Abstract: A tubing connection provides a unique nut assembly that does not loosen or leak when exposed to the initial heat/cool cycles of a chemistry setup. The nut assembly includes a outer housing portion, and a concentric inner locking ferrule. A cavity defined between the inner and outer portion houses a stainless steel spring secured therein by a snap-engaged spring retainer. As the outer nut is rotated on the threads of the fitting, it drives the spring retainer toward the ferrule, thereby compressing the spring and causing it to maintain the engagement of the tubing end on the connector fitting.

Abstract: A fastening system comprising interlocatable male and female components. One of the male and female components comprises a flexible clip biased to adopt a rest state, and the other of the male and female components includes a seat for a portion of said clip. Upon insertion of the body of the male component into the body of the female component in an axial direction, the clip is deflected from its rest state against its bias to create a holding state in which the clip exerts a holding force on the other of the male and female components. Upon relative rotation of the male and female components when in the holding state, said portion of the clip engages with the seat to lock said male and female portions together.

Abstract: A protection cover is adapted for a quick connector that has an inserting portion in which a mating pipe is inserted in an axial direction of the inserting portion, a retainer for stopping withdrawal of the inserting portion from the pipe, and a nipple portion to be press-fitted in a tube. The protection cover has a cylindrical portion as protection body made from inflexible rigid material and a fixing part to the quick connector. The protection cover protects the nipple portion from outside such that the cylindrical portion covers an outer periphery of the nipple portion with a spacing defined between an inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion and an outer peripheral surface of the tube.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plug-in coupling for pipes which comprises a base (2) relative to which a pipe end (60) can be fixed and which can be partially inserted into the pipe end (60). The coupling comprises a sealing element (8), a sleeve (4) linked with the base (2) and a retaining element (6) comprising retaining claws (12) for fixing the pipe end (60) which is disposed in the interior of the sleeve (4). An annular gap (10) is configured between the base (2) and the sleeve (4) and receives the pipe end (60). The aim of the invention is to provide, while reducing production and assembly costs, a plug-in coupling of the aforementioned type which ensures a durable and reliable connection and prevents the pipe end from being damaged and the retaining claws (12) from penetrating the pipe end (60) too deeply. For this purpose, the retaining element (6) comprises a closed annular part (44) and is integrated into the sleeve (4) and fixed therein with said part.

Abstract: A fluid connector including a first conduit and a collar is provided. The first conduit is hollow and has a fluid passageway. The collar is also hollow and encircles the first conduit, and includes an externally positioned attachment mechanism. The collar has an internal bore at a first end for inserting a second conduit. Also, a fluid connector assembly is described, which includes the fluid connector, a mating portion and a second conduit. The mating portion is attached to the second conduit and encircles it. The collar is inserted into an internal bore in the mating portion, so that the first conduit is aligned to the second conduit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to connectors and more specifically to a connector for drainage conduits that are typically used for carrying liquid or semi-solid matters from one location to another. The connector includes a body provided with a passage, apertures and clips, the clips being so configured and sized as to be insertable to and removable from the connector such that the drainage conduits may be securely assembled to and disassembled from the connector. In an embodiment, the connector of the present invention further comprises a gasket for sealingly engaging drainage conduit sections.

Abstract: An arrangement for locking a threaded pipe connection, wherein two threaded connection units are screwed together. The locking arrangement is characterized in that it comprises two locking rings which engage each other with corresponding teeth and notches on their first sides. Each of the two rings has a different number teeth and notches on their second side. The two second sides, which face the connection units, are formed to engage a corresponding number of notches and teeth formed on the shoulder of the connection unit's opposite side, after the rings have been spread apart in axial direction, while maintaining the engagement between the first and the second ring.

Abstract: A connecting arrangement has end sections of two fluid conduits to be connected to one another and a coupling element having an axis and an outer side surrounding the axis and an inner side surrounding the axis. On the circumference of the end sections first securing ribs extend in the circumferential direction. On the inner side of the coupling element second securing ribs extending in the circumferential direction are provided proximal to each axial end of the coupling element. The coupling element is coaxially coupled to the end sections in the coupled state of the connecting arrangement by being elastically expanded, wherein the second securing ribs lock behind the first securing ribs and the end sections are coupled seal-tightly with one another. The coupling element is a circular cylindrical sleeve that is closed circumferentially.

