Abstract: A card game comprises a set of playing cards and a gaming cloth, the gaming cloth providing; a dealer area in which cards may be dealt to a dealer and a plurality of player areas, where cards may be dealt to one or more players, each player area including an area in which the or each player may place an initial bet; one or more players placing a bet to participate in the game; hands having two playing cards then being dealt to the or each player and to a dealer, in turn; the hand dealt to the or each player then being compared to the hand dealt to the dealer to determine the outcome of the bet by; determining the level of each hand whereby; a pair of cards of the same rank will beat two cards of different rank; two cards of consecutive rank will in turn beat two cards of different, non-consecutive rank; where the hand of a player is of the same level as that of the dealer, comparing the hands on the basis of the rank of the cards constituting the hand, the hand with the higher ranking cards winning.

Abstract: An improved target clamp more securely holds a target in place when impacted by bullets or moved quickly by a target actuator.

Abstract: A sealing ring for a turbine housing. The sealing ring may include a sealing face with a number of teeth thereon, an axial slot positioned within the sealing face, a head portion for positioning within the turbine housing, and a connector for attaching the sealing face to the head portion through the axial slot.

Abstract: The present invention relates to leak preventing gaskets contemplated for use with segmented pipe couplings, which generally include a pair of coupling segments adapted to receive a gasket which surrounds a pair of pipes to join the pipes together or to join a nipple or fitting to the pipe by tightening a pair of bolts and related fasteners with a corresponding pair of bolt pads on the segments. The couplings contemplated for use with the gasket of the present invention includes types which are adapted to attach grooved and flared end pipes, or non-grooved pipes in sealed relation to withstand fluid at temperatures up to and including 230° F. and higher, and at pressures of up to 1,000 psi. Although such pipes generally conduct water up to about 230° F., they may also be used for toxic and volatile chemicals.

Abstract: A sealing structure for the mouth of a high vacuum knife is disclosed. The sealing structures comprises a top and a bottom knife and the center of the knife being hollow, characterized in that the edge of the knife has recessed structure provided with at least three biting section as a biting section such that the fabricating gasket is bitten to form into a multiple seals at the vacuum side.

Abstract: A low stress-to-seal gasket material is described. Gaskets made according to the present invention comprise at least two tapes of porous PTFE and a substantially air impermeable layer at the interface of the two tape layers. The tape layers each have a non-porous region extending the tape length and separating two porous regions. The non-porous regions of at least two tape layers are not aligned in the z-axis direction.

Abstract: A chuck is described, in particular for a hammer drill or chisel hammer, having a chuck body having an insertion opening for holding a tool shank, and a locking element for axially locking the tool shank in the insertion opening, the locking element being movable betveen a locked position and an unlocked position, and having an arresting pin, mounted in the locking element and radially displaceable between an arresting position and a release position, which axially arrests the locking element in its arresting position and axially releases it in its release position.

Abstract: An actuator, in particular for an active chassis of a motor vehicle, comprising a first and a second toothed rack and a pinion which engages in the two toothed racks and is adapted to move the latter in directions opposite to one another.

Abstract: A method includes operating a wheeled vehicle including an articulated suspension system; and articulating the suspension system to skid steer the vehicle. A wheeled vehicle having an articulated suspension system includes a skid steering controller capable of articulating the suspension system to skid steer the vehicle. The skid steering controller may be implemented in software and may, but does not necessarily, include three stages for applying a differential torque, varying the traction of at least one wheel, and finely adjusting the wheel's suspension to approach a critical damped response of the vehicle turning rate with respect to its commanded rate, respectively.

Abstract: An inline skate with changeable length has an inner boot, an adjusting device, an outer boot and a wheel assembly. The adjusting device is attached to the inner boot and comprises a block and a key. The block has a longitudinal adjustment slot and a transverse slot communicating with the longitudinal adjustment slot. The key is mounted through the transverse slot and selectively extends into the longitudinal adjustment slot. The outer boot has an outer toe and an outer heel. The outer toe has a rear edge and a tongue formed on and protruding from the rear edge, mounted slidably in the longitudinal adjustment slot and having multiple adjustment slots. The adjustment slots selectively align with the transverse slot in the block and are engaged by the key. A wheel assembly is mounted under the outer heel. Hence, adjusting the length of the inline skate is easy and convenient.

