Abstract: A method is provided for determining when to allow a vehicle engine to be placed in an engine standby mode. Various conditions, such as driver-controlled conditions, vehicle conditions, and energy management conditions, are compared to corresponding predetermined conditions. If at least some of the conditions match their corresponding predetermined conditions, the vehicle engine is allowed to be placed in a standby mode.

Abstract: To provide desired shaft torque to a drive wheel without increasing the number of parts or increasing the size of a motor, to improve cooling capability of a generator housed inside a transmission case, and to improve energy transmission efficiency and electrical generation efficiency in an engine unit of a hybrid vehicle. A power unit structure for a hybrid vehicle is provided with an engine, a continuously variable transmission, a driven shaft, a drive motor and a reduction gear mechanism. The drive motor is attached to the reduction gear mechanism.

Abstract: In a vehicle drive system, a pair of rear wheels is driven by first and second motors. The first motor is designed to specifications suited to delivering torque at low rotational speeds and the second motor is designed to specifications suited to delivering torque at high rotational speeds. The motor used to drive the rear wheels is selected based on the vehicle speed. The change in the operations of the first and second motors is synchronized with a shifting of a transmission disposed between an engine and a pair of front wheels. Thus, the vehicle drive system is configured and arranged to accommodate speeds ranging from low speeds to high speeds in a sufficient manner without requiring the drive source to become large.

Abstract: An electrical power distribution apparatus for a bicycle comprises a housing adapted to be mounted to the bicycle, a regulator supported by the housing to receive power from a power supply, and an output disposed on the housing to supply regulated power provided by the regulator to a plurality of electrical components external to the housing.

Abstract: An aerodynamically constructed covering part for the underside of a motor vehicle, particularly a passenger car, is provided with an inflow opening and an air guiding element arranged adjacent to the inflow opening. In the driving operation, a partial flow of the cooling air flowing through between the covering part and the roadway is guided through the inflow opening and the air guiding element situated at least in areas above the covering part to an assembly and/or a chassis part situated above. In order to simplify the fastening between the covering part and the air guiding element, it is provided that the air guiding element is inserted into a receiving opening of the covering part and is separably connected with the covering part by way of slide-detent connections.

Abstract: In a hood lift capable of supplementing operational force of forwardly lifting and tilting a vehicle hood by torsional restoring force of torsion bars, a zero or neutral position of the torsion bars is set around a tilted balance or neutral position of the hood so as to suppress opening velocity and shocks when a hood reaches its maximum open degree.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an adjustable wheelbase personal mobility vehicle, which includes a wheelbase assembly including a front wheel assembly and a rear wheel assembly; at least one front wheel mounted relative to the front wheel assembly for controlling the direction of movement of said personal mobility vehicle; drive wheels mounted relative to the rear wheel assembly for driving the vehicle; a seat connected to the rear wheel assembly for supporting an operator; and a mechanism for retracting and extending the wheel base assembly which is a glide and channel assembly wherein the sides of the front wheel provide a channel and the rear wheel assembly has at least one glide on each side whereby the front wheel assembly is supported by the glides, which provide the support via the channels, so as to allow the scooter to extend or retract axially to extend lengthwise over the glides, and thus to vary the length of the vehicle.

Abstract: A wheel with a self-contained drive mechanism is provided to propel (or assist in propulsion of) bicycles, tricycles, and similar vehicles. The wheel preferably takes the form of a detachable wheel which is readily received within the dropouts of a bicycle frame or fork to be attached therein by a standard quick-release mechanism. Thus, the wheel may be added to (or removed from) preexisting standard bicycles and the like.

Abstract: A vehicle differential gear includes a power unit, a differential gear, two wheels and a brake. The power unit has a transmission wheel extending outward. The differential gear has one outer side threadably assembled with a driven wheel connected with the transmission wheel by a belt. The two wheels respectively have a transmission shaft connected with the bevel gear unit of the differential gear and driven to rotate by the differential gear. The brake is assembled with the differential gear to control the differential gear and brake a car. Thus, a proper driven wheel can be chosen for use according to preset running speeds of a car and then it is threadably assembled on one outer side of the differential gear, needless to make molds for various components to suit different running speeds of a car.

