Abstract: A load handler with a modular frame and the manufacture and assembly of the frame and loader and components that may be used therein. A frame is provided that has a low pivot point for a boom. The frame has left and right side rails, and front and rear cross rails, each having a closed cross-section construction. The side rails and cross rails are modular and the cross rails of a selected size are configured to fit a plurality of sizes of side rails, such that the same size cross rails may be used to construct a variety sizes and capabilities of load handling vehicles in a flow type manufacturing process. A structural beam is provided having plates interconnected along their lengths to form the beam having a box-shaped closed cross-section having a perimeter generally along the widths of the plates and forming a beam cavity within the perimeter.

Abstract: A height adjuster (100, 200, 400) for a seat belt system comprising a mounting bar (102, 202, 402), a carrier (120, 220, 460, 460a) and a spring-loaded locking lever (170, 270, 490). The mounting bar is preferably oval or rectangular in cross-section with at least one wall (side wall), which acts as an engagement or locking surface. The engagement surface can include a plurality of small teeth. The bar is adapted to be mounted to a support surface or structure. The carrier is slidably mounted on the bar and is movable to different positions. The carrier includes a main portion, which may be U-shaped in cross-section with a top, a bottom and a center wall. Each of the top and bottom walls includes a first opening through which the mounting bar extends. A friction coupling (480) can automatically move the locking lever to its free position without manual intervention.

Abstract: A manifold for connecting external capillaries to the inlet and/or outlet ports of a microfluidic device for high pressure applications is provided. The fluid connector for coupling at least one fluid conduit to a corresponding port of a substrate that includes: (i) a manifold comprising one or more channels extending therethrough wherein each channel is at least partially threaded, (ii) one or more threaded ferrules each defining a bore extending therethrough with each ferrule supporting a fluid conduit wherein each ferrule is threaded into a channel of the manifold, (iii) a substrate having one or more ports on its upper surface wherein the substrate is positioned below the manifold so that the one or more ports is aligned with the one or more channels of the manifold, and (iv) device to apply an axial compressive force to the substrate to couple the one or more ports of the substrate to a corresponding proximal end of a fluid conduit.

Abstract: An annular beveled insert for enhancing the insertion of a plain end of a pipe into a mating belled end of a pipe, the insert including an annular main body portion having a substantially flat surface and a beveled opposed surface. The annular main body portion has inner and outer diameters approximately equal to inner and outer diameters, respectively, of the plain end of the pipe. An outwardly directed flange extends from the annular main body portion around a periphery and has an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of the plain end of the pipe. The flange is sufficiently flexible so that it bends into an angle of approximately ninety degrees with the flat surface of the annular main body portion and aids the main body portion in masking the plain end of the pipe as it passes through the annular gasket.

Abstract: In this side lock apparatus, a opening and closing member is fixed to a support unit so that the opening and closing member can be opened and closed, left and right latches being movably held on the opening and closing member, the left and right latches being urged by a pressure of a spring toward a lock hole formed in the support unit, a free end portion of the latches being moved back from the lock hole in the support member against the spring means by an operation of the operating handle, wherein the left and right latches are operatively connected together via a link lever supported rotatably via a shaft on the opening and closing member, the operating handle being provided with an operating portion engageable with the latch, at least one latch being provided with two contact surfaces engageable with the operating portion of the operating handle.

Abstract: A locking device of a cover for closing an opening in a wall of a storing compartment. The locking device comprises a casing disposed within said cover, a handle pivotally mounted in said casing so as to be manually pivotal between an extended position and a retracted position in order to allow for lifting said cover from said opening and, respectively, inserting said cover into said opening, a locking bar slidably mounted in said casing so as to be displaceable between a locking position for locking said cover to said wall and an unlocking position for releasing said cover, a return spring for biasing said locking bar from said unlocking position towards said locking position, and latching means arranged to arrest said locking bar in said unlocking position when said cover has been lifted from said opening, and to release said cover when said cover has been inserted into said opening.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fender including an offset light housing installed on a trailer or tow dolly for towing a vehicle or other piece of equipment. In a preferred embodiment the fender further includes a clearance increasing portion. The fenders minimize the possibility of damage to the vehicle or other piece of equipment. Also disclosed is a tow dolly including a tire platform that is positioned such that when an automobile is placed on the tow dolly, the axle of the automobile is positioned forwardly of the front-most axle of the tow dolly.

