Abstract: A variable voltage and frequency output wind turbine. Variations of the wind turbine include use of a slotless alternator to reduce alternator noise, a high power AC output to facilitate transmission of the output over extended distances, AC to DC converters and DC to AC converters, and sensors for systems and devices to receive the wind turbine output and to allow matching of the output to the receiving devices and system. Other features include a removable hatchcover for dissipating heat from components contained in the turbine or attached to the hatchcover, a swept blade design to reduce blade-produced noise, and power storage components for storing and intermittently using energy stored as a result of wind turbine power generation.

Abstract: Methods for maintaining a constant electrical output frequency in a turbogenerator with increased electrical loads are provided. The methods comprise biasing adjustable guide vanes of a compressor and/or a compressor bleed valve in response to the increased electrical load. A dual schedule system for carrying out the methods of the present invention is also provided.

Abstract: A wind power generator includes a cover, a front nose cone, a rear nose cone and a vane unit. The cover has a curved air-guiding portion. The front nose cone and the rear nose cone have a plurality of supporting pillars fixedly connected to the front portion and rear portion of the inner wall of the cover, respectively. The vane unit is provided between the front nose cone and the rear nose cone. After the wind enters the passage formed between the curved surface of the front nose cone and the front portion of the curved air-guiding portion of the cover, the wind speed is accelerated due to the narrowing of the flowing path, thereby to generate a larger kinetic energy to cause the rotation of the vane unit. In this way, the generator within the rear nose cone obtains a greater capacity of generating electricity. Further, the generator can be still activated even under a lower wind speed.

Abstract: A part normally retained in a predetermined position is operated by a pyrotechnic actuator having a housing formed unitarily with a pivot, formed unitarily with mounts for securing the housing to a motor vehicle, and forming a chamber extending along an axis. A latch element is mounted on the pivot and movable thereon between a holding position retaining the part in the predetermined position and a releasing position allowing the part to move out of the predetermined position. A piston having a stem engageable with the latch element is movable axially in the chamber between an inner position with the latch element in the holding position and an outer position with the latch element in the releasing position. A pyrotechnic charge in the chamber is detonatable to shift the piston into the outer position and thereby shift the latch element into the releasing position.

Abstract: A snow shovel/pusher for pushing snow forward or to one side or the other, the snow shovel having a blade and a shaft wherein the blade is connected to the shaft with a yoke mechanism for pivotally retaining the shovel blade at various side to side angles relative to the shaft, the shovel blade being pivotable relative to the shaft in a horizontal plane on a vertical central blade axis perpendicular to the working surface. The yoke mechanism is angled upward relative to the working surface to retain the shaft at a constant desirable working angle with respect to the working surface during use and during pivotal movement of the shovel blade relative to the shaft. The snow shovel also includes a releasable locking mechanism operable for releasing and relocking the shovel blade at various side to side angles relative to said shaft between an extreme right and an extreme left position.

Abstract: A clamping assembly for use in gripping, grabbing, supporting, sensing and transporting objects of varying size, shape and weight is disclosed. The clamping assembly has opposed jaws each with a ball and socket apparatus intermediate a clamp end and a pivot end attached to a frame structure. The ball and socket apparatuses are connected by a gear assembly with a primary gear in mechanical communication with a power source wherein, the jaws are actuated in accordance with the rotation of the primary gear.

Abstract: A pillar cover mounted to a pillar of a vehicle so that a space is defined between the pillar and the pillar cover and so that a vehicle electronic device is mounted in the space. The vehicle electronic device may comprise an audio and video device, a car navigation unit, a car radar unit, a car security alarm system, or an electronic toll collection (ETC) system. When the pillar cover is mounted to the pillar at the driver's seat side, the driver turns sight line slightly sideways so that the vehicle control electronic device can be perceived and accordingly, the device can be operated safe and reliably.

Abstract: The invention proposes a cargo space partition with a first and a second plate-shaped element, wherein the first plate-shaped element is arranged on the back rest of a rear seat or a rear bench seat such that it can be pivoted about an essentially horizontal axis, and wherein the plate-shaped elements are connected to one another such that they can be interlocked and/or moved relative to one another to a limited degree. The invention also proposes a cargo space partition, in which one of the plate-shaped elements is arranged such that it can be displaced essentially perpendicular and in the horizontal direction along a section of the cargo space. In another embodiment, first and second separating members are hingedly connected and includes a locking member that engages a catch member to place the partition in a plurality of different configurations.