Abstract: A liftable independent suspension system which may also be steerable. In a described embodiment, a liftable suspension system for use on a vehicle includes wheel spindles positioned to extend outwardly at each respective lateral side of the vehicle. The spindles are displaceable independent of each other. An actuator is operable to raise at least one of the spindles, so that a tire rotatably connected to the spindle is liftable out of engagement with a road surface when the actuator raises the spindle.

Abstract: A method controls the level of a pneumatic level-control system of a motor vehicle including at least two axles, at least one pneumatic spring (2a, 2b) per axle, optionally one or more pressure accumulators (3), at least one pressure sensor (24), elements (16, 18, 20, 22) for determining the distance between at least one wheel and/or an axle and the vehicle body, a control unit (10) and a compressor (12). The axle levels are controlled in sequence and adjusted from a starting level to a target level. During a positive adjustment operation the compressor (12) is at least operated temporarily and/or a connection of at least one pneumatic spring (2a, 2b) to the pressure accumulator (3) is established.

Abstract: A Watts strut having a log strut body with a bearing bush arranged at one axial end thereof The strut body is produced by hydroforming, and is twisted on itself about a longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An equalizer for a suspension system for a trailer is configured to absorb or dampen the harsh shocks or vibrations coming off of the leaf springs proximate to a center frame hangar, thus allowing for a “softer” ride. The equalizer utilizes two independent equalizer arm assemblies which are each rotatably secured within the equalizer. Each equalizer arm assembly is operatively associated with one of the front or rear leaf springs such that upon upward movement of either the front or rear leaf spring, the associated equalizer arm assembly is forced to rotate within the equalizer and to deform a shock absorber provided within the equalizer. The shock absorber, upon the deformation thereof, absorbs the harsh shocks or vibrations which would otherwise normally be transferred from the leaf springs, to the equalizer, and thus to the frame of the trailer.

Abstract: An equalizer for a suspension system for a trailer is configured to absorb or dampen the harsh shocks or vibrations coming off of the leaf springs proximate to a center frame hangar, thus allowing for a “softer” ride. The equalizer utilizes one or two independent equalizer arm assemblies or castings which are each rotatably secured within the equalizer. Each equalizer arm assembly or casting is operatively associated with one of the leaf springs such that upon upward movement of the leaf spring, the associated equalizer arm assembly or casting is forced to rotate within the equalizer and to deform a shock absorber provided within the equalizer. The shock absorber, upon the deformation thereof, absorbs the harsh shocks or vibrations which would otherwise normally be transferred from the leaf springs, to the equalizer, and thus to the frame of the trailer.

Abstract: A expandable arm wheelchair which is comprised of a wheelchair base (1) expandable arm (2) locking mechanism (3) Geared locking mechanism (4).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a kind of portable power-saving and foldable electric wheel chair, characterized in that there is a hand control direction device on the left elbow 10 to control the specific running direction of the electric wheel chair; the left and right rear wheels 3 are integrated with the motors 30 respectively, so as the two motors 30 can directly drive the two rear wheels; two disc brakes 20 are installed on the left and right rear wheels 3, the two disc brakes are connected to the brake handle 15 via the main steel string 24, by means of a single hand press brake handle 15, the two rear wheels 3 braked simultaneously; switches 18 for positive or inversion running control the main running direction of electric wheel chair; an intellectual control rod may also be installed on the right elbow 12 to replace the speed-adjusting turning handle 14 and switches 18 for positive or inversion running.

Abstract: A recumbent trike includes a frame constructed of metal or carbon fiber tubes that are interconnected by metal fittings. The frame includes a pair of main tubes extending front to rear that provide a very stiff and lightweight structure that is relatively stiff when subject to side loads generated in turns, yet relatively flexible when subject to vertical loads caused by bumps in a road surface, thereby enhancing rider enjoyment. A seat is adjustably supported on the main tubes, to provide for fore-aft adjustment to accommodate riders having a wide range of heights. The back support portion of the seat is also adjustably connected to the frame to provide for greater or smaller recline angle. The drive chain extends through one of the main tubes of the frame, such that external chain guides or supports are not required.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a motorcycle anti-tipover device that has telescoping support arms that extend to the ground. The support arms are automatically extending when the motorcycle is stationary or moving at low speeds to prevent the motorcycle from tipping over. The telescoping support arms may also serve as a traditional kickstand, or may be used to lift the motorcycle during servicing. Alternatively, an airbag may be deployed underneath the motorcycle to prevent the motorcycle from tipping over.