Abstract: A hand-held portable container (1) for collecting and disposing of animal excreta comprising a shell (5,101) having an opening for receiving excreta, the shell (5,101) having an impaling instrument including a plurality of tines (8) disposed within the shell (5,101) for impaling excreta. The tines (8) are provided by teeth (105) tapered so that the edges of the teeth (105) closet to the opening of the shell (5,101) are thin enough to allow at least partial penetration of excreta received into the opening. An aerosol cartridge (4,136) is mounted in a housing (3,131) of the container (1) and the cartridge includes a freezing component for freezing the excreta to the tines of the shell.

Abstract: An improved spatula is presented that has a handle shaped to permit easy removal of the contents of condiment containers. The spatula handle possesses a double angled offset such that when held in the hand, the spatula head makes flush contact with the walls of a condiment container.

Abstract: There is provided an assist tool for chopsticks comprising: an adapter which couples upper and lower chopsticks such that distal end portions thereof can be opened and closed about rear end portions thereof serving as fulcrums; and a supporter which is fitted to a vicinity of a base of a user's forefinger to support the adapter on the base.

Abstract: An embodiment of an object lifting device includes compression straps to which gathering loops and handles are secured. In use, the straps and gathering loops encircle an object to be lifted. A pulling force applied to the handles causes the gathering loops to draw the ends of the straps toward each other, which results in the straps bearing upon the object to be lifted. While the object is held suspended, the weight of the object helps maintain the pulling pressure on the gathering loops and the consequent girthing action by the straps. The object is thus firmly secured by the device allowing it to be safely and easily lifted and transported.

Abstract: A tailgate extender system is provided having telescoping supports, which stores entirely within a storage compartment in the tailgate, and which extends directly perpendicular to the tailgate surface for use. The telescoping supports are hingedly connected to the tailgate within the storage compartment and are slidingly connected to the top rail of the tailgate extender. Further, a cargo netting system that retracts into the tailgate extender top rail is provided.

Abstract: To provide a joint structure for vehicle body members, which can effectively accommodate distortion due to joining of dissimilar metals, a joining surface of an aluminum roof panel and a joining surface of a side roof rail made of steel are joined by non-piercing rivets, with an electrically insulating structural adhesive being interposed between the joining surfaces, and a bead extending along the joining surfaces is formed in the aluminum roof panel.

Abstract: The resin-made floor panel structure including a trunk floor F1 made of resin integrally forming a spare tire storage space S1, and a trunk board B1 made of resin disposed so as to cover the floor panel, fitting parts Sw1, Bk1 for achieving the closure of the spare tire storage space are integrally formed respectively in the trunk floor and trunk board. Thereby, in using resin materials for a floor panel, transmission of noise in the floor section to the compartment side can be suppressed by a relatively simple structure without increasing the weight.

Abstract: An overhead rail system for a vehicle interior includes an elongated rail configured to extend at least partially along a headliner panel within the vehicle interior. A longitudinal opening extends at least partially along a length of the rail. An article has a housing and a movable panel. The movable panel is configured to provide access to an object. A holder is coupled to the article and has a catch configured to coact with the opening in the rail, so that the article is mountable to the rail proximate the headliner panel for use by occupants within the vehicle interior.