Abstract: A passenger protecting device includes an inflatable bag configured to be disposed underneath a front portion of a seat cushion. The device also includes a cover overlying the bag in a position between the bag and the seat cushion; wherein the cover is configured to be deformed by the inflating bag. The middle portion of the bag may be surrounded by an envelope.

Abstract: An electrically driven power steering control apparatus for a vehicle gives a steering assist torque to a steering mechanism by supplying electric power to an electrically driven motor based on a steering operation made by a driver. This control apparatus detects tiredness of a driver, and restricts an operation of the electrically driven motor based on the detected tiredness of a driver.

Abstract: An exhaust control apparatus for a motorcycle includes an exhaust collection pipe, which collects and combines exhaust gas from a plurality of exhaust pipes, and an exhaust valve. The exhaust valve is operatively attached to the collection pipe and controls flow of exhaust gas within the collection pipe. A pivot shaft of the exhaust valve is situated at an angle and is displaced from the centers of the exhaust pipes, such that the shaft is not aligned with the centers of the exhaust pipes. This arrangement of the pivot shaft provides a smooth, non-turbulent flow of exhaust gas, and reduces impedance to the flow of exhaust gas. The exhaust control apparatus may be mounted to reside within a recess formed in a motorcycle body frame, to reduce vehicle width.

Abstract: One of the mode lamps 38a, 38b and 38c of the mode indicator 38 corresponding to the current steering mode is turned on yellow and the other mode lamps are turned on green or turned off, thereby indicating whether front wheels 1, 1 and rear wheels 2, 2 are at neutral. A controller 39 does not operate a mode changing valve 24 even with an instruction outputted from a mode change switch 35 when the front and rear wheels are not at neutral, and operates, in response to an instruction outputted from the mode change switch 35, the mode changing valve 24 to establish a steering mode corresponding to the instruction when the front and rear wheels are at neutral. Also, the mode indicator 38 is controlled to always indicate, as the current steering mode, one corresponding to the steering mode actually established by the mode changing valve 24.

Abstract: A suspension control device includes a wheel grip state estimation device for estimating grip state of vehicle wheels based on variations of aligning torque of wheels to be steered, a vehicle rolling control device for controlling vehicle rolling, and a control parameter setting device for setting a control parameter of the vehicle rolling control device based on at least estimated grip state of the wheel grip state estimation device.

Abstract: A road surface reaction torque detector has a low-pass filter element whose time constant is determined in accordance with a vehicle speed that is detected by a vehicle steed detector and a motor rotation speed that is detected by a motor rotation speed detector. A road surface reaction torque estimation value is obtained in such a manner that the road surface reaction torque detector performs low-pass filter processing on steering shaft reaction torque signal that is outputted by a steering shaft reaction torque signal outputting means. As a result, an accuracy of estimation of road surface reaction torque is improved.

Abstract: Seismic emission system for use in an underground formation, using at least one seismic source movable successively in a plurality of prepared activation locations and method for implementing same. The system comprises for example a plurality of coupling devices (1) including each for example two anchor elements (12, 9?) tightly coupled with the formation (by cementing for example). These anchor elements are secured to the seismic source (V) such as a vibrator of any type or an impulsive source by transmission elements (10, 13). The seismic source is coupled with coupling device (1) by fast locking means (18, 19). Coupling devices (1) can be preinstalled at a plurality of prepared activation locations above the formation to be monitored. Seismic monitoring operations can be carried out by moving at least one seismic source successively between the different locations where coupling devices (1) are installed.

Abstract: A present waterproof patient handset includes a speaker contained within an enclosure. The enclosure has a number of holes sufficient to allow sound to pass from the speaker through the enclosure. A foil is placed on the enclosure over the holes, and attached to the enclosure only at the foil's perimeter such that the remainder of the foil acts as a second membrane for the speaker. At the same time, the foil seals the speaker against intrusion by a liquid. A protection plate with holes sits between the enclosure and the speaker, and provides mechanical protection for the speaker. A rear cover has at least one boss having at least one deformable rib. The boss is inserted through a hole in a printed circuit board (PCB). The rib is deformed when the PCB is pressed with the front cover against the rib.