Abstract: A vehicle interior assembly includes a housing, a door pivotably mounted thereto, and a biasing member disposed therebetween. The housing has walls defining an interior and an opening. The walls include laterally opposed housing side walls and a connecting wall between the housing side walls, wherein the connecting wall has an inner surface. The door has a housing contact portion disposed on one side of the door for contact with the inner surface of the connecting wall of the housing at least when the door is latched to the housing in a closed rest position. The biasing member is disposed between the housing and the door on a side of the door opposite that of the housing contact portion of the door.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided having an adjustable seating assembly comprising one or more members. One member of the seating assembly can be adjusted to provide a backrest to a straddle type seat of the vehicle. As such, when a carrier bed having an accessory platform is located rearward of the straddle type seat, the one member can optionally be used to provide a wall portion of the carrier bed. The one member can also be adjusted to provide an extension to the straddle type seat. As such, when an accessory platform is located rearward of the straddle type seat, the one member can optionally be used to at least partially cover a segment of the accessory platform. When an accessory platform is located rearward of the straddle type seat, an additional member of the seating assembly can be adjusted to provide a backrest to one or more of the straddle type seat or an extended straddle type seat. The additional member can also be adjusted to form a segment of the accessory platform.

Abstract: A vehicle seat is provided which includes a seat base detachably mounted on a vehicle floor, a seat cushion detachably provided on the seat base, and a backrest foldably supported on the seat base. The seat cushion is detached from the seat base, and the seat cushion and the seat base with the backrest folded are juxtaposed to be stored in a recess provided in the vehicle floor or an area under another seat. In the case of non-use, the vehicle seat can be removed from the vehicle floor to be efficiently stored inside a vehicle. A vehicle seat storing structure and a vehicle seat structure are also provided.

Abstract: At least one element of a vehicle cockpit is provided with a superhydrophobic surface, so that this element can be cleaned easily. On the one hand, contamination by liquids is fully avoided and, on the other hand, dirt due to dust and other particles can easily be removed with water.

Abstract: An occupant safety system for a vehicle door is disclosed. The vehicle door includes a series of pads that help to absorb the force of a side impact collision. The pads cooperate to help push an occupant away from the door during the collision. This can help reduce injuries sustained by the occupant by increasing the available energy absorbing stroke.

Abstract: The invention relates to a covering (18) for the equipment module (16) of a motor vehicle (10) which is longitudinally projected backward with respect to the transversal vertical rear panel (12) of the vehicle (10) and comprises a first wall (28) generally horizontally extending backward from the rear panel (12), a second transversal wall (30) which is arranged above the first wall (28) and inclined thereto. Said inventive covering is characterised in that it comprises a third intermediate wall (38) forming a chamfer which is vertically mounted between the first (28) and second (30) walls and is inclined thereto.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a universal vehicle door replacement kit assembly including a hinge mechanism allowing a vehicle door to operate in a swing-wing manner, with an adjustable outward and upward motion. A structurally formed door plate/mounting bracket and a base plate/mounting bracket enables simple adjustment to attach the kit to a variety of automobiles without templates and optionally bolting or welding attachment mechanism. Multiple adjustable piston positions allow accommodation of a wide range of door masses.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing drag in vehicles, typically trucks, such as tractor-trailers, have moveable moving drag reducing apparatus. This movable drag reducing apparatus is for movement into and out of various positions, in accordance with the location of the vehicle with respect to its distance from an obstacle.

Abstract: A sunroof apparatus comprises a movable panel provided on an opening portion of a vehicle roof and capable of tilting-up and sliding, a functional bracket that supports the movable panel, a drive member actuated to move in a longitudinal direction of a vehicle along a guide rail attached to the vehicle roof, a front shoe connected to the drive member for controlling the movements of a front portion of the functional bracket by means of a front functional member, as a consequence of moving in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle along the guide rail in accordance with the movements of the drive member and a rear shoe connected to the drive member for controlling movement of a rear portion of the functional bracket by means of a rear functional member, as a consequence of moving in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle along the guide rail in accordance with the movements of the drive member, wherein the front shoe and the rear shoe are supported by an identical guide portion of the guide rail.