Abstract: A cap for a fluid coupling is provided that includes a stem member adapted for insertion into the fluid coupling and a cover member connected to the stem member. The cover member includes an internal cavity sized to receive the fluid coupling such that the fluid coupling is positioned between the stem member and the cover member. The internal cavity is defined by a wall having at least one of a longitudinally extending groove and a longitudinally extending protrusion.

Abstract: A magneto-turbine power generating system allows for the clean, efficient generation of excess electrical power on a small or large scale. The magneto-turbine power generating system is a self-contained system that generates power greatly in excess of the system's needs, thereby allowing the system to act as an energy source for other products requiring electrical energy. A flywheel combining magnetic and turbine power generating capabilities allows for a clean source of reusable energy. The use of a magneto flywheel provides an electrical generating system capable of starting without need of an extrinsic electrical source. Once the magneto flywheel generates a low-level of electrical power, the turbine system is powered to increase the power generation capabilities of the system.

Abstract: A method for controlling variability in power output of a wind farm supplying power to a grid includes monitoring a power output level of the wind farm. The monitored power output level is compared to a target power output level. A command is issued to increase or decrease electrical power consumption by an electrolyzer system electrically coupled to the wind farm to maintain a net power output level by the wind farm based upon the comparison.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed comprising coupling a compression ignition engine (17) to an AC electrical generator (18) and/or a DC hompolar generator (19), wherein the homopolar generator (19) produces an electric current which is used to electrolyse water into hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen from the water electrolysis process may be used as a renewable fuel, either in the form of a gaseous fuel or a reactant in a fuel cell. The oxygen from the water electrolysis unit (23) may be used to produce an oxygen enriched combustion atmosphere in the engine (17). The oxygen may optionally be used as a reactant, along with the hydrogen, in a fuel cell.

Abstract: A sensor is placed in wireless communication with a monitoring system. Power for the sensor is generated by scavenging power from fluid flow within a pipe.

Abstract: A wind turbine system includes a wind turbine generator having a rotor and a nacelle mounted atop wind tower. The wind tower is mounted on a central caisson. The wind turbine system further includes a plurality of tensioned mooring lines flexibly secured to the central caisson. The mooring lines are further secured to a plurality of anchors fixed on to a sea bed. The anchors are adapted to support lateral loads on the wind turbine system.

Abstract: An apparatus for improving the generation of wind-powered energy is configured to be placed in front of a windmill. The apparatus has an entry aperture spaced from the windmill blades and having an entry aperture dimension that is greater than the tip-to-tip span of the rotatable windmill blades. The apparatus further includes an exit aperture that is located adjacent the windmill blades and dimensioned substantially equal to the tip-to-tip span of the rotatable blades. Further, a funnel material is spanned between the entry and exit apertures and is adapted to guide wind received within the entry aperture toward the exit aperture and thence to the rotatable blades of the windmill so that a speed of the wind is increased as the wind passes from the entry aperture to the windmill blades.

Abstract: A door furniture assembly (2) comprising a door furniture body (4), a drive plate (12), a handle (6), a return mechanism (16), and a stop spring (22). The drive plate (12) is pivotally mounted within the door furniture body (4) and has a shoulder (14) thereon. The handle (6) is operatively associated with the drive plate (12), with the handle (6) and drive plate (12) being pivotable in an operating direction away from a rest position. The return mechanism (16) is operatively associated with the drive plate (12), with the return mechanism (16) being adapted to bias the drive plate (12) and handle (6) when pivoted in the operating direction, in an opposite return direction, towards the rest position. The stop spring (22) has a fixed end (26) secured within the door furniture body (4) and a free end (28) adapted to engage the shoulder (14) of the drive plate (12), when the drive plate (12) is in the rest position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a closing system for a door or a flap of a motor vehicle and comprises a lock, a door handle affixable to the door and fitted with an external grip element with a centralized locking motor linked to a control unit and operationally connected to the lock, whereby the closing system can be moved into a secured and into a disengaged state, and also comprises an opening motor acting as an opening accessory and/or a closing motor acting as a closing accessory for the lock. The invention provides that the door handle be associated with a handle support which is configured internally on the side away from the grip element and which affixes the door handle to the door, said opening motor and/or the closing motor as well as the centralized locking motor being mounted on the handle support, where said opening motor and/or the closing motor as well as the centralized locking motor are connected directly, or indirectly by means of at least one force transmitting element, to the lock 3.

