Abstract: An airbag cushion is disclosed for use in automotive protective systems. The airbag cushion includes a tube that may be restricted to prevent gas venting. A cord is coupled to the tube and to a surface of the cushion. Upon airbag deployment, the cord extends until taut or extends until the cushion encounters an obstruction. If pulled taut, the cord tightens the tube and restricts gas venting. If the cushion encounters an obstruction, the cord remains lax and the tube is able to vent gas.

Abstract: An airbag cushion is disclosed for use in automotive protective systems. The airbag cushion includes a vent that, prior to cushion deployment, extends from the cushion exterior. A tether is coupled to the vent and to an interior surface of the cushion. Upon airbag deployment, the tether extends until taut or extends until the cushion encounters an obstruction. If pulled taut, the tether pulls the vent into the cushion interior where the interior air pressure effectively closes the vent. If the cushion encounters an obstruction, the tether remains lax, and the vent remains on the cushion exterior. Means are provided for retaining the vent in the closed position during occupant ride down.

Abstract: A gas bag module includes a gas bag, a gas generator, a first and a second fastening element, a section of the gas bag being fastened between the first and the second fastening elements, and a discharge opening for diverting gas generated by the gas generator and introduced into the gas bag. The discharge opening can be brought from a closed state into an opened state and comprises at least one opening in the first and in the second fastening elements. A section of the gas bag extends over the discharge opening in the closed state and the gas bag is exposed towards an interior of the gas bag in a region of the discharge opening. Means are provided which partially destroy the gas bag in the region of the discharge opening, in order to uncover the discharge opening.

Abstract: A quick-release steering wheel for a work vehicle is configured to engage with and quickly release from one or more steering posts in an operator compartment of a vehicle. The operator compartment has two operator stations, each station having a steering post to which the steering wheel can be quickly and releasably attached. In use, the operator can pivot the operator seat in the operator compartment to face one or another of the two steering stations. The operator can quickly move the steering wheel from one operator station to the other without tools by depressing a spring-loaded pin. By removing the wheel from one station and moving it to the other, the operator makes additional room into which he can pivot or slide the seat. This arrangement permits the operator compartment to be made smaller and more compact by positioning the two steering posts and operator stations closer together.

Abstract: A vibration dampening device configured for mounting to a steering wheel, comprising: a pair of masses each having a pair of springs mounted thereto, each spring comprising a pair of mounted ends; a pair of mounting members each being configured to receive and engage one of the pair of mounting ends of the pair of springs, wherein, the vibration dampening device reduces the torsional vibration input into the steering wheel.

Abstract: A vehicle frame assembly includes first and second generally parallel chassis rails. At least one of the first and second chassis rails has a first portion defining an internal cavity and at least a second portion defining an enclosed passageway extending along the first portion and within the internal cavity. The at least one of the first and second chassis rails is configured to be coupled to a first component and to provide a routing within the passageway between the first component and a second component.

Abstract: A fuel tank is provided which suppresses wave motion on the liquid surface of fuel which occurs when a vehicle accelerates or decelerates. A front wall and/or a rear wall of the fuel tank includes a plurality of steps formed integrally therewith. The liquid surface of the fuel striking the steps is dispersed, and wave motion on the liquid surface is thereby suppressed. Since the steps are formed in the front wall and/or the rear wall of the fuel tank, the volume of the tank is not reduced.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for verifying the authenticity of bank notes or other notes having a security thread embedded therein, said apparatus comprising a scanning unit comprising at least one light source disposed opposite to at least one detector, wherein said at least one detector outputs a signal responsive to the transmitted light. As the bank note is swiped between the light source and detector the resultant output is processed, digitally encoded and correlated with stored characteristics corresponding to the transmission properties of an authentic bank note. These stored characteristics corresponding to the transmission properties of an authentic bank note are obtained by calibrating the apparatus with an authentic bank note.