Abstract: A portable platform having at least three outwardly-inclined legs and a platform supported thereby is provided, the legs each having multiple nestable sections, an uppermost portion of each of the legs being adapted to be attached to an underside of said platform, the legs being maintained in biased relationship to an underside of the platform by an elastic cord or cable which extends between the underside of the platform and a lowermost section of the legs, with the elastic cord or cable extending through each of the respective sections of the legs, with the elastic cord or cable being tensioned such that the sections of the legs may be separated from one another and folded onto an uppermost surface of said platform in storage relationship thereto, with the platform being comprised of dimensionally-stable foldable sections.

Abstract: Bench seat for a vehicle includes two side seats and one center seat. The side seats are equipped with permanent side padding components on their outer sides. The bench seat comfort of the side seats is increased as desired using simple expedients, such as the provision of complementary side walls for the inner sides of the backrests and/or the seat sections of the side seats, and which complementary side walls can be extended into the center seat, as well as out of and away from the center seat.

Abstract: In accordance with principles described herein, portable heated seats, and methods and systems for using the same, are provided that overcome some (or all) of the problems commonly associated with existing seats. These portable heated seats are easily transportable, and are preferably provided with cushion material to compensate for various seating conditions that may otherwise be faced by a user. One or more heating elements, preferably made of flexible graphite felt, are also provided in each portable heated seat. The heat settings of the one or more heating elements are controlled by one or more on/off switches, open loop temperature regulators, pressure push switches, sensor switches, and/or fuse circuits. A backrest (similarly heated or not heated) may also be used in association with the portable heated seat. Various alternative embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for use as an armrest and for holding a beverage container. The apparatus comprises an elongated generally hollow member having each of a predetermined configuration a predetermined depth and formed of a predetermined material. A foam material is disposed within the elongated generally hollow member. At least one cup like member having an open end is disposed adjacent an upper surface of such elongated member and a closed end is disposed within such elongated member and surrounded by the foam material for use as a holder for a beverage container. There is a means for closing such elongated member after the foam material has been added and also a means for securing the cup like member to such elongated member.

Abstract: A child seat anchor assembly includes a fixed portion, wherein the fixed portion is secured to a motor vehicle structural member or a child seat structural member; a latchable portion for releasable engagement with a child seat or a motor vehicle; an energy absorbing mechanism disposed between and in operative communication with the fixed portion and the latchable portion, wherein the energy absorbing mechanism comprises an active material; and a controller in operative communication with the active material, wherein the controller is operable to selectively apply an activation signal to the active material and effect a change in an attribute of the active material, wherein the change in the attribute results in force and acceleration adjusting energy absorption.

Abstract: A baby car seat capable of having the incline angles of the armrests adjusted, includes a base, a pair of armrests, an inclined-angle adjusting member and a resilient element. The lower end of the armrests and an inclined-angle adjusting member catch each other in order to secure the armrests at particular inclined angles, and the armrests are pivotally connected to the base at both sides thereof. The resilient element is disposed between the inclined-angle adjusting member and base, and is capable of providing resilience to make the inclined-angle adjusting member maintain its position relative to the lower ends of the armrests. The user can move the inclined-angle adjusting member from outside of the base to press the resilient element and temporarily separate the resilient element from the lower ends of the armrests. In this way, the armrests may be adjusted to a desired angle that is comfortable for the baby.

Abstract: A seat cushion of a vehicle seat has a base seat whose front end is anchored to a front frame of a frame for a sitting portion, and whose rear end is connected to a rear frame of the frame for a sitting portion via helical tension springs. A supporter, supported via helical tension springs at a pair of left and right side frames of the frame for a sitting portion, is disposed at a lower side of the base seat so as to support a femoral region of a seated person. The supporter and the helical tension springs structure an auxiliary vibration system whose mass element is a femoral region of a seated person. The auxiliary vibration system is made to function as a dynamic vibration absorber with respect to up-down vibrations of a main vibration system whose mass element is an upper body of a seated person.