Abstract: The invention relates to a load carrying vehicle of the type that has a body forming a load carrying compartment (16) above a load deck (17), and where the load carrying compartment (16) is of the side loading type. The vehicle has a load carrying structure located in its load carrying compartment, the load carrying structure including a platform support structure that is located along the length of the load carrying compartment (16) along the centre line of the load deck (17). The platform support structure includes support formations that provide for the support of load platforms (42) of the load carrying structure, on which loads can be supported, at different levels above the two side halves of the load deck. The mode of support permits easy manual adjustment of the level of individual load platforms above the load deck.

Abstract: An off-road dolly has a pneumatic system for providing compressed air to trailer brakes and dolly brakes means for providing synchronized engagement thereof. Off-road dolly also has an electrical circuit providing synchronized engagement of dolly signal lighting system with trailer signal lighting system. Propulsion for off-road dolly and trailer can be provided externally, using a forklift, or by the off-road dolly itself using a motor installed thereon. Synchronized operational engagement of dolly brakes with trailer brakes, and dolly signal lighting system with trailer signal lighting system, can be controlled using a remote control.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hybrid fastener, in particular for the absorption of kinetic impact energy and/or for the absorption of the forces occurring on towing, in particular on towing vehicles, comprising at least one force introduction member which introduces force into the hybrid fastener and/or introduces force from the hybrid fastener into an adjacent component and comprising at least one energy absorption member which absorbs the force introduced at least in part by deformation and which is in connection with the force introduction member, with the connection between the energy absorption member and the force introduction member being made in shape-matched and/or force-transmitting manner and/or such that the energy absorption member is connected to the force introduction member with bias.

Abstract: A ball and socket joint with integrated angle sensor, especially for use as a vehicle level control in the chassis of a motor vehicle. The ball and socket joint has a ball and socket joint housing (1), a ball pivot (2) mounted in the ball and socket joint housing (1), a bipolar field transducer (4) arranged at the joint ball (3) of the ball pivot (2), and at least one magnetic field direction sensor (5), which is arranged at the ball and socket joint housing (1) and interacts with the magnetic field generated by the field transducer (4), wherein only one pole of the bipolar field transducer (4) is arranged on the surface of the ball.

Abstract: The invention comprises a tow hitch having a base member, first engagement means capable of engaging, in use, a selected part of a wheelie bin or the like object. The first engagement means may be provided on or forming part of the base member. Second engagement means, on and/or forming part of the base member are also provided. The second engagement means are in use with a towing hitch on a vehicle, whereby the vehicle may be used to tow the wheelie bin or the like object. A tow ball construction temporarily engageable on a towing vehicle is also described.

Abstract: A cross-country ski includes a cross-country ski having a central area for receiving a ski binding device for fixing a ski boot to the ski. The fixing area includes a space for receiving the binding device and a top bearing surface of the ski which is applied to at least one side of the space for receiving the binding device and on which the boot is directly connectable when the user applies a pressure force.

Abstract: An air-bag is disclosed which preferably takes the form of an inflatable curtain The air-bag forms at least one inflatable region (3,6) and has an upper edge (14) provided with a plurality of mounting tabs (20,21,22,23). Each mounting tab (20,21,22,23) defines an axis which is inclined inwardly toward a region above the centre of the air-bag. Preferably, each tab is inclined at an angle between 30° and 70°.

Abstract: A passenger side airbag installation for an automotive vehicle has a passenger airbag module mounted in a vehicle compartment in front of an instrument panel. The airbag module has an airbag adapted to deploy in a rearward direction. A door formed integrally with the panel has a crease, which, when severed, allows the door to swing open and create an opening in the panel. The crease is adapted to be severed and the door swung open by the force of the airbag when the airbag deploys to permit the airbag to project through the opening. The door may be bowed forwardly by an accidental impact caused by a passenger or object within the vehicle being thrown against the door if the vehicle is stopped too suddenly. A reinforcing bar limits forward bowing to protect the crease from rupturing.