Abstract: A sealing gasket for sealing gaps adjacent to a pickup truck. In alternate embodiments, a combination pickup truck and sealing gasket is provided. The sealing gasket comprises an elongated member made of a deformable, somewhat resilient, polymeric material. The polymeric material is preferably a closed cell sponge material made of a polymeric material, which is preferably somewhat flexible, resilient, water resistant and the like. A cross-section of the elongated member, if divided into two parts, includes a generally triangular portion and a generally semi-circular portion which come together to form a teardrop-like shape. The elongated member preferably has a first lumen which is generally circular in shape when the sealing gasket is undeformed and a second lumen which has two converging surfaces which converge at one end and join to an arcuate inner surface at the other end.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly comprising a seat, and a seat track mounting adapted to slidingly mount the seat to a vehicle floor. The seat track mounting comprising an elongate slidingly engaged seat track member including a pair of spaced apart side flanges which define a channel section. The vehicle seat assembly further comprising a hydraulic actuator arranged in use to extend and retract as the seat is slidingly moved on the seat track mounting. This hydraulic actuator is located longitudinally within seat track member within the channel section and between the pair of side flanges.

Abstract: A vehicle cap power transfer assembly and method are disclosed for transferring electrical power from lights on the cab of a vehicle to lights on or in a cap which is installed upon a section of the vehicle. Plugs are provided on one end of electrical conductors. The plugs are constructed to be received into the bulb sockets of brake and cargo space illumination lights on the rear of the vehicle cab. The other ends of the conductors are connected to an elevated brake light on the rear of the cap and illumination lights on the interior of the cab, respectively. The electrical conductors are also coupled together by a quick disconnect coupler to facilitate the installation and removal of the cap and the coupling and uncoupling of the electrical conductors.

Abstract: A system for positioning a tarpaulin on a flatbed is provided. According to one embodiment, the system comprises a lifting device and a tarpaulin positioning apparatus structured to be attached to the lifting device. The lifting device is structured to lift at least a portion of the tarpaulin positioning apparatus above the flatbed and to move the portion of the tarpaulin positioning apparatus over the length of the flatbed from one end to the other. The tarpaulin positioning apparatus is further structured to deploy the tarpaulin on the flatbed as the portion of the tarpaulin positioning apparatus is moved over the length of the flatbed from one end to the other by the lifting device.

Abstract: A convertible vehicle has a carbody and a top connected to the carbody. A top compartment is provided for receiving the top when the top is open. A top compartment lid for closing the top compartment is pivotably supported on the carbody by a hinge device. The hinge device has a frame part connected to the carbody, a connecting part, and a hinge lifter having a first end connected to the frame part by a first hinge and a second end connected by a second hinge to the connecting part mounted on the top compartment lid. The hinge device has an integrated movement lock between the connecting part and the frame part. The movement lock is moved by an opening movement of the top compartment lid into a securing position counteracting a return movement of the top compartment lid. The securing position is releasable for closing the top compartment lid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hardtop vehicle roof with three roof pieces, which can be supported against the chassis, stacked together over the middle section, the front and rear roof pieces of which are jointed to the middle roof piece and can swing together in the same sense over the middle section to lie on the middle section, whereby a common drive is provided for the front and the rear roof piece, which is provided on the middle roof section.

Abstract: A retractable hardtop for use with a vehicle including a rear section pivotally coupled to the vehicle and a front section pivotally coupled to the rear section for movement of the hardtop between an extended position defining a roof over a passenger compartment in the vehicle and a retracted position at least partially stowed in a storage compartment. A balance link extends between one end pivotally coupled to the vehicle and an opposite end pivotally coupled to the front panel. A center panel opening is defined between the front and rear panels. A center panel is operatively coupled to the balance link for movement in and out of the center panel opening during movement of the hardtop between the extended and retracted positions, respectively.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for protecting a motor vehicle surface. The invention includes a substantially uniform shock absorbent poly foam pad adapted to cover at least the top surface of a motor vehicle, and further adapted to couple to at least one means for securing. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: This latch device for an access panel door includes an open lever and a ratchet release lever pivotally mounted on a base plate by a first shaft, a lock lever pivotally mounted on the base plate by a second shaft, and a sliding pin displaceable between an engaged position and a disengaged potion. The release lever has first and second arms extending in a radial direction of the first shaft and connected to latch units. The lock lever shifts the sliding pin to an engaged position when the lock lever is in the unlocked position and shifts the sliding pin to a disengaged position when the lock lever is in the locked position. The sliding pin is slidably mounted in a slot formed on the first arm or the second arm.