Abstract: A compression fitting for rigid or semi-rigid pipes comprising an internal element (11) onto which the pipe (12) is fitted and into which at least one circumferential groove (13) is machined and an external sleeve (20) usually cylindrical is positioned around the pipe and intended to be deformed by radial compression to push the wall of the pipe inside said groove. The external wall of the sleeve (20) bears a circumferential protruding bead (22) in line with its area which is founded in line with the groove of the internal element with interposition of the wall of the pipe, so that the compression of the sleeve by action of a cylindrical pressing wall (30) acts on the bead to deform the sleeve with the purpose of pushing the wall of the pipe inside said groove of the internal element.

Abstract: A hose nipple for a hose connecting means for insertion in one end of a hose, having a first region of the hose nipple, which region is insertable into the hose and has a contacting surface which is then in bearing contact with the hose, the contacting surface having a knurl.

Abstract: A pipe lap joint for use with vehicle exhaust systems which includes an inside pipe end telescopically inserted into an outside pipe end with the pipe ends secured together by a band clamp. The outside pipe end includes a sealing zone having a collapsible sealing slot that enables the outside pipe end to be drawn tight over the outside surface of the inside pipe end via the band clamp to thereby provide a fluid-tight seal between the pipes. The sealing slot extends from an open end of the outside pipe end and includes a pair of opposing sidewalls each having a tooth and recess. As the band clamp is tightened, the sealing slot collapses such that the teeth of the sidewalls move into the opposing, complementarily-shaped recesses, while adjoining circumferential edges of the teeth engage each other to thereby form a fluid seal.

Abstract: The siphon for toilets comprises a first tubular element (2) for connecting a discharge of the toilet and a second tubular element (4) for connecting to a wall discharge pipe. The first tubular element and the second tubular element are rotatably connected together water-tight, so as to be able to be rotated between a low-bulk transportation position and an installation position with the tubular elements extended.

Abstract: A tubular connection and methods of manufacturing a box member. The tubular connection includes a box member that includes an internal thread and a pin member that includes an external thread. The external thread is adapted to threadedly engage the internal thread. A substantially helical groove is formed on an outer surface of the box member. The method of manufacturing the box member includes selecting an outer diameter for a box member that causes the tool joint to have a greater than a selected bending strength ratio. A helical groove is formed on the outer diameter of the box member such that the helical groove reduces the bending strength ratio to be about the selected bending strength ratio. An internal thread is formed on an internal surface of the box member. Another method of manufacturing the box member includes forming an internal thread on an internal surface of a cylinder and forming a substantially helical groove on an outer surface of the cylinder.

Abstract: A pin and box of a threaded connection are provided with interference fit metal-to-metal seals on both sides of a reverse thread section. The pin nose and box nose respectively are received in undercuts in the box shoulder and nose shoulder. The pin nose and box nose engage the respective shoulders at the same time on make-up. The thread section has a low profile, and the pin and box are kept short to reduce bending stresses.

Abstract: Clamping devices and methods for supporting pipes that experience biaxial loading forces are provided. The clamping device transmits forces from the pipe to surrounding supporting frame structure. In one embodiment, a clamp apparatus includes a first piece having first and second staggered notches and a second piece having first and second staggered notches. The first and second pieces are placed in contact with each other with the first staggered notches of the first and second pieces contacting each other and the second staggered notches of the first and second pieces contacting each other. The clamp apparatus forms a cavity for receiving a pipe.

Abstract: An energy generating system for a telecommunications facility includes a hydrogen fuel supply system. The hydrogen fuel supply system includes a source of liquid hydrogen which uses a high pressure expansion tank along with additional storage tanks. The system also incorporates first and second stage heat exchangers. The first stage exchanger is used to benefit from the endothermic reaction created when liquid hydrogen transforms into vapor. The cooling provided from this state change is transferred into a second medium which is delivered into a second stage heat transfer device and then used for air conditioning purposes. The system also includes a hydrogen generator which may be used to create AC power by combusting vaporous hydrogen.