Abstract: A variety of embodiments are disclosed, in both apparatus and method form, that relate to the use of fabric material in the manufacture of an air bag deployment system. In addition, fabric weakening is disclosed according to a technique that does not result in physical alteration of the fabric. This invention therefore includes an air bag cover for an air bag safety system for a vehicle comprising a fabric outer layer having a frontside and a backside and a substrate containing an opening wherein the opening has a periphery. The substrate is preferably formed by low pressure molding, wherein the fabric outer layer overlies the opening in the substrate, and wherein the fabric outer layer is weakened at a location that is adjacent or overlies the substrate opening periphery.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle (12) includes an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (18) that is inflatable to a deployed position between a side structure (32) of the vehicle and a vehicle occupant (34, 36). An inflation fluid source (20) provides inflation fluid for inflating portions of the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (18). The inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (18) includes a base panel (60) and an attachment panel (62) connected to the base panel. The base panel (60) has a first size. The attachment panel (62) has a second size that is smaller than the first size and a configuration that corresponds to a configuration of the portions of the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (18) that are to be inflated.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of manufacturing seat back frame, wherein a pair of side back frame portions are first provided. Also provided is a first upper back frame portion having an upper surface defining a first profile is provided, and a second upper back frame portion having an upper surface defining a second profile. The second profile is different from the first profile. A desired profile of a vehicle seat back frame is then determined. After the determination, one of the first and the second upper back frame portions is selected for attachment to the pair of side back frame portions corresponding to the desired vehicle seat back frame profile determined previously. The selected one of the first and the second upper back frame portions is secured to the pair of side back frame portions.

Abstract: Side impact airbag system for a vehicle includes a side airbag arranged to deploy along a left or right side of the vehicle and an electronic crash sensor. The electronic crash sensor includes a housing, a mass arranged within the housing to be movable in a lateral direction relative to the housing in response to lateral accelerations of the housing, and a control mechanism for controlling deployment of the side airbag and which is responsive to the motion of the mass only in the lateral direction. The housing is mounted in such a position and a direction as to sense an impact into a side of the vehicle resulting in lateral acceleration of the housing. The electronic crash sensor may generate a signal representative of the movement of the mass.

Abstract: A motor vehicle includes a body structure that has a lateral structure, a vehicle seat that is mounted on the body structure, and a side impact protection device for a passenger in the vehicle. The side impact protection device includes a head airbag with a first inflation device that can deploy upward in the region of the breastwork of the lateral structure, and a side airbag with a second inflation device that can deploy laterally out of the seat. In order for the side impact protection device to be used for different body structures, the side airbag is designed as a thorax airbag, which, in its ready state, is positioned, together with the second inflation device, inside the seat back of the vehicle seat, and can deploy essentially toward the front out of the side wall of the seat back. When the thorax airbag is in its deployed state, its upper edge comes to rest next to the breastwork of the lateral structure.

Abstract: A vehicle data recorder includes plural vehicle state-detecting sensors for detecting a state of a vehicle at the time of running, a recording unit for temporarily recording detected values of the sensors, a recording/storing unit for recording and storing the detected values of the sensors; an airbag body, an airbag body controller configured to inflate the airbag body, a judging unit to judge that an event starts and to judge that the airbag body is to be developed and a control unit for performing (i) an recording operation that the detected values of said vehicle state detection sensors are recorded and taken into the recording unit at a predetermined cycle, (ii) a recording/storing operation that when the judging unit judges that the event starts, the detected values of the vehicle state-detecting sensors recorded in the recording unit are recorded and stored in said recording/storing unit, and (iii) an airbag controlling operation that when the judging unit judges that the airbag is to be developed, the

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus can control the cross section of at least one vent opening of an airbag module, through which gases can escape into the environment. The apparatus can include: at least one covering part for at least partially covering the at least one vent opening and an operating mechanism comprising a gas source and an inflatable element in fluid communication with the gas source. The inflatable element can be configured to produce a variation in the outlet cross section of the vent opening in cooperation with the covering part.