Abstract: A vehicle door beam of relatively small profile and high strength. The door beam is fabricated from a web and includes a beam portion and brackets extending from opposite ends of the beam portion. The beam portion includes two lateral portions of the web rolled inwardly into closed configurations, and the two lateral edges of the lateral portions are welded to the beam portion. In an alternative embodiment, a second web is included in the beam portion and is part of both of the closed configurations.

Abstract: There is provided a weather strip for a double door of an automobile which has a center seal portion and a seal body. The center seal portion has a main seal and a closing seal, whereas the seal body is integrally formed with a roof seal, an end seal and a lower seal. An upper end portion of the closing seal of the center seal portion is connected to an edge end portion of the roof seal of the seal body by a die molding. A lower end portion of the closing seal of the center seal portion is connected to an edge end portion of the lower seal of the seal body by a die molding.

Abstract: A system and method for deflecting the wind which would otherwise impinge upon the closed tailgate of a pickup truck, the deflector being mounted on the tailgate to preserve cargo space, including a spoiler and including a pair of relatively slidable rigid panels for deflecting the wind. The lower, forward panel overlies the upper rear panel and the relative position of the two panels is controlled by a scissors jack. The position of the distal end of the lower, forward panel is maintained adjacent the truck bed by a gust strap.

Abstract: A structurally independent load bearing support system for use in a cargo vehicle and supporting one or more levels of accessories to provide one or more additional levels of load bearing surfaces in addition to the floor of the cargo vehicle. The structurally independent load bearing support system comprises at least two side frames comprising a plurality of longitudinally spaced vertical members and at least one transverse member connecting the two side frames.

Abstract: An automotive cowl cover includes a first wall and a second wall disposed from the first wall, the first and second walls defining opposing sides of a channel configured for receiving an edge of a windshield, and a tapered shim having a non-uniform height extending from the first wall toward the second wall. The defined channel can engage an edge of the windshield of the automobile.

Abstract: A glowing vehicle radiator grille includes multiple ribs securely connected to one another via a connection device for connection to the vehicle radiator, multiple light transmitting groups each securely connected to a corresponding one of the ribs and multiple illuminators each received in a corresponding one of the light transmitting groups to allow light from the illuminators to be transmitted by the light transmitting groups so as to light ambient atmosphere surrounding the ribs.

Abstract: A sun shade which can be removed or installed without tools and mounts to a universal mounting bracket on roll bars on tractors whether they lean forwards or backwards and employs a unique slot and notch system which provides a wide and safe range of adjustability.

Abstract: A sliding roof system includes at least one cover, two guide rails, and first and second carriages that are movable in the two guide rails. The sliding roof system also includes first and second holding parts that are each coupled with one of the first and second carriages and that are each coupled with a rear edge of the cover. The first and second holding parts can be shifted between a first position in which there is a first clearance between the first and second holding parts, and a second position in which there is a second clearance between the first and second holding parts that is larger than the first clearance.

Abstract: A buoyant pool chair supports a swimmer in an upright, semi-reclining or sitting position while the chair is floating in a swimming pool. Interconnected rigid frame members collectively form an open chair frame including a seat frame, left and right arm frames attached to the seat frame, and a back frame pivotally coupled to the seat frame. Buoyant cushions attached to the frame members form a chair seat, a chair back, a left chair arm and a right chair arm. The buoyant cushions include layers of flexible cushion material secured together in overlapping relation, with the frame members being sandwiched between the overlapping layers. A layer of adhesive material bonds the overlapping cushion layers together and forms a water-tight seal around the frame members.