Abstract: A bent wire door striker has a wire secured to a striker plate. Legs of the wire may be attached to the striker plate at attachment points of different heights compared to the surface of the striker plate and may be of unequal length. A shorter leg of the wire may be attached to a raised portion and/or a cantilevered surface on the striker plate. One of the legs may also include a jog or an angled portion. The jog may have a variable radius, such as a parabolic radius or two distinct radiuses.

Abstract: Retractable strike for panic locks comprising a body provided with openings for its fastening on the secondary wing of a two-wing door and a retaining element borne by the body and able to co-operate with a spring latch of a panic lock. The body has a cavity within which is mounted the retaining element. The retaining element is movable within said cavity between an extracted position and a recessed position. An elastic element is provided between the body and the retaining element to thrust the retaining element elastically towards the extracted position.

Abstract: A vehicle bumper comprising a pneumatic cushion comprising a gas inlet, a gas outlet, a rear support portion and an impact portion, the rear support portion being thicker than the impact portion. The bumper also includes an inflation means configured for a gas to enter the pneumatic cushion through the gas inlet wherein the inflation means comprises a gas inlet valve and a deflation means configured for the gas to exit the pneumatic cushion through the gas outlet, the deflation means comprising a pressure relieve valve.

Abstract: A first tong member includes a first 4-joint linkage, in which both pairs of opposite rods are substantially equal, in length, to each other; a second tong member likewise includes a second 4-joint linkage, in which both pairs of opposite rods are substantially equal; and the first and second linkages have one of the foregoing rods in common. The first linkage has a first arm extended from the rod opposite to the common rod, and the second linkage likewise has a second arm extended from the rod opposite to the common rod, so that when respective actuating tails of the first and second tong members are operated in an arcuate manner, an opening width in the article-seizing area is configured to be capable of being adjusted, while the first and second extended arms in a substantially parallel relationship with each other maintain a substantially constant distance defined in between.

Abstract: A gripping assembly for loading a substantially filled inner container having a plurality of comer regions into an outer container. The gripping assembly comprises a frame and a plurality of gripping arms. Each of the gripping arms further includes a first end and a second end. The first end is movably coupled to the frame. The second end is distally spaced from the first end. The plurality of gripping arms are positionable so as to substantially correspond with the plurality of comer regions of the substantially filled inner container. Additionally, the controlled movement of the gripping arms relative to the frame facilitates retention and release of the plurality of comer regions of the inner container.

Abstract: A cargo hauling system is dimensioned to fit within a bed of a light truck. The bin moves forwardly and rearwardly relative to the truck bed along rollers provided on a tailgate of the truck. The tailgate is modified by reinforcing a perimeter of the tailgate, adding rollers to the tailgate, substituting reinforced linkages and hinges for factory originals, and adding a support member that extends between the trailer hitch and tailgate.

Abstract: The seat includes a backrest (2) installed so as to pivot on the seat pan (1) and arranged to be placed in a table position where the rear wall of the backrest is maintained in horizontal position, more or less parallel to a seat support frame (3) arranged to be attached to the floor (5) of the vehicle, the seat pan (1) being itself installed on the said frame in a tiltable manner, so that it can be positioned, with a sufficient tilt angle, the rear of the seat pan being raised, so that the backrest tilted on the seat pan can be placed in the said table position. The seat pan (1) is attached to the frame (3) by a set of links (6, 7) forming, with the frame and the seat pan, a deformable quadrilateral (ABCD) such that a pivoting of the links leads to the deformation of the said quadrilateral to place the seat pan in the said sufficient tilt angle position, and locking means (10) are provided to lock the pivoting of the links in relation to the seat pan or the frame.