Abstract: A folding seat apparatus for a vehicle comprising a slide mechanism for slidably moving a seat in a front-and-rear direction, and a pop-up mechanism for popping up a seat cushion. The slide mechanism and pop-up mechanism are connected to the control lever. The controller controls the actuator so that the control lever rotates in the forward or reverse direction. The pop-up mechanism is unlocked by rotating the control lever in a first direction, and the slide mechanism is unlocked by rotating the control lever in a second direction.

Abstract: A device for moving headrest back and forth for automobile in which a tilt adjusting device and a back and forth movement device are united into a single device is provided. The device comprises a stay (114), a ratchet member (RM), a tilt adjusting device (TAD), a check member (CM), a back and forth movement device (TAD), a first torsion coil spring (130), one or a pair of second torsion coil springs (121) and a mobile shaft (122) for the back and forth movement device (MD).

Abstract: An armrest assembly for a motor vehicle seat having a first support member pivotably mounted to a seat structure, a second support member rotatably mounted to the first support member, and a biasing arrangement positioned relative to the first and second support members. The biasing arrangement exerts a predetermined biasing force on the second support member to prevent the second support member from rotating relative to the first member until a sufficient load force is applied to the armrest to overcome the biasing threshold.

Abstract: A footrest of a chair includes a foot supporting part, and several fastening elements securely joined to a lower side of the foot supporting part; each of the fastening elements has two opposing lateral portions each having an inwardly-protruding portion; the footrest is fastened to a chair, which has several support legs at a lower end, with the fastening elements being passed onto respective ones of the support legs of the chair, and with the inwardly-protruding portions of the fastening elements being hooked over the support legs; thus, when one person is seated on the chair, he is allowed to rest his feet on the foot supporting part with his legs adjusted to a desired position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lounger, a wading or floating in pool, a floating devise, a small personal boat, with many ways to use. Made from a plastic body, enclosed watertight and floatable and provides many ways to relax in or out of a pool or any body of water.

Abstract: A buzz, squeak and rattle reducing stop rivet incorporated into at least one of first and second side locations of a seat assembly frame, the frame including a seat back pivotally actuated relative to a seat bottom. The stop rivet includes an elongated and substantially cylindrical shaped body exhibiting an annularly protruding, deformable and resilient O-ring, such as seated upon an annular recess defined about the body. The body is adapted to being secured to the seat back offset from its pivotal location relative the seat bottom and such that the O-ring member biases against a first location of the seat bottom at an upright position of the seat back as well as against a second location of the seat bottom at a folded floor position of the seat back.

Abstract: A hollow sleeve is mounted in a hole of a holder block to receive a rotary cutter bit. The sleeve includes a front flange and a shank extending rearwardly from the front flange and defining a longitudinal axis. The shank includes an outer periphery having a radially stepped configuration, wherein an outer surface of the shank includes a plurality of axially adjacent surface sections that become successively smaller in cross-section in a direction away from the flange. Each surface section occupies one-third of the hole length. Each surface section has longitudinally spaced front and rear ends, wherein a portion of each surface section situated between its front and rear ends is spaced farther from the axis than are the front and rear ends. Each surface section has a generally longitudinally extending groove formed therein.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel weight comprises a mass portion cold-formed of nonlead material and a heat-treated spring clip. The mass portion has a front and a back, with the back adapted to be juxtaposed against a wheel rim. The mass portion further defines at least one chamfer on the back thereof. The mass portion also defines a clip securement pocket in which an attachment portion of the spring clip is inserted such that the clip is fixed to the mass portion. The clip further has an extended portion for engaging the wheel rim.

Abstract: The present invention is for a rim cover that protects an automobile wheel from cleaning products designed to clean tires. Additionally, the present invention helps protects brake systems while cleaning tires. In an embodiment, snaps are provided around a circular shaped cover that lows the cover to snap in place to protect the wheel. Another embodiment provides a pair of securing arms that are ratcheted in place and push against the inner circumference of a wheel and thereby securing the cover. A ratchet release mechanism allows for removal. In yet another embodiment, a cover is provided that has a rotatable hook that may be inserted in any opening in a wheel and then pulled tight against the wheel. In still another embodiment of the present invention includes snap hook grippers that are displaced then released against a wheel to secure the cover.