Abstract: Provided is a distributed-power-generation system capable of maintaining an operation point and a method of controlling the same. The distributed-power-generation system comprises: a fuel cell producing current and high-temperature gas through an electric chemical reaction of hydrogen and oxygen; a turbine obtaining rotation power using heat produced by the fuel cell; a compressor supplying air to the fuel cell using the rotation power of the turbine; a motor/generator unit acting as a motor using a current supplied from a battery in a starting mode, and as a generator rotating by rotation power of a turbine and generating a current in a generating mode; and an inverter unit supplying a DC power produced by the fuel cell and an AC power produced by the motor/generator unit for a three-phase power system.

Abstract: A multipoint sliding door latch including a housing, a pair of vertically spaced upper and lower hooks mounted in the housing for movement between a retracted, unlatched position within the housing and an extended, latched position extending out of the housing for engagement with a keeper structure of an associated jamb, upper and lower rotary actuators mounted in the housing in vertically spaced side by side relation between the upper and lower hooks, an upper link mechanism interconnecting the upper actuator and the upper hook and operative in response to rotary movement of the upper actuator to move the upper link from an unlatched to a latched position, and a lower link mechanism interconnecting the lower actuator and the lower hook and operative in response to rotary movement of lower actuator to move the lower hook from an unlatched position to a latched position. The latch further includes a rack positioned between the actuators and defining gear teeth on opposite parallel faces thereof.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to boxcar, railcar, tractor trailer, ocean vessel, or other type shipping container, doors. Specifically, a top-mounted, sliding door is disclosed herein.

Abstract: A reversible latch assembly has a faceplate assembly, a latch bolt assembly, a bolt-releasing assembly, a guardian bolt assembly, a driver assembly and a casing assembly. The latch bolt assembly, the bolt-releasing assembly and the guardian bolt assembly are rotatably mounted inside the casing assembly and allow the latch assembly to be reversed and used in either a clockwise or counterclockwise opening door.

Abstract: A fastening device B comprises a support member secured to one body to be fastened, a base member secured to the other body to be fastened, an operating lever having a U-shaped configuration in section and a basal end of which is turnably connected to the base member through a first shaft, an arm one end part of which is turnably connected to the support member through a second shaft and the other end part of which is turnably connected to the basal end part of the operating lever through a third shaft, and a lock mechanism for locking the operating lever at an overlap position with respect to the base member. The lock mechanism includes a lock claw disposed at the base member, a lock pin laid between opposite side walls of the operating lever, and a pin biasing member received in the operating lever for biasing the lock pin toward the lock claw.

Abstract: An apparatus for opening a closed latch and method for using the same. An elongated resilient member is fashioned and pushed between a latched door and its door frame through a hole in a doorstop toward the mechanism of the closed latch. After the member has been pushed past the mechanism of the closed latch, it can be turned about its longitudinal axis to move the latch to an open position, allowing the latched door to be opened.

Abstract: A vending machine cabinet that is retained in a closed position by a hook that is engaged by a vertically moveable latch bar can be latched closed without actuating a solenoid by means of a cam attached to one of the hooks. To engage the latch bar, the hook extends through an opening in the latch bar. Prior to the hook passing through the opening, an angled surface of the cam engages an upper surface defined by the opening in the latch bar. As the door is closed, the cam rotates through an angle less than ninety degrees, thereby lifting the latch bar until the upwardly extending finger of the hook can move through the opening of the latch plate. When the door is fully closed, the surface of the cam is moved from beneath the upper edge of the opening in the latch plate thereby allowing the latch plate to drop behind the hook, latching the door closed.

Abstract: A door lock assembly includes: a first engaging member secured in a socket in the door frame; and a latch mechanism including a hollow mounting body mounted on the door panel, and a latch unit including a latch bolt that is retractable into the hollow mounting body, and that is operable to move relative to the hollow mounting body from a first retracted position to an extended position, in which the latch bolt extends into the socket. The latch unit further includes a second engaging member that is mounted movably on the latch bolt and that is actuated to move relative to the latch bolt from a disengaging position to an engaging position, in which the second engaging member engages releasably the first engaging member.

