Clamp rings (12, 14) are assigned to corresponding clamping regions (18, 20) of the connecting parts (8, 10). The clamp rings (12, 14) have respective peripherally-extending recesses (26, 28).

Abstract: A clamping device (1), particularly a machine vice (1), has a body element (2), a jaw (3) attached thereto, and an oppositely placed movable jaw, for displacement by a drawbar (4). The drawbar has a compression bar to be arrested at varying distances from the fixed jaw, and a force amplifying arrangement (5) acting on the spindle. The force amplifying arrangement includes at least one cylindrical tube (9) and at least two plungers (10, 11) that are movable in concentric cylinders. Two compression chambers are provided, an outer, low-pressure chamber (12) and a high-pressure chamber (14) acting on the clamping plunger (11) from the direction of the drawbar, wherein a functional connection is established between the two plungers so that at least one rod (18) having a smaller diameter than the diameter of the plungers and connected to the outer compression plunger (10) acts on the high-pressure chamber (14), which is filled with pressurising medium, preferably oil or liquid grease.

Abstract: A vise jaw assembly for supporting and securing an object to be worked upon in a vise is provided. The jaw assembly 10 has a block 14 with a plurality of apertures 16, a plurality of channels 40 passing through a portion of the block 14, a plurality of inlet holes 44, and a plurality of pins 48. Each pin 48 is located within an aperture 16 and is in slidable engagement with the aperture 16. The channels 40 can extend in a generally longitudinal direction of the block 14. Each channel has a first segment 42 in fluid communication with an inlet hole 44 and a second segment 45 in fluid communication with at least one aperture 16. At least one fluid passageway 46 extends from an inlet hole 44 to at least one aperture 16. Each pin 48 is independently deployable to a use position P1 and retractable to a non-use position P2. A plate 18 is secured to the rear surface 32 of the block 14 to enclose the channels 40.

Abstract: A sheet finisher for an image forming apparatus of the present invention includes a conveying device for conveying a sheet and a punch unit for punching the sheet being conveyed by the conveying device. A sheet edge sensor senses the edge of the sheet, which is being conveyed by the conveying device, parallel to the direction of sheet conveyance. A drive source moves the sheet edge sensor in a direction perpendicular to the direction of sheet conveyance. Another drive source moves the punch unit in the direction perpendicular to the direction of sheet conveyance in accordance with information output from the sheet edge sensor. A controller controls the two drive sources by a preselected pulse ratio, thereby causing the punch unit to accurately punch the sheet.

Abstract: A stapler processing apparatus includes a paper jogging tray 6 for a collated sheet 3, a paper jogging unit 7 for jogging the collated sheet 3 by pressing it on the tray 6 by a presser jogging member 13, a stapler 8 for stapling the collated sheet 3 jogged by the paper jogging unit 7 and a paper discharging unit 9 for discharging the collated sheet 3 stapled by the stapler 6 from the tray 6. In operation, when the stapler 8 staples the collated sheet 3, it is forced to the tray 6 while making an upper driven roller 30b in close contact with a lower drive roller 30a. After stapling by the stapler 8, the paper jogging operation of the paper jogging unit 7 is stopped and the upper driven roller 30b is separated from the lower drive roller 30a to release the collated sheet 3 from it nipped state once. Subsequently, the upper driven roller 30b is brought into close contact with the lower drive roller 30a again and the discharge operation is started.

Abstract: A sheet feeder has a sheet tray for storing sheets, a moving bottom plate being disposed on the bottom of the sheet tray for stacking the sheets, the moving bottom plate being elastically urged by an elastic member, a sheet delivery unit having a sheet delivery member being placed in contact with the sheet stored in the sheet tray for delivering the sheets in order from the top through the sheet delivery member, and an interlock mechanism for regulating a move of the moving bottom plate in response to the sheet stack amount so as to keep constant the contact relationship between the top sheet position of the sheets stored in the sheet tray and the sheet delivery member.

Abstract: A game board includes concentric circular areas (outer, middle, and center) each having a respective subset of piece locations. A barrier separates locations in the outer and middle areas and/or in the middle and center areas. Outer and middle area locations and some center area locations are disposed in a ring. Other center area locations are disposed inside the center ring. The barrier has two to four openings for pieces to pass through. A barrier separating the center and middle areas has at most four openings, preferably two aligned on a single diameter. Outer area locations have at least two different visual identifiers. A game includes providing a playing piece set to players, each set having one special piece and different other pieces identical to one another. Each player takes turns to prevent an opponent's special piece from being able to move without elimination of any piece during the game.

Abstract: A card game that is played by spectators watching or listening to a live baseball game. The game consists of a deck of cards equally distributed between two to nine players. Each card is associated with one of nine possible specific end batting events that can occur to a batter when batting. Prior to the first pitch, the card players examine their cards and consider the likelihood that the action or event depicted on one of their cards will occur to the next batter, taking into consideration the skill of the batter, the pitcher, and the game situation. The card player who holds the card that matches the actual action or end batting event that occurs to the batter, wins the round. The cards are then reshuffled and distributed to the card players before the first pitch is delivered to the next batter.

Abstract: A seal device (31) for a bearing system (21) is constituted by first and second seal rings (32) and (35). The first seal ring (32) is constituted by a lip seal (33) having a lip portion (33B) in sliding contact with an end face (23B) of a bush (23) which is fitted on a joint shaft (26), and a slide tube (34) having a seal surface (34C) on an end face at an axial end away from the lip portion (33B) which is formed integrally with a tubular body portion (33A) of the lip seal (33). The second seal ring (35) is fixedly fitted in a boss (22) radially on the outer side of the first seal ring (32), and provided with a seal surface (35D) on the inner side of an annular inward collar portion (35C) for sliding contact with the seal surface (34C) of the slide tube (34).