Abstract: An axle extension assembly for extending an axle having a longitudinal axle bore. The axle extension assembly includes a shaft having an axle bore insert portion that is adapted for insertion in the longitudinal axle bore. The axle bore insert portion includes a bore engaging element cooperative between the axle bore insert portion and the longitudinal axle bore for securing axle bore insert portion within the longitudinal axle bore. The shaft also includes an extension portion connected to and extending from the axle bore insert portion of the shaft. The extension portion includes an accessory engaging element.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for distributing brake torque between at least a first and a second brake system of a motor vehicle including at least two wheel axles and four wheels with tires, in which the first brake system acts on at least one wheel axle and in which the second brake system acts on at least one driven wheel axle and in which the distribution of brake torque between the first and the second brake system takes account of the wear of the tires and the constituent components of the brake systems.

Abstract: An improved seal/bearing arrangement employs an O-ring type seal which has segmented fingers. The seal ring has a recess which is sized to mate with a corresponding projecting lug of a bore use, for example, in brake actuator mechanisms. The seal ring can be made from synthetics such as polyamides and polyethylenes. The fingers are so arranged that locking of the seal rings in the bore occurs with insertion of a sliding, oscillating and/or rotating shaft or the like through the rings.

Abstract: A braking system for a vehicle, which can prevent an alteration in brake pedal toe force when a brake hydraulic pressure is increased or decreased based on a regenerative braking force obtained by a drive motor in an electric vehicle or hybrid vehicle, and a braking method thereof.

Abstract: The constant voltage power source circuit which generates a predetermined constant voltage output Vcc by the use of power supplied from an in-vehicle battery via a power switch has a power transistor and an output voltage adjustment circuit. The output voltage adjustment circuit has a reference voltage generation circuit, a comparison amplification circuit, a resistance circuit network, and a nonvolatile second data memory selecting any of a plurality of on/off elements provided in the resistance circuit network and producing electric continuity of the selected on/off element. The constant voltage output Vcc is measured by an externally connected high accuracy voltmeter in the dispatch adjustment stage to be read out and stored via a serially connected external tool. Output voltage correction data are stored in the second data memory in such a manner as to set the external measurement voltage as a target voltage.

Abstract: In an off-road vehicle having a resistor grid network and a blower system as part of a braking system operable to determine at least one of a resistor failure and a blower failure, the system including a first series of resistors connected in series, a second series of resistors connected in series, a blower cross to at least one of the first series of resistors and the second series of resistors, a sensor proximate at least one of the first series of resistors, the second series of resistors, and the blower, wherein each individual resistor in the first series connected in parallel to an individual resistor in the second series, and wherein when at least one of a current value, blower speed, and voltage value changes, the grid network is disconnected.

Abstract: A system comprises a first equipment rack, a power distribution unit (PDU) and a plurality of rack connectors. The PDU is mounted in the first equipment rack and is configured to provide alternating current (AC) power that comprises a plurality of phases. The plurality of rack connectors mount within the first equipment rack, and each of the plurality of rack connectors couples to the PDU and provides access to the plurality of phases. Each rack connector is usable to accommodate a first device installed in the equipment rack that uses one or more of the plurality of phases, and is also usable to accommodate a second device installed in the equipment rack that uses one or more of the plurality of phases, thereby permitting each rack connector to couple to any of a plurality of devices, and permitting each of the plurality of devices to use any number of the plurality of phases. The number of phases used by the first device differs from the number of phases used by the second device.

Abstract: A switch circuit is provided for an electric device with a power module. The circuit includes a first signal generating circuit and a second signal generating circuit. The first signal generating circuit issues a first signal, while the second signal generating circuit, connected to the first signal generating circuit, issues a second signal after receiving the first signal. The second signal controls the operation of the power module. Thus the electric device is operable, between being in standby mode and operation mode, through the first signal and the second signal. The switch circuit enables the power module to consume little electric power when the electric device is in standby mode. Only power for the operation of the second signal generating circuit is necessary. Therefore, the power consumption of the electric device in standby mode is greatly reduced.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for controlling operation of electronic devices. A power interrupt type device may facilitate controlling operation of the electronic device. Additionally, a controllable security device may be communicatively coupled to the power interrupt type device.