Abstract: A bumper beam for a vehicle in the form of a hat beam is adapted to be mounted with its opening facing outwards from the vehicle. The beam has a web height that varies along the beam. The web height in portions (25, 26) between a central portion (24) and fastening portions (18, 19) on each side of the central portion has a reduce web height as compared with both the central portion and the side portions.

Abstract: An energy absorbing bumper has a support structure, brackets for attaching the support structure to a bus or commercial vehicle or the like, a facia attached to the support structure, and an energy absorbing structure disposed between the support structure and the facia. The facia has significant variations in size, shape, and other aspects relating to styling and appearance.

Abstract: An article that is mounted for protecting an automobile body is stored within the automobile body by electric power when the automobile body does not need to be protected. A device stores within the automobile body by electric power an article (2) having an article (1) for protecting the automobile body mounted thereto and being of the same material as the automobile body. The device installs by electric power the article for protecting the automobile body into a state in which it protects the automobile body, primarily, when the automobile is parked. The device stores by electric power the article for protecting the automobile body when the automobile is running.

Abstract: The energy-absorbing case (2) comprises a casing consisting of a hollow section piece which has a first end attached to the bumper beam (2) and a second end able to be fixed to the end of a longitudinal longeron (6) of the motor vehicle. The casing is filled with a metal foam with energy-absorption properties, the density of which is between 0.1 g/cm3 and 0.4 g/cm3. Application to motor vehicles.

Abstract: A control device includes a control member (32) that is rotatable about an axis on a casing (22), with a gearwheel (100) mounted on the control member shaft to repeatedly flick a deflectable contact element (10) that is formed from a piece of sheet metal and that has vertical stems connected by elbows. The control member is manually depressable and has shaft ends (44, 46) that slide vertically in slots (48, 50) of the casing so either end of the control member can be depressed. An elastomeric member (34) lies in the casing and has upwardly projecting tubes (310, 314) that surround contacts, with the tops of the tubes being downwardly deflectable.

Abstract: A bottom opening type container bottom plates of which can be opened only by a hoisting operation using a crane by performing a simple preparing operation can be realized. A vertical link 32, a lateral link 35, and a link 45 are arranged on a middle between a hoisting plate 31 and open/close arms 43, and an operation cam 41 is provided to the outside of the open/close arms 43. The operation cam 41 is turned to a rise posture or a down posture so that the open/close arms 43 can be switched freely between an opened state or a closed state by the hoisting force, and the state can be checked externally.

Abstract: An assembly/apparatus 10 which allows an object 12 to be suspended and supported with a minimal amount of structural deformation.

Abstract: A fender finder that includes a vertical standard threaded over at least a portion of its exterior and designed for installation into a receiver portion threaded over at least a portion of its interior. In one form of the invention, the receiver portion is affixed by adhesive within an opening in the upper surface of a vehicle bumper. The vertical standard is then threaded into the receiver portion. The vehicle operator can easily see the vertical standard, whereas the vehicle hood and fenders are virtually invisible to the driver of many recent automobile models. The fender finder informs the vehicle driver about the location of vehicle extremities, thus facilitating the processes of parking, driving along narrow thoroughfares, and positioning the vehicle within a traffic lane while cruising along the highway.

Abstract: A fender finder that includes a vertical standard threaded over at least a portion of its exterior and designed for installation into a receiver portion threaded over at least a portion of its interior. In one form of the invention, the receiver portion is affixed by bolts to an exterior surface of the vehicle. Prior to installation, a mounting surface of the receiver portion is shaped in conformity with the vehicle exterior. The vertical standard is then threaded into the receiver portion. The vehicle operator can easily see the vertical standard, whereas the vehicle hood and fenders are virtually invisible to the driver of many recent automobile models. The fender finder informs the vehicle driver about the location of vehicle extremities, thus facilitating the processes of parking, driving along narrow thoroughfares, and positioning the vehicle within a traffic lane while cruising along the highway.