Abstract: An exhaust system for use in combination with a combustion engine. The exhaust system includes a silencer having an outer casing that defines an interior and an internal construction within the interior and co-extruded with the outer casing so that the outer casing and the internal construction constitute a one-piece extrusion. The outer casing has a length in a longitudinal direction and a substantially uniform cross-section in a transverse direction. The internal construction has at least one wall that extends the length of the outer casing to define with the outer casing at least two longitudinal chambers within the interior of the outer casing. The wall has a deformed portion and passages through the deformed portion so that the silencer has a path through which gas flows from a first of the two longitudinal chambers and through the passages into the second longitudinal chamber, resulting in noise reduction for the combustion engine.

Abstract: Apparatus for the release of pressurised fluids comprising an opening through which pressurised fluids may pass and an attenuator member extending over said opening. The attenuator member operates to control the flow of said fluid and attenuate sound associated therewith.

Abstract: A system for attenuating exhaust noise from an engine with a first group of active cylinders and a second group of deactivatable cylinders includes a first exhaust manifold connected to the first group of active cylinders and a second exhaust manifold connected to the second group of deactivatable cylinders. The second exhaust manifold is connected to the first exhaust manifold such that the second exhaust manifold acts as a resonator to attenuate sound from the first group of active cylinders when the second group of cylinders is deactivated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sound absorber comprising an inner component and an outer component surrounding said inner component, said inner component defining an inner wall provided with apertures, and said outer component defining an outer wall extending along said inner wall. For improving the sound-absorbing properties as well as the flexibility of the sound absorber, the outer wall is implemented as a bellows which, together with the inner wall, defines individual cavities, the apertures of the inner wall opening into said cavities.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment safety harness includes two straps that are operatively connected at a juncture and a D-ring proximate the juncture. A retrofittable, removable back panel padding is configured and arranged to accommodate the straps and the D-ring to aid in the comfort in donning the safety harness.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment safety harness includes two straps operatively connected to a D-ring, which is operatively connected to a biasing mechanism urging the D-ring to an upright position. The safety harness may also include an impact indicator for providing indication when the D-ring has been subjected to a force and a wear pad for reducing wear on the straps of the safety harness.

Abstract: A platform lift system includes a mounting frame that is fixedly engaged into a scuttle hole formed in a horizontal supporting surface (i.e., attic floor or room ceiling) and a foldable ladder that is supported by the frame. A separate trolley carries a lift platform that may be selectively raised or lowered in order to transport objects to/from the attic space. The trolley is moveable horizontally along a track that may be provided on a floor of the attic space. At a first end of travel of the trolley along the track, the trolley is disposed laterally alongside and vertically offset from the mounting frame such that the space above the mounting frame is unimpeded to permit a user to access the attic space using the deployed ladder. At a second end of travel of the trolley along the track, the trolley is aligned vertically with the mounting frame to permit use of the lift platform.

Abstract: A ladder safety support for use with an existing ladder is disclosed. The support includes an attachment assembly for removable connection to the lower end of the ladder and one of two interchangeable foot assemblies for supporting the ladder on a surface. The first foot assembly provides a surface-penetrating stake having a lower tapered section and presenting a pointed tip and a threaded portion for removably attaching the stake to the assembly. The second foot assembly is similarly removable and provides a surface-engaging pad.

Abstract: A new and improved foot strap for a tree stand has adjustable arch and heel portions that are selectively adjustable about the arch and heel of the user. The strap may be easily attached and removed from any tree stand and the adjustable strap gives the user a greater measure of control over the tree stand.

Abstract: A ladder that is more user friendly than the arts that are on the market today. This is accomplished by moving the steps of the ladders closer together than present day ladders, and by putting a warning bell on the second step from the bottom warning there is another step below before landing on a solid surface. Adjustable legs are a new feature in this new art of modem ladders. This eliminates time spent looking for a block or another object to put under the leg. Thus saving time. Having the steps closer together makes it easier for the elderly and people with shorter legs to assend and desend the ladder.