Abstract: A safety switch, which is particularly intended for monitoring a guard door on an automated installation, has an actuator and a sensor. The actuator comprises an actuator antenna and the sensor comprises a sensor antenna. The actuator and the sensor are coupled to one another like a transformer, in particular like a transponder, when the guard door is in the closed position. According to one aspect of the invention, the sensor antenna has a magnetic directional characteristic which allows transformer coupling with the actuator in at least two mutually perpendicular spatial directions as seen from the sensor antenna.

Abstract: A stepper motor includes a rotor having equally spaced rotor teeth defining a full step angle, and a stator with stator poles wound with coils that can be driven in a series of phases so as to magnetically interact with the rotor to produce stepping motion. The stator poles have teeth organized into two groups when there is an even number of stator teeth per pole, or into three groups for an odd number of stator teeth per pole. The stator teeth have an average pitch different from the rotor's tooth pitch, but the groups of stator teeth are also displaced relative to other groups by a specified offset angle of one-half or one-quarter step to double the number of detent positions, and to displace such detent positions from full one-phase ON or two-phase ON positions.

Abstract: An electrical rotating apparatus is provided that has variable impedance. This is achieved by connecting one of the polyphase components of the apparatus in a mesh connection. The spanning value, L, of such a mesh connection may be varied by changing the harmonic content supplied by an inverter component. Also provided is a method for connecting an inverter to a motor, wherein a switching arrangement permits the simple alteration between various mesh connections of different span value, changing thereby the Volts/Hertz ratio of the motor.

Abstract: Provided is a spindle motor. The spindle motor includes a rotor and a stator. The rotor includes a yoke and a flange formed to protrude from an outer perimeter of the yoke. The stator interacts with the rotor to rotate the rotor.

Abstract: According to one example, a motor including a fluid dynamic bearing system is provided. The motor includes a first stationary member and a second member disposed for relative rotation and a fluid dynamic bearing region disposed therebetween. A stator is disposed with the first member and includes a plurality of stator teeth having a coil of wire wound thereon. A heat transfer device is further included, wherein the heat transfer device transfers heat away from the stator coils toward the bearing region. The transfer of heat may raise the temperature of the bearing fluid, thereby reducing bearing fluid viscosity. The heat transfer device may include one or more air vanes to direct air through, over, or adjacent the stator and/or thermally conductive materials or elements, and may further be incorporated into a flux shield.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, the present invention provides a motor having a stator core disposed in a motor frame. The stator core is formed of a plurality of substantially identical laminations. Each lamination of the stator core comprises at least one recessed section, which, in cooperation with the frame, defines an incremental segment of closed passageway for routing a fluid along a perimetric surface of the stator core. Accordingly, the closed passageway provides a mechanism by which the outer regions of the stator core may be more effectively cooled. Furthermore, the laminations of the stator core may be oriented at varied orientations with respect to one another to form a labyrinthine path along the surface of the stator core through which coolant is routed.

Abstract: A electrical fan includes a frame (10) having a central tube (11), a bearing (30) received in the central tube, a stator (50) mounted around the central tube, and a rotor (70) being rotatably supported by a bearing in the stator. The frame defines an air inlet (19) and an air outlet (17) at two different sides thereof. The stator and the rotor expand radially along a direction from the air inlet to the air outlet. Fan blades (75) extend radially from the rotor. A hub (71) of the rotor has a streamline shaped outer surface. A stator core (511) of the stator is made by powder sintering technology.

Abstract: A rotor for an exciter to be used to energise the field winding of a generator-rotor of a generator, the rotor defining an axis and including at least two conductor bars aligned substantially parallel to the axis. The bars are connected on their first axial end to one of a plurality of collecting ring and on their second axial end individually to one of two rings. By means of at least one diode the flow of current in each bar is allowed in only one direction such that an alternating current induced in the conductor bars due to a static field is converted into a direct current in the two rings.