Abstract: A seating apparatus for an aircraft comprising: a passenger seat having a seat frame and a seat back; a recline control device for selectively reclining the seat back; and a seat recline control override for disabling the recline control device. In the preferred embodiment, the passenger seat includes a seat leg supporting the seat. Also in the preferred embodiment, the seat recline control override comprises: an override lever for overriding the recline control; an actuator for remotely moving the override lever; and a linkage connecting the override lever to the actuator.

Abstract: A reclining chair, in particular a passenger chair, for use in a vehicle such as an aircraft, bus or mobile home. The chair includes a base assembly, a seat frame located above the base assembly, a seat attached to the seat frame, and a seat back connected to the seat frame. In various embodiments, the chair includes features such as an energy absorbing base assembly, an adjustable arm rest, a fully reclining seat back and a seat that increases its angle with respect to the horizontal as the seat back reclines, thereby forcing one back into the chair. The seat and seat back is also capable of achieving a fully horizontal position when the seat back is fully reclined.

Abstract: A seat which can be converted into a couchette with a deformable armrest, comprising a squab structure (1) and a backrest structure (2) mounted so as to pivot with respect to the squab structure (1) between a raised position and an elongated position, and a deformable structure (3) comprising an upright (4) and a support member (5), the upright (4) being pivotally connected at one of its ends to the front part (1a) of the squab structure (1) and at its other end to the front part (5b) of the support member (5) so that the deformable structure (3) forms an armrest when the backrest structure (2) is in the raised position and so that the upright (4) and the support member (5) come into the line with each other at the level of the squab structure (1) and backrest structure (2) when the latter is in the elongated position.

Abstract: A chair is constructed of a chair frame having spaced, parallel side members with rear ends and outwardly curved front ends, a first horizontal seat support extending between the side members adjacent their rear ends, and a second horizontal seat support parallel to and in a plane below the first support extending between the side members adjacent their front ends; and a sling seat in the form of a continuous loop of textile material extending around the first and second supports to form a seating surface, the loop being removable from the chair frame without separating the loop by pulling the loop around the front end of one of the side members for placement while the loop is supported on the first seat support.

Abstract: A hydraulic arrangement for operating a load body (11) on a heavy vehicle. The load body is connected to the frame (12) of the vehicle by way of at least one articulated joint (13), enabling the load body to tip between a lowered transport position and a raised tipping position. An hydraulic cylinder assembly (14) forming part of the hydraulic arrangement includes at least two piston cylinders (15–17), each working in its own direction, and which are hydraulically and mechanically coupled to one another.

Abstract: A rock boring device (10) including a rotary disc cutter (11). The disc cutter (11) is driven in an oscillating manner and also driven or free to nutate, and the device includes a mounting section (22) for the rotary disc cutter and a driven section (21), and wherein the mounting section (22) is angularly offset from the axis of the driven section whereby the rotary disc cutter will both oscillate and nutate.

Abstract: A free spinning rim assembly is provided which is mountable to a first and second face of a motorcycle wheel including an axle shaft through its axis of rotation. The spinning rim assembly includes a spinner, which rotates about and is positioned circumspect the axle shaft, in proximity to the wheel face. The spinner rotates around the axle shaft at a different angular speed relative to the wheel on which it is mounted. The spinning rim assembly includes a spinning rim having a central bore, which is supported by a friction reducing means positioned in the spinner central bore. The friction reducing means is supported by a retaining means, which is further supported by the wheel hub.

Abstract: In one form, the present system includes a post mounted to a wheel, a weight directly supported by the post, and a quick release fastener connected to the post. The quick release fastener releaseably secures the weight on the post in a fixed position to the wheel. In another form, the present system includes a post mounted to a wheel wherein the post has a cavity, a weight supported by the post, and a quick release fastener. Further, the quick release fastener has a portion received by the cavity of the post and the quick release fastener releaseably secures the weight on the post in a fixed relation to the wheel.