Abstract: A fender finder that includes a remotely controlled, extendable and retractable standard portion that offers continuously variable position control. By actuating a switch internal to the vehicle, the vehicle operator may position the standard at an optimum viewing height above the vehicle. When not in use, the standard may be retracted substantially entirely within the vehicle.

Abstract: First and second generally C-shaped housing members move in telescoping relationship between an expanded state and a collapsed state. First and second roll-out cover mechanisms are associated with the corresponding first and second housing members and positioned to avoid interfering with each other upon collapsing and expanding the housing. A first plurality of brackets is located near one end of the cargo storage area and adapted to releasably support the housing members when in the expanded state. A second plurality of brackets is located near an opposite end of the cargo area and adapted to releasably support a roll-out cover extended from each of the roll-out cover mechanisms. The roll-out covers combine to substantially completely cover the cargo storage area when the housing members are supported by the first plurality of brackets and when a distal edge periphery of the roll-out covers is supported by the second plurality of brackets.

Abstract: A configurable overhead console includes a support beam concealed above a headliner with a plurality of apertures adapted to receive one or more removable modules positioned below the headliner and sufficiently spaced to inhibit folding or creasing of the headliner during handling. The support beam may include attachment apertures and one or more associated positioning or orientation apertures to orient and secure a removable module to the support beam via a twist-lock latching device. Electrical contact strips may be provided along one or more of the channels of the support beam to provide power to modules via corresponding contact pins that extend through the attachment aperture and/or alignment or positioning apertures.

Abstract: A console for a vehicle is disclosed. The console includes a body defining an opening and also includes a lid that is configured to cover the opening and a panel that is movably mounted relative to the body. The panel is movable between a retracted position within the opening and an extended position away from the opening. The panel also has at least one receptacle formed therein. The receptacle is configured to receive an object therein.

Abstract: A cargo bed organizer 10 which obviates the need for a track to be “mounted” and/or installed and/or otherwise formed in the cargo bed 350 of a selectively movable assembly 500, and which is selectively and removably received into the cargo bed 350 of a selectively movable assembly 500, and which has at least one stopping member portion 48.

Abstract: Disclosed is a load support apparatus of a driving room for a construction equipment in which a fitting boss is previously provided at the base of a vehicle frame to simply fix and detach the vehicle frame without disassembling the driving room in case that the vehicle frame has a closed structure, and the regulation member screwed onto the fitting boss is fixed to a bottom plate from the bottom frame of the driving room. The load support apparatus includes the vehicle frame provided in a lower carriage, the driving room loaded in the vehicle frame, having the bottom frame at the lower portion, a vibration damper provided between the vehicle frame and the bottom frame, elastically supporting the driving room, and a regulation member fixed to the vehicle frame from the bottom frame of the driving room even after assembly of the driving room is finished.

Abstract: A cargo system includes a plurality of rigidly connected compartments adapted to mount on the roof of a vehicle. The plurality of compartments includes a first compartment suitable for mounting a retractable awning and a second compartment suitable for storing cargo. The first and second compartments each include a flooring and a sidewall wherein the first compartment is rigidly connected to the second compartment by at least one of the flooring and the sidewall. One of the plurality of compartments includes a liquid container, at least a portion of the container being suspended in the compartment. The liquid container includes a tube suitable for passing liquid that emerges from the cargo system. In addition, a light assembly is operatively associated with the cargo system. The light assembly includes an electrical conductor suitable for providing power to the light assembly, the conductor emerging from the cargo system.

Abstract: The invention is a unitary cantilever liftgate that attaches to the vehicle body instead of the vehicle chassis. The liftgate may be fully assembled and tested prior to installation on the vehicle body. This greatly reduces installation time while improving performance and reliability. Various features such as steps, bumpers and brackets are integrated into the liftgate. Further, the liftgate is preferably configured so that multiple units can be stacked together for shipping and ease of unloading and loading. The stackability of the liftgates simplifies storing as well, by removing the necessity of storing several components separately.