Abstract: An airbag includes a bag portion, a pressure sensor for detecting an inner pressure of the bag portion when the airbag is inflated, and a harness electrically connected to the pressure sensor. The harness has a portion disposed on an inner surface of the bag portion along a folding line for folding the bag portion.

Abstract: Air bags for vehicles and processes for making the air bags are disclosed. In accordance with the present disclosure, the air bags include tethers that extend from one side of the air bag to the other side of the air bag and control the inflation characteristics of the bag. The tethers are integral with the air bag such that they are integrated into a woven pattern used to form the bag. The tethers can comprise yarn tethers or fabric tethers. In one embodiment, for instance, a one-piece air bag is disclosed that is formed from warp yarns and fill yarns that are not only used to construct the woven air bag but are also used to construct tethers incorporated into the bag.

Abstract: A lift assembly which is operable by pressurized fluids and constructed to movably support a vehicle, in the event of a flat tire or similar emergency. The lift assembly is mounted at a predetermined location on the vehicle adjacent the wheels and includes means to pivot it into and out of its operational position. The lift assembly includes a support assembly including at least one support member constructed to travel along a road on which the vehicle is located and further includes a lift mechanism, operable by pressurized fluid, to raise the vehicle and flat tire above the road surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for stabilizing a stationary trailer comprises a adjustable length leg member, which may comprise the jack stands or landing gear which come as originally installed equipment on the trailer. Alternatively, the adjustable length leg members may comprise various types of jacks which are later attached to the bottom of the trailer. The apparatus further comprises a ground engaging base plate which is attached to the end of the adjustable length leg member. The ground engaging base plate comprises attachment means for one or more stabilizer members. The first end of the stabilizing member attaches to the ground engaging base plate and the second end of the stabilizing member attaches to an attachment member depending from the bottom of the trailer. The attachment member is adapted to slidably receive the second end of the stabilizing member. The attachment member comprises locking means for engaging the stabilizing member and locking the stabilizing member with respect to the attachment member.

Abstract: A seatbelt access method and system are provided. A seatbelt access system can include a seatbelt and a seatbelt slide, wherein the seatbelt slide substantially encloses a portion of the seatbelt. The seatbelt access system can also include a seatbelt slide positioning system operable to move the seatbelt slide forward. A seatbelt slide positioning system can include a pull cord, and the pull cord can be operably coupled to the seatbelt slide. The pull cord can also be operably coupled to a vehicle frame. Alternatively, the pull cord can be operably coupled to an electronic motor or an electrically powered track. Alternatively, a seatbelt slide positioning system can include a bar. A seatbelt slide positioning system can also include a retractor. Further, a seatbelt slide positioning system can include a motor operable to move the seatbelt slide substantially forward and an activation device operable to activate the motor.

Abstract: To provide a seat-belt guide anchor that has a simple structure, is small, can be formed from a metal flat plate, does not need heat treatments, and therefore can provide a reduction in the production man-hours and the production cost. A seat-belt guide anchor is formed from a metal flat plate and includes a flat-plate-like mounting portion for attachment to a vehicle body, and a flat-plate-like belt guide portion having a belt guide hole. A flange-like outer circular protrusion is provided on the entire outer edge of a portion including the mounting portion and the belt guide portion and is formed by bending the outer edge. A flange-like inner circular protrusion is provided on the entire inner edge of the belt guide hole of the belt guide portion and is formed by bending the inner edge.

Abstract: A seat belt anchoring system for a vehicle seat includes an anchor for seat belt webbing having a mounting portion positionable with respect to the seat to face rearward and rigidly securable with respect to the seat from behind the seat. The anchor also has a belt retaining portion angled with respect to the mounting portion so that it is operatively connectable with the seat belt webbing outboard of the seat. A method of installing a seat belt system is also provided.

Abstract: A device is provided for determining vehicle-occupant-related variables in a vehicle, which comprises a seatbelt with a seatbelt deflector which can be set with respect to its position. A sensor can be provided for sensing the position of the seatbelt deflector.