Abstract: A seal mechanism with improved pressure tightness is provided to eliminate a return piping to a fuel tank used for reducing pressure applied to the seal mechanism in a high pressure fuel pump. The seal mechanism includes a stress reduction mechanism for reducing the stress generated at the junction between its retaining member and flexible member.

Abstract: A neck seal is disclosed for use in an oil film bearing assembly for a roll in a rolling mill, the roll having a neck with an intermediate tapered section leading to a reduced diameter end section contained within a sleeve, with the sleeve being fixed in relation to the roll neck and being journalled for rotation in a bushing fixed within a chock. The neck seal is adapted to be mounted on the tapered section of the roll neck for rotation therewith at a location surrounded by a seal end plate fixed to the chock. The neck seal comprises a flexible circular body having axially spaced radially outwardly projecting first and second flanges configured and dimensioned to sealingly contact the seal end plate. First and second axially spaced ridges projecting radially inwardly from the circular body for contact with the tapered section of the roll neck.

Abstract: A metal gasket seals two engine members of an internal combustion engine. The metal gasket includes a metal gasket member extending substantially throughout an entire area of the engine members and has two surfaces to contact the engine members. At least two seal coatings are coated on the two surfaces of the gasket member to constitute sealing lines on the surfaces of the gasket member. One of the sealing lines on one surface of the metal gasket member is shifted from the other of the sealing lines on the other surface of the metal gasket member. Micro coatings are coated on the two surfaces of the gasket member. The thickness of the micro coating is less than that of the seal coating.

Abstract: A ski attachment for the front forks of a cycle with an extension having a first and second end, the first end of the extension adapted to be disposed between the forks of the cycle; attachment structure presented by the first end of the attachment member for releasable securement of the attachment member between the forks of the cycle; and a ski pivotally disposed at the second end of the attachment member. The ski attachment also includes a braking mechanism and shock absorbing structure.

Abstract: A ski vehicle includes a frame having a first ski mounted thereon. A steering column having a handlebar attached thereto is rotatably mounted to the frame. A second ski is mounted to the steering column. A seat post has a first end and an opposing second end. The first end of the seat post is hingedly, removably, and/or slidably mounted to the frame. A seat is mounted to the second end of the seat post.

Abstract: An improved lightweight two-wheeled infant conveyance for traveling with a child, that can be stored in a confining area or easily carried on a staircase, escalator, through revolving doors on an airliner or other public transportation. The present invention comprises an infant-chaise having a retractable handle, to permit transformation into a portable, compact unit. When transformed for use in a car seat, the present invention allows the conveyance apparatus to be installed having the child facing either in the forward or rear direction. A second embodiment of the present invention relates to a baby conveyance two-wheeled frame is suitable for transporting a baby in a carrier being supported on a transformable folding frame or being portably carried by its handle, and the handle also serving as to prop the foldable frame; wherein the frame folds into a compact arrangement ready for unfolding for use as an infant transporter.

Abstract: An independent suspension system has a pair of control arms having inner ends which are attached to a vehicle body and outer ends which support a wheel hub therebetween. A ball joint interconnects each control arm with the wheel hub. Each ball joint has a ball pin rotatably mounted in an associated housing. A first threaded shank on the ball pin is bolted to one of the control arm and the wheel hub. A second threaded shank on the housing is bolted to the other of the control arm and the wheel hub. Thus each ball joint is a separate unit which is demountable from the control arm and wheel hub and can be installed without dismantling the ball joint. Conveniently also a threaded shank of the ball joint may screw into a complementary threaded socket in a control arm to allow adjustment of the effective length of the control arm.

Abstract: A pivotal connection includes a pin through a bore in a carrier having an annular flange and annular groove at opposite ends, and opposing annular bearings having relative rotatable components fitted around the pin within the bore and abutting opposite sides of an annular member in the bore such that the pin is rotatable relative to the carrier. One bearing abuts a side of the flange and the other bearing is spaced from the groove so as to define an annular gap extending from the groove to the other bearing. The pivotal connection also includes a retainer member disposed in the groove and projecting therefrom and spaced by the gap from the other bearing and a series of shims and spacer positioned around the pin between the retainer member and other bearing so as to fill the gap to impose a predetermined preload on the bearings causing them to clamp therebetween the annular member in the carrier bore.

Abstract: An actuator assembly for moving an air valve between a position in which air is admitted to an air bag mounted in a vehicle and another position in which air is released from the air bag. The actuator assembly has a U-shaped rail that is attached to a cross member of the vehicle. The rail has a channel. A linear actuator is attached to the rail. The actuator has a moveable shaft. An actuator arm is attached to the rail and has a first end attached to the actuator. The actuator operates to linearly move the arm. A ball bearing is movably retained within the channel. The ball bearing has a stud extending from the ball bearing through the actuator arm and is attached to the actuator shaft. A mounting plate has an end attached to the air valve and another end attached to a second end of the actuator arm. The actuator operates to move the air valve so as to adjust the ride firmness of the vehicle.

Abstract: A bicycle having dual-purpose pedals is provided, wherein the structure of a main shaft tube of the bicycle is improved. The structure has a main shaft, a first spring, a gear bushing, a crank, a second spring, a washer and a fixing unit. The main shaft is received in the main shaft tube. The first spring is telescoped onto the main shaft. The washer, the second spring, and the gear bushing are received in order in a crank hole of the crank. The washer is fixed at the distal end of the main shaft by a screw. The fixing unit passes through and is fixed on the main shaft tube. The bicycle can be used as a conventional bicycle having a one-up-one-down, 360-degree, circular rotation pedaling function. The user can also change and control the two pedals to accomplish a same-up-same-down pedaling function for enhancing entertainment during use.