Abstract: An automatic hydraulic stabilizing system for a vehicle automatically extends jacks of the vehicle to achieve a level orientation of the vehicle in an automatic mode or a manual mode. After a level orientation is achieved, the system can be operated to further extend the jacks to elevate the vehicle above the initial level orientation in an automatic mode while maintaining the vehicle level. The system can also retract the jacks in an automatic mode while maintaining the vehicle level.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thread brake with a holding means (17), a bearing pin (25), which has an assembly section (24) disposed in the holding means (17) and a bearing section (26) projecting out of the holding means (17), two brake elements (33, 34) displaceably disposed on the bearing section (26) and a pretensioning mechanism intended for adjustment of the braking force. The pretensioning mechanism includes a spring (29) pretensioning the assembly section (24), a tension element (39) attached to the bearing section (26) and an adjusting and protecting member (20), which is disposed to be axially displaceable in the holding means (17) and houses the assembly section (24) and the spring (29). The invention additionally relates to textile machines and thread feed devices equipped with such a thread brake (FIG. 3).

Abstract: A gasket device for use on a brake drum or wheel hub comprises an annular, flat gasket seal made of flexible polyethylene. One embodiment has a circular outer periphery with a diameter corresponding to the diameter of an annular attachment surface of the drum or hub. This seal has a circular central opening with a diameter corresponding to that of a central, cylindrical extension adjacent the drum or hub. A plurality of small openings readily accommodate wheel studs on the drum or hub. The first embodiment is mounted between the drum or hub and a central mounting portion of the vehicle wheel. This seal prevents bonding of the wheel to the attachment surface as a result of corrosion. In a second embodiment, the outer periphery of the gasket seal has a diameter corresponding to an outer diameter of a hub flange in the brake and wheel assembly. This second version is mounted between an annular attachment surface of the assembly and an inner surface of the drum.

Abstract: A displacement sensor utilizes a Hall effect sensor and a magnet, but has an extended range compared to conventional Hall effect displacement sensors. Relative movement between the sensor and the magnet is defined such that the path of movement is not parallel to an axis between the north and south poles of the magnet. Thus, the total path of movement is greater than in the prior art. One particularly preferred application for this sensor is in a disc brake, and as part of an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the position of the disc brake pistons. The displacement sensor is relatively small, and thus can be accommodated in the crowded environment of the disc brake adjustment mechanism. On the other hand, with the inventive large range displacement sensor, the simple and compact sensor can provide adequate measurement of the displacement of the piston.

Abstract: To provide a disk brake which makes it possible to efficiently manufacture a brake caliper and a vehicle body side support portion, while maintaining the positioning accuracy of the brake caliper. A front disk brake includes a brake caliper provided with a pair of caliper side mount portions and a caliper bracket provided with a pair of bracket side mount portions. The brake caliper is fixed to the caliper bracket by mounting fastening bolts in bolt passing holes and screw holes formed respectively in the mount portions. The bolt passing holes and the screw holes are provided at their portions on the sides of opposed surfaces with counterbores in which collar members are to be fitted. The lower-side counterbore in the brake caliper is formed in an oblong sectional shape elongate in the arrangement direction of the lower-side counterbore and the upper-side counterbore paired therewith.

Abstract: A brake caliper includes an actuator, a moveable brake pad including a brake pad backplate having a generally planar portion, and a friction material secured to the brake pad backplate. The brake pad backplate is being generally arcuate in shape and defines a friction material outer radius and has a friction face for engagement with a brake disc. The brake pad defines a wear limit of the friction material at a wear limit plane that is parallel to the friction face. The brake pad backplate includes a first pad abutment to limit rotation of the brake pad in a first direction. The first pad abutment is defined on a first lug surface of a first lug projecting from the generally planar portion, and the first lug surface is at a radius larger than the friction material outer radius and is positioned on the friction face side of the wear limit plane.

