Abstract: A hinged vehicle body part for a motor vehicle is inserted into an opening of a vehicle body and, on its circumference side, is surrounded by stationary vehicle body parts. For linking the hinged body part, hinges are connected on one side with the hinged vehicle body part and are connected on the other side with a stationary vehicle body part. So that the hinged body part can be adjusted in its closed state in the correct position with respect to the adjoining vehicle body and can be fixed in the adjusted position, it is provided that at least one fastening point of each hinge provided on the stationary body part is arranged outside the contour of the hinged vehicle body part. These fastening points, which are situated outside the contour of the hinge part, can be covered by a releasably fastened assembly part of the adjoining stationary vehicle body part.

Abstract: A motor vehicle window panel has a trim molding formed by an extruded body of plastics material, and the body includes a mounting flange, a locating flange and a vehicle body panel sealing flange. The mounting flange carries a pressure sensitive contact adhesive tape which bonds to an inner surface of the window panel after the locating flange engages an outer edge surface of the window panel. The body is preferably extruded with a weakened zone at the base of the locating flange to permit convenient tear removal of the locating flange either before or after the molding and window panel are attached to the vehicle body panel. The sealing flange may be extruded with a lower durometer material, and an internal reinforcement strip and a spacer flange may be extruded with the mounting flange. The locating flange may be curved or flat with a projecting lip to facilitate removal.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a sunshield assembly for use in automotive vehicles which prevents potentially damaging solar radiation from entering the interior of the vehicle through a windshield when in motion or parking of the vehicle. The sunshield assembly comprises a mount which is fixedly installed on a windshield of the automotive vehicle, a deployable and retractable sliding unit including a plurality of connector members having the same configuration and adapted to be successively coupled to one another, and a cover configured to be coupled to an outermost one of the connector members, wing members each having a triangular steel liner narrowing toward an outer end thereof, and a coating layer attached to one surface of the steel liner, the coating layer consisting of a paper sheet, and a transparent film bonded to each other, and a holder for fixing the cover.

Abstract: A roll tarp system for efficiently covering a heaped load. The roll tarp system includes a tarp attached to a side of a container, a roller attached to the tarp opposite of the container, a rear bracket attached to a rear end of the container, a rear inner arm pivotally attached to the rear bracket, a rear outer arm pivotally attached to the rear inner arm, a front bracket attached to a front end of the container, a front inner arm pivotally attached to the front bracket, a front outer arm pivotally attached to the front inner arm, and an actuator attached to the front inner arm and the roller for rotating the roller. A rear spring and a front spring are attached to the brackets respectively for applying a closing bias force upon the inner arms respectively. A front bias member is attached between the front inner arm and the front outer arm.

Abstract: A tonneau system for a cargo box of a pickup truck having a framework. The framework having a cross bow member for supporting a cover and being positionable generally over the cargo box of the pickup truck. The tonneau system further includes a latch assembly pivotally coupled to the cross bow member. The latch assembly is positionable in a latched position engagable with the cargo box of the pickup truck, an unlatched position disengagable with the cargo box of the pickup truck, and a nested position substantially retracted from the unlatched position and received within the cross bow member. The tonneau system may further include a biasing member that is substantially received within a portion of the latch assembly to improve consistent spring rates across the actuation range.

Abstract: A retractable cover for a slide-out unit on a recreational vehicle, mobile home, travel trailer, or the like, includes a roll bar that is movable with the slide-out unit away from the side of the vehicle with the roll bar mounted in a housing having a closure plate which is easily pivoted to an open position or removed to facilitate maintenance or removal of debris that may accumulate in the housing during a retraction of the cover. The housing is mounted on the slide-out unit with brackets permitting the brackets to be located at any position along the length of the housing and also permitting the housing to assume a length that is much greater than the width of the slide-out unit providing a better cover for the slide-out unit during inclement weather.

Abstract: An energy-absorbing device (34) with a reduced initial peak load (50) for enhancing the management of crash energy in an end structure (30?) for a vehicle (30). The energy-absorbing device (34) has a deformable construction adapted for progressively folding along a longitudinal axis (60) under an oscillating crash load (34?). The oscillating crash load (34?) is comprised of a mean load (48) and a peak load (50) that is in close proximity to the mean load (48).

Abstract: A mounting system for securing brake hoses and electrical cables located to the rearward of a mobile vehicle cab. The mobile vehicle's cab is engaged to a chassis. The chassis has exhaust stanchions rearward of the cab relative to vehicle forward movement. The exhaust stanchions are supported by braces. Attached to these braces, or integrated into them, are mounting points for interchangeable brackets. One carries a “glad hand” and electrical connector hanger, and the other carries a hose tender.

Abstract: A front end module assembly structure for a vehicle, including: a first bracket plate provided on either a front end module or a side member, which is provided with a through hole and a slit extending upward therefrom; a second bracket plate provided on the other of the front end module and the side member to be mated to the first bracket plate, which has an insertion hole formed thereon at a position corresponding to the slit of the first bracket plate; and a locator piece attached to the second bracket plate. The locator piece has a portion configured to be inserted into the slit from a position inside the through hole and held in the slit, and a bottom face configured to be set on a periphery of the insertion hole when the locator piece is inserted into the insertion hole.

Abstract: A front part structure of a vehicle body for efficiently absorbing collision energy acting from the front of the vehicle body is provided. The front part structure of the vehicle body includes right and left front side members extending longitudinally of the vehicle body within an engine compartment separated by a dashboard. A crossmember is attached to the dashboard and extended between the right and left front side members. A floor tunnel extending longitudinally of the vehicle body is joined to a rear end portion of an extension of the crossmember. Collision energy acting from the front of the vehicle body is transmitted from the front side members to the crossmember, and then is transmitted through the extension of the crossmember to the floor tunnel and dispersed throughout the vehicle body.

Abstract: An automotive seat assembly is provided including a seatback and a motion translation element pivotably mounted