Abstract: A locating appliance provides expedite locating of non-metallic pipes. The locating appliance is employed with an existing tight seal plug inherent to a non-metallic pipe and includes a metal disk engaged with a self-taping screw. The locating appliance is installed by suitably screwing it into an end cap of the existing tight seal plug. Alternatively, a locating plug including a metal disk affixed with the end cap of the plug, is designed to be installed instead of the existing tight seal plug inherent to the non-metallic pipe. When a user has a need to access the pipe, such as for replacement purposes, to clear a sewer line, or the like, the user is able to quickly and accurately locate the locating appliance, or the locating plug using any suitable metal detector or device known in the art.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an installation structure of a suction hose for an upright type vacuum cleaner. The installation structure comprises a mounting part provided at either end of the suction hose and formed of a corrugated pipe having a thread shape, a pipe-shaped connecting member secured at one end to one side of the mounting part, an adapter having a securing protrusion formed on an outer surface thereof, and to which the connecting member is latched and secured so as to be restricted in axial movement while being permitted to rotate in a circumferential direction, and a receipt part to which the adapter having the securing protrusion formed thereon is inserted and secured. With this structure, the suction hose has a 360-degree rotation structure so that it is prevented from being twisted during a cleaning operation, thereby ensuring convenient cleaning while providing an appealing appearance.

Abstract: The detachable plug coupling serves to connect liquid lines, particularly fuel lines of motor vehicles. The plug coupling is provides a tubular insertion part (3) with an encircling remaining rib (4) and a coupling housing (1) with a cylindrical accommodating space (2) for the insertion part (3). The plug coupling also has an enlarged head part (6) with a separate retaining element (7), which is provided with elastically opening retaining edges (10). The retaining edges are radially directed into the accommodating space (2) and engage behind the retaining rib (4) after the insertion part (3) has been pushed in. In order to ensure that the retaining rib (4) is correctly snapped in behind the retaining edges (10) after the insertion part (3) has been inserted, an additional locking element (17) is provided, which is guided in a transversally displaceable manner on the housing head (6) between an opening position and a closing position.

Abstract: A connector assembly having a male member, a female member and a retainer for releasably securing the male member and the female member. The retainer has inner retainer arms for engaging the male member and an interior portion of the female member, and an outer retainer flange for engaging an outer portion of the female member.

Abstract: A connection system for sealingly interconnecting components of a high pressure fluid flow system, for example, an automobile engine air intake. In one embodiment, the system includes a conduit defining a groove that is locked in a corresponding groove defined by a component, for example, an engine intake. An interlock ring is placed in the conduit groove. A clamp is placed over the interlock ring, however, the clamp and ring can be an integral component. When tightened, the clamp forces the ring into the conduit groove, which presses the conduit into sealing and/or locking engagement with the component groove. A corresponding method of installing the conduit with the connection assembly includes fitting the conduit over the component, fitting the ring in the conduit groove, and clamping the ring into the conduit groove to sealingly couple the conduit to the component.

Abstract: A faucet includes a spout having a first mounting device and a spray head having a second mounting device. A docking collar is provided for releasably mounting the spray head to the spout. The docking collar is connected to one of the first mounting device and the second mounting device. The docking collar includes a spring ring for releasably engaging a groove formed at an other of the first mounting device and the second mounting device.

Abstract: There is disclosed a pipe joint, and a method of forming a pipe joint between two metallic pipes which have been internally and/or externally coated with a material to prevent corrosion. The joint includes a spigot and a socket, the socket having, or being formed with, an internal circumferential groove (6) that provides a seating for an elastomeric sealing ring (8), and forwardly of which groove an extension or lip (13) is provided which provides a welding location (14) remote from the sealing ring. The coating on the end of the socket if necessary is removed to facilitate welding, and the spigot has a heat sink member (9) to enable the lip of the socket to be welded to the metal of the spigot.

Abstract: A scalable micro-grid for providing power to areas remote from the existing power grid. At least two power pods linked in parallel. Each power pod has at least one, micro-turbine fueled by methane gas. As power needs increase, additional power pods are added to the system to meet the additional power needs. The power pods have redundancy such as a diesel genset to ensure continuous power. Power pods are more environmentally friendly than diesel generators and independent of existing power grid. Installation of a power pods requires a short lead-time and thus can be put into operation as soon as the need for more power arises. The power generation source is close to the power consumption point. Removal cost is minimal and the equipment can be reused in another remote power generation locale.