Abstract: A vehicle brake system includes a brake actuator, a brake controller operative to control the brake actuator, and at least one position sensor which senses a current position of at least one moveable brake component and provides a current position signal indicative of the current position of the at least one moveable brake component to the brake controller. The brake controller is operative to cause actuation of the brake actuator based at least in part upon a position indicative command received by the brake controller indicative of a commanded position of the at least one moveable brake component and at least in part based upon the current position signal.

Abstract: A brake slack adjuster is provided that includes a housing having an opening with a gear arranged within the opening. The housing includes a bore adjacent to the opening. A worm gear has an axis disposed within the bore and is an engagement with the gear. The worm gear has an end portion with helical teeth. An actuator loosely is arranged within the bore and includes an inner surface with complementary helical teeth engaging the helical teeth of the worm gear. An actuator rod includes an end arranged within the actuator aperture. The rod end is captured in the actuator by a retainer. A pawl assembly is supported by the housing and coacts with the actuator for retaining the actuator in a rotational position relative to the axis. Biasing members are arranged between the actuator and housing bore to urge the actuator engagement with the worm gear end portion.

Abstract: A friction assembly has a brake pad and a noise damping shim. The noise damping shim is engaged with a backing plate of the brake pad using a coupler. The coupler has a first coupler member formed on the backing plate and a second coupler member formed on the shim. In certain embodiments, the coupler may be a rivet coupler or a snap-in coupler.

Abstract: An apparatus for actuating a brake comprising force transmission means for transmitting force to a friction pad of a brake, at least one piezo-electric device operable when energised to change shape and/or size so as to apply a force to the force transmission means in a direction for actuating the brake, and retaining means operable to resist movement of the force transmission means in an opposite direction

Abstract: The present invention provides the art with a shock absorber which is capable of compensating for the differing thermal expansion between two materials. The shock absorber in its various embodiments includes a free floating pressure tube that is able to expand or contract axially without breaking a seal, a hybrid piston rod with a shaft of one material that compensates for differing thermal expansions and a cap of another material that absorbs axial forces, a unique rod guide assembly with a biasing member that compensates for differing thermal expansions, and a unique cylinder end assembly with a biasing member made from springs, a rubber block, or pressurized gas.

Abstract: A valve for controlling fluid flow through a passage defined by a valve body or a piston includes a valve disc which abuts the valve body or the piston. The valve body or the piston defines a first land for supporting the valve disc, a second land for supporting the valve disc located radially inward from the first land and a support surface for the valve disc located between the first and second lands. This valve disc abuts the first and second lands and a clearance is defined between the valve disc and the support surface.

Abstract: A hydro-pneumatic suspension system includes one or more hydraulic suspension cylinders mounted between the vehicle body and the axle. Each cylinder includes a piston chamber and rod chamber, each of which are connected to an accumulator and which can be connected to a pressure source and a tank by valve systems. The valve system for the rod chamber includes a first solenoid valve and a hydraulically and electrically actuated proportional pressure adjusting valve. The proportional valve is exposed to rod chamber pressure and to tank pressure. The rod chamber pressure can be applied on the proportional valve either directly as control pressure or can be detected with a sensor, and can be used to control the proportional valve. Such a system can influence the dependency of the suspension stiffness on the axle load and can be used to adjust the stiffness to ballast conditions and operating or driving states.

Abstract: A dual tube shock absorber includes a baffle located in the reservoir chamber to define a non-linear flow path within the reservoir chamber. The baffle extends between the pressure tube and the reservoir tube such that the non-linear flow path is the only flow path between two portions of the reservoir chamber. One embodiment is a T-shaped baffle, and another embodiment has a base section and an upright section with a wire being embedded in the base section.

Abstract: A valve for controlling fluid flow through a passage defined by a valve body or a piston includes a valve disc which abuts the valve body or the piston. The valve body or the piston defines a first supporting member for the valve disc, a second supporting member for the valve disc located radially inward from the first supporting member and a third supporting member for the valve disc located between the first and second supporting members. This valve disc abuts the first and second supporting members and a clearance is defined between the valve disc and the third supporting member.