Abstract: In a truck bed covering system wherein a tarpaulin sheet is retracted from a deployed position to a folded position by contracting a series of attachment bars regularly spaced apart along the length of the sheet in order to form a supporting frame spanning the top of the truck bed perpendicularly to the direction of retraction, flexible strips are interposed between the ends of the bars and biased to form vaulting guides that orderly force the sheet into parallel corrugations, and prevent any pinching of the covering material by the retracting mechanism. The attachment points for the flexible strips are provided by the engagement of the sheet, through eyelets, by a pair of wire running along the sides of the truck bed, by the securing of the strips to the bows, or by a combination of both.

Abstract: A retractable roof assembly (53) is provided for a motor vehicle (10) having a rear seat (24) and spaced apart roof side frame members (30) defining a roof opening (31). The retractable roof assembly (53) includes a split rail assembly (33) having a fixed rail (34) adapted to be fixedly secured to each of the roof side frame members (30) and extending along a portion thereof, and a movable rail (40) extending rearward of the fixed rail (34) along a remaining portion of each of the roof side frame members (30). A plurality of roof panels (58, 60, 62) extends between the roof side frame members (30) and slidably engages the split rail assembly (33) for selective movement into a stacked configuration above the movable rail (40).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for installing a motor vehicle door module assembly in a motor vehicle door structure, the assembly including a module plate, a bracket, and a door handle pivotally mounted on the bracket. Coacting mounting structures are provided on the module plate and on the bracket which are operative in response to linear sliding movement of the bracket relative to the module plate to mount the bracket on the module plate while permitting a limited degree of linear play. The bracket is mounted on the module plate utilizing the coacting mounting structures and the module assembly is positioned in the motor vehicle door structure whereafter the bracket and handle are adjusted relative to the module plate, utilizing the linear play, to facilitate the installation of the module assembly on the door structure. The coacting mounting structure is comprised of a plurality of tabs on the module plate and a respective plurality of keyways in the bracket.

Abstract: An access door for a rear storage compartment of a motorized tricycle. A motorized tricycle is provided having a rear storage compartment with a rearward facing access opening. An access door, when in a closed position, is positioned in a substantially vertical orientation in the access opening. A hinge assembly is provided having a door mounting secured to the access door and a body mounting secured to the motorized tricycle. At least one pivot linkage is positioned on each side of the access door extending between the door mounting and the body mounting. The pivot linkage accommodates movement of the access door from the closed position in the access opening to an open position with a bottom edge of the access door positioned above the access opening, while maintaining the access door in a substantially vertical orientation during pivotal movement.

Abstract: A vehicle door comprises a door panel member having an outer panel, the outer panel having a concave portion which receives a user's hand, a handle member which is provided outside the outer panel and extends to cross the concave portion, a base member which is fixed on an internal surface of the outer panel and supports end portions of the handle member on both sides of the concave portion, the base member being formed to have a shape of detouring around the concave portion and reaching from one end to the other end of the concave portion, within a range of a depth of the concave portion in a thickness direction of the door panel member.

Abstract: To provide a visor for an automobile without impairing design of an automobile when mounted on a window frame of the automobile. A side visor includes a brim portion made of stainless steel formed along a window frame of an automobile, and a visor portion made of acrylic resin formed so as to expand from the brim portion when mounted on the brim portion. The brim portion is provided at its lower edge with a connecting portion. The visor portion has an inner side of an upper edge that is provided with a bonding portion having a width approximately equal to the width of the connecting portion and expanding inwardly. By bonding the connecting portion of the brim portion and the bonding portion of the visor portion together by an adhesive tape, the brim portion and the visor portion are connected together.

Abstract: An aerodynamic drag reducing apparatus is adaptable for use with vehicles having downstream surfaces that are not streamlined. The apparatus consists of a series of nesting shapes and/or frameworks that extend rearward for use in a drag reducing configuration and collapse for use in a space saving configuration.

Abstract: A spoiler for a motor vehicle, in particular a passenger vehicle, is mounted in the rear-end area on the vehicle and comprises a spoiler element which is movable from a resting position in which it is integrated into the shape of the rear-end area and into an extended operating position. To further improve upon the aerodynamic properties of the spoiler in particular the downward pressure on the rear axle, the spoiler element has a greater transverse extent in the extended operating position than in the retracted resting position.