Abstract: A bicycle hub cover assembly is installed on a bicycle hub to provide a hard, rigid protective cover for the bicycle hub. In one embodiment, the bicycle hub cover assembly has a hub shell cover, a first hub end cover, a second hub end cover and a pair of fasteners that attach the hub end covers to the axle of the bicycle hub. The hub shell cover is configured and arranged to be mounted concentrically around a center portion of the hub shell of the bicycle hub, while the hub end covers overlie the axial ends of the bicycle hub. Thus, the bicycle hub is completely enclosed, except for a small gap located between the hub shell cover and each of the first and second hub end covers. In another embodiment, the hub shell cover is eliminated.

Abstract: An apparatus for communicating information over a pressurized fluid-carrying pipe connecting a plurality of serial nodes. A sounder node (i.e., transmitter) creates variable pressure patterns within the fluid-carrying pipe, which pressure patterns are identified and detected by other nodes. The patterns convey information or solicit responses from the receiving nodes. The receiving nodes reply to the pressure fluctuations by inducing reply pressure fluctuations in the fluid-carrying pipe or by communicating with the sounder node via a separate radio frequency communications system. The apparatus and method can be used as an information-carrying communications medium or a train linking methodology for a railroad train.

Abstract: When it is in a forward or backward range, in an idle state, the vehicle is perfectly stationary, brake releasing velocity Bv is larger than Bv_on, brake stroke Bs is smaller than Bs_on and braking force Bf is larger than driving force Fd, a brake ECU executes a program that includes the steps of starting a timer, controlling the braking force Bf such that it becomes approximately equal to the driving force Fd, and controlling the braking force Bf such that it gradually decreases until it attains to Bend after a predetermined time period.

Abstract: A valve seat assembly for a control valve of a vehicle brake system includes a valve seat body. A valve passageway extends through a portion of the valve seat body. A groove is formed circumferentially in an outer surface of the valve seat body. The groove defines a groove surface substantially parallel to an axis of the valve body. A bore extends between the groove surface and the valve passageway to provide fluid communication between the groove surface and the valve passageway. A substantially resilient seal is disposed in the groove of the valve seat body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an undercarriage equipped with a coreless rubber crawler in a chain drive configuration, and more particularly, to a track system undercarriage for a skid loader in which an auxiliary axle and an auxiliary sprocket are provided to solve the problem of load concentration at the contact points of a coreless rubber crawler, which is adopted to reduce the total load of a vehicle. A gear chain is provided surrounding a main axle and the auxiliary axle, so that the load is dispersed over a large contact area of the coreless rubber crawler, thereby relieving internal stress concentrations at the sprocket and the coreless rubber crawler, and significantly improving the life span of the coreless rubber crawler.

Abstract: A bookcase has a plurality of storage units, each having a pair of side panels, each said side panel having a draw catch and a latch, a top panel interconnecting each said side panel and having an outer surface which includes a first positioning member, a bottom panel interconnecting to each said side panel and having an outer surface which includes a second positioning member which is configured in a complementary manner to said first positioning member, wherein said positioning members are geometrically spatially positioned in alignment with one another, a back panel and a front panel removably disposed adjacent said side, panels, said top panel and said bottom panel such that when so disposed forms an enclosure.

Abstract: A jewelry organizer for storing a plurality of types of jewelry. The organizer may have pivoting cabinets in which earring, necklace and bracelet stands may be located. Additionally, accessory poles may also be provided. The organizer is versatile because it is configurable to a user's needs.

Abstract: A refrigerator cabinet includes a bottom mullion and a casing. One of said bottom mullion and said casing includes a retaining tongue and the other of said bottom mullion includes an engagement surface for being received in said tongue. A method for fabricating the cabinet includes attaching the bottom mullion to a casing shell by hand, inserting an inner liner into the casing shell, attaching a casing bottom panel to the bottom mullion by hand, and injecting a foam insulation medium between the casing and the inner liner.

Abstract: An ink supply system for a droplet deposition apparatus wherein the pressure at the nozzle is controlled by a remote point, said remote point being positioned in parallel with said print head. The flow restrictions in the printhead arm and the pressure control arm of the circuit being selected to achieve this.