Abstract: A rod guide assembly for a shock absorber includes a seal assembly which is biased towards a sealing surface on the rod guide by a biasing member which is located between the seal assembly and the bearing which is assembled to the rod guide housing. The biasing of the seal assembly prohibits movement of the seal assembly during operation of the shock absorber. In addition, a wire circlip which radially biases the seal assembly can be included.

Abstract: A dual circuit pilot master cylinder for a full power brake system provides a minimally sized package for installation in a vehicle cab interior. The master cylinder utilizes a side-by-side disposition of the primary and secondary cylinders and a brake pedal linkage to the pistons allowing flexibility in location of the device.

Abstract: An expansion mechanism for use with a piece of luggage, the expansion mechanism being designed to resiliently support, but not rigidly lock, a piece of expandable luggage in an extended position. The expansion mechanism allows for float at intermediate positions between a collapsed and extended position further preventing damage to the mechanism by allowing it to internally shift to compensate for shocks, and to allow the mechanism to continue to function even if it is bent or damaged. The expansion mechanism also allows for moveable parts of the mechanism and pinch points to be protected from interaction with the contents of the luggage.

Abstract: A lock device of a retractable handle has a base and a slide movably mounted on the base for movement between a first position and a second position. The slide has two lateral sides on each of which has a lowland portion, an upland portion and a guiding portion between the lowland portion and the upland portion. Two springs exert the slide moving to the first position. A first ball and a second ball are respectively against the lateral sides of the slide. The first ball is moved to the upland portion and the other ball is moved to the lowland portion while the slide is moved to the first position and the first ball is moved to the lowland portion and the second ball is moved to the upland portion while the slide is moved to the second position.

Abstract: A carrying case includes an outer enclosure defined by a pair of clam-shell members and a hinge for connecting the pair of clam shell members to each other along a respective edge thereof. A closure member is provided which is secured to at least one of the pair of clamshell members, for selectively securing adjacent edges of the pair of clam shell members to each other. Each of the clam-shell members has an exterior face. A shape is defined on at least one of the exterior faces of the pair of clam-shell members by a patch of hook and loop material. At least one overlay is provided which is cut within a perimeter of the shape. The overlay includes opposite front and back sides with a hook and loop material located on the back side for releasable attachment of the overlay to the shape and hence the clam shell exterior face.

Abstract: A clutch and/or brake unit is described with at least three components that can rotate relative to each other, each of which is connected, fixed against rotation, with at least one disk. The disks can selectively be brought into frictional engagement, friction locked, with each other. In order to permit a simplified configuration, that can be manufactured simply and cost effectively, it is proposed that at least one first disk be connected, fixed against rotation, with a first component which is connected, fixed against rotation, to a disk that is connected, fixed against rotation, to a second component which can be brought into frictional engagement over a radially outer friction lining. Furthermore the at least one first disk can be brought into frictional engagement with at least one third disk connected, fixed against rotation, to the third component over at least one radially inner friction lining.

Abstract: A oneway clutch assembly comprises an outer race and an inner race, torque transmitting members disposed between the outer race and the inner race, a biasing spring for biasing the torque transmitting members, side plates disposed on the both sides of the torque transmitting members in the axial direction thereof, and detachment preventing means for restricting movements of the torque transmitting members, the biasing spring, and the side plates in the axial direction, and being elastically engaged with the outer race or the inner race. One of the side plates is provided with an engagement projection extended in the axial direction and the engagement projection is fitted in the detachment preventing means.

Abstract: A torque fluctuation absorbing device includes a first rotational member transmitted with a torque from a driving power source, a damping mechanism connected with an input shaft of a transmission, the damping mechanism having a pair of frictional members of approximately annular-shaped fixed at both surfaces of a disc, and a limiter portion for frictionally engaging the pair of frictional members with the first rotational member in a substantially direct manner or in a substantially indirect manner via a pair of frictional plates. An actual length of at least one of the pair of frictional members ranges substantially between 1 percent and 6 percents of a major diameter of the at least one of the pair of frictional members.