Abstract: A metal tube for reinforcing car body, and a car body reinforcement according to the invention have a curved portion extending over the entire longitudinal length or a local longitudinal length, wherein, when the reinforcement is assembled such that the outer periphery of the curved portion is aligned substantially in the direction of impact applied to the car body, the load ramp gradient, the maximum load and the absorbed energy are all enhanced in case of a car body collision. Particularly, an increase in the load ramp gradient as for the load property at the start of deformation provides an excellent crash capacity in reinforcing the car body. Moreover, the metal tube and the reinforcement according to the invention are capable of satisfying the current requirements for much more crash capacity of the car body, along with both a weight reduction of the car body and a reduced manufacturing cost, and therefore they are applicable in a wide field for protecting occupants in an automobile.

Abstract: In mounting a resin panel to a car body member, the car body member is provided with a car body member thread part, a portion of the resin panel corresponding to the car body member thread part is formed with a slot extending along a direction of allowance of thermal deformation of the resin panel, and the resin panel is mounted to the car body member using a fastener including: a threaded stem; a first large diameter part provided to one end of the threaded stem and insertable in the slot; and a fastener thread part provided at an end surface of the first large diameter part opposite to the threaded stem and screw-engageable with the car body member thread part.

Abstract: A routing arrangement for routing one or more of electrical, pneumatic and hydraulic lines from a door leaf of a vehicle to the vehicle. The routing arrangement includes a vehicle having a carriage body, a door on the vehicle having a door leaf, and a drive to operate the door leaf.

Abstract: A vehicle panel stowage system advantageously provides for stowage of a removable vehicle panel on the exterior of the vehicle. The panel can be stowed substantially flush with a stowage rack on the exterior of the vehicle. The stowage system advantageously protects portions of the removable panel from the environment when positioned on the stowage rack.

Abstract: A rear window for a flexible rear roof section of an openable roof vehicle. The rear window is comprised of a transparent plastic material such as a polycarbonate material, and a fastening section that connects the rear window to the flexible covering of the open roof vehicle. The fastening section forms a single piece with the rear window and is offset relative to the plane of the rear window.

Abstract: A multipurpose portable table, and table and chair set. The multipurpose portable table provides storage for folding chairs or the like within its frame and includes foldable side portions. In various embodiments, the table includes a positionable handle and roller legs ends that allow the multipurpose portable table or table and chair set to be easily transported by a single person. The table, and table and chair set may also include a retaining bar that is structured to retain stored chairs or the like in the frame while the multipurpose portable table or table and chair set is being transported. Additionally, in some embodiments, folding chairs of a multipurpose portable table and chair set may include fabric seat and back rest surfaces, and the table top may include a glass surface. As a result, the present invention also provides an aesthetically appealing, comfortable, and cost effective multipurpose table, and table and chair set.

Abstract: A climate controlled seat assembly comprises a seat cushion having an outer surface with a support portion for supporting an occupant. A supply passage extends through the seat cushion. A distribution system comprises at least one distribution passage configured to distribute air along the support surface of the seat cushion and the distribution system communicates with the supply passage. A fluid system is in communication with the supply passage and is configured to move air between the distribution system and the supply passage. A seat covering is positioned over the support portion of the outer surface of the seat cushion. A heat source is positioned between the seat covering and an inlet to the supply passage.

Abstract: An automatic ventilation device for chairs uses a moveable plate that moves upwards and downwards along with a cushion, arranged under the cushion. A reset spring for returning is disposed on the removable plate. The upper side and lower side of the removable plate having a stretchable air bag respectively. When the removable plate moves upwards and downwards, one air bag is extended while the other is compressed, working in opposite way. The. upper and lower air bags have one-way air inlets and outlets respectively while the air outlets are connected to the chair cushion and the chair back. Therefore, when the cushion moves due to the movement of users or driving over broken country, the moveable plate moves upwards and downwards synchronously so as to compress one of the upper or lower air bags for blowing air to the chair cushion and chair back continuously. Thus under the condition of energy saving-without a power unit, the device has a cooling effect and makes users comfortable.

Abstract: A personal support device having particular utility for use by personnel in high-performance surface watercraft comprises a bolster adapted and dimensioned to support an occupant for shock isolation from accelerations experienced by the vessel. The bolster is mounted by pivot means extending between the bolster and a back plate which is rigidly mounted to the vessel. The pivot means permit the bolster to pivot in an arc with respect to the back plate. A shock absorber extends between the back plate and bolster to dampen the accelerations which would otherwise be passed to the bolster by the pivot means from the back plate. The bolster is capable of supporting a user in a standing position or receiving a seat assembly to allow an occupant to be seated.