Abstract: The invention relates to a retractable roof for a vehicle, comprising a rigid front roof element (5) and a rigid rear roof element (4). It comprises a rear roof element at the rear roof thereof, guided by a first sliding rail (8) which is connected to the structure (1) of the vehicle and the front part thereof which is coupled to a second sliding rail (13) cooperating with a manoevring arm (10) which is coupled to the structure of the vehicle and which is actuated by drive means (9); a rigid element (18) connects the rear part of the rear roof element; the rear part of the front roof element is guided by a third sliding rail and the front part is coupled to the arm; means (21-23) are provided to cause the front roof element to slide on the third sliding rail.

Abstract: An automatic opening and closing device including: a trunk lid; a drive unit which generates drive force for operating the opening and closing member; a hinge arm which is mounted between a rear fender and wheel house inner panel and the trunk lid; and a first link and a second link which transmit the drive force of the drive unit to the trunk lid. The drive unit is fitted to an edge portion of a trunk room aperture portion, and the first and second link are provided so as to straddle the hinge arm.

Abstract: Provided is a power actuator system for actuating a closure member (1) such as a trunk lid which is compact in size and has a minimized protrusion. A first link (8) is connected to an output shaft of a powered actuator (7), and a free end of the first link is connected to an end of a second link (9). The other end of the second link is pivotally connected to a hinge arm (4) which is fixedly attached to a closure member and pivotally supports the closure member to a fixed part such as a vehicle body. The first link is adapted to extend substantially from the output shaft towards the closure member as the first link swing around the output shaft, and the second link extends substantially perpendicularly with respect to the center line.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle has a power operated lift-gate that is opened and closed by two drive units. The typical drive unit has a guide channel, an attachment assembly that is disposed in the guide channel, a flexible drive member that is attached to the attachment assembly and formed in a loop for moving the attachment assembly in the guide channel. The flexible drive member is trained solely around two pulleys at the respective opposite ends of the guide channel to form the flexible drive member in a narrow loop. One of the pulleys is an idler pulley that is part of an adjustable pulley assembly and the other pulley is driven by a power unit that is attached to the guide channel. The adjustable pulley assembly adjusts the distance between the pulleys to take up slack in the flexible drive member.

Abstract: A trailer includes a floor engageable with a load and a longitudinally extending support member. The support member has an upper portion connected to the floor, a lower portion connectable to a suspension system, and a web extending between the upper and lower portions and transverse to the floor. The lower portion has a lower flange extending transverse to the web and connectable to the suspension system. The lower flange has a first portion extending from a first side of the web a first distance and a second portion extending from a second opposite side of the web a second distance larger than the first distance.

Abstract: Several embodiments of sidewall assemblies having side posts and plastic liners affixed to an outer side sheet of a van or trailer. The liners have edges extending in contacting relationship with the edge portions of the side posts in connected relationship. Protuberances and foam material extend between the plastic liners and the side sheet for added strength. Slots may be provided in the posts for securement purposes.

Abstract: A vehicle floor having a structure capable of distributing an impact load imparted to the floor at the time of head-on vehicle collisions, thereby, greatly reducing the level of injuries in legs of drivers involved in the accidents.

Abstract: A cab for an agricultural vehicle has a roof structure formed of spaced inner and outer skins, wherein the separation of the skins is greater at the front of the cab than at the rear. The reduction in the depth of the roof structure at the rear allows the door height to be raised and the vertical visibility to be improved.

Abstract: A chair includes a support having one or more vertical rails to slidably receive one or more brackets, each bracket includes an opening formed between two ears, a seat plate includes one or more cams disposed in the opening of the bracket and rotatably secured to the ears of the bracket with a shaft, to allow the seat plate to be rotated relative to the bracket and the support. The cam may engage with the rail to support the seat plate in a folding position when the seat plate is parallel to the support, and may also to engage with the rail to support the seat plate in an open and working position when the seat plate is perpendicular to the support.