Abstract: A monitor adapted for mounting in an automobile headrest is provided. A screen structure of the monitor is pivotable about an upper edge thereof, such that the monitor occupies little volume within the headrest. A viewing angle of the screen structure is independently adjustable by a viewer, such that the viewer can continuously select the optimum viewing angle with changing conditions inside the automobile. The screen structure automatically retracts into a housing when struck. Thus, the monitor poses little risk of injury to passengers.

Abstract: A monitor adapted for mounting in an automobile headrest is provided. A screen structure of the monitor is pivotable about an upper edge thereof, such that the monitor occupies little volume within the headrest. A viewing angle of the screen structure is independently adjustable by a viewer, such that the viewer can continuously select the optimum viewing angle with changing conditions inside the automobile. The screen structure automatically retracts into a housing when struck. Thus, the monitor poses little risk of injury to passengers. The housing of the monitor is attachable to the headrest with screws, which provides a very sturdy connection and reduces the chances of the housing becoming detached from the headrest during a vehicle collision. The hinged connection between the screen structure and the housing is preferably constructed of interconnected components made from sturdy materials, such as metals.

Abstract: A method and-apparatus that enables a user to experience a program or game through the senses of sight, hearing and feeling includes an upper portion that includes an upper frame, a lower portion that includes a lower frame and a first speaker configured to be positioned in a first position in the upper frame and a shaking device configured to be positioned unencumbered in the lower frame.

Abstract: A portable restraint system mountable to a vehicle seat may comprise a booster seat, a restraint harness mounted to the booster seat and a mounting harness coupled to the restraint harness. The restraint harness may be configured to restrain a passenger positioned on the booster seat. The mounting harness may have a connector attached thereto configured to releasably engage an anchorage of the vehicle.

Abstract: An article of furniture having a removable seat or back cushion. The design includes a frame having a recessed cushion support surface that creates a rim that defines a pocket that allows a seat or back cushion having first and second portions to be securely attached to the article. The first cushion portion is placed adjacent the recessed support surface, and a peripheral lip of the first portion is placed into the pocket in order to secure the cushion to the frame. The second portion provides the user contact surface. In one embodiment, the second portion substantially obscures the edge of the rim from view. As a result, the present invention maintains the aesthetic appeal of an article of furniture having removable seat or back cushions, while providing a more secure and relatively unobvious attachment of the cushions.

Abstract: The invention provides a seating apparatus having a reclining movement with a corresponding seat lift movement. The apparatus further provides a seating support surface having increased comfort comprising a shaped diaphragm with a series of calculated openings provided throughout.

Abstract: A memory device, for a rail longitudinal guide for a motor vehicle seat, comprising two longitudinal guide rails displaceable towards each other, for the setting of the longitudinal seat position, a first memory module, which may be displaced along one of the two guide rails to set a memory position, a locking device for locking a set memory position, a second memory module, arranged on the second of the guide rails and a stop which, on reaching a relative position of the two guide rail corresponding to one of the memory positions, engages with a counter stop on the first memory module. The second memory module comprises a base body made from plastic, by which the latter is fixed to the second guide rail.

Abstract: A zero gravity chair generally holds an occupant in a position where the angle between the legs and the torso may be greater than 90 degrees. Typically, the legs may also be elevated such that the legs are even with or above a user's heart. The disclosed zero gravity chair, in some embodiments, enables the backrest portion to pivot relative to the seat portion allowing the user to adjust an angle between the seat portion and the backrest portion. The disclosed zero gravity chair further enables both the backrest and the seat portions to pivot as a unit independent of the angle adjustment. In certain embodiments, the chair also rotates 360 degrees about a vertical axis.

Abstract: A vehicle seat with a headrest for a vehicle is formed from an impact cushion and installed upon a seat back. The headrest is pivoted around a stationary pivotal axle aligned transversely to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle and can be swung from an unused position against the force of a spring into a used position. In the used position, the headrest is held stationary by a toggle linkage, which, within its self-limiting swing zone, acts as a pivoting element between the impact cushion and the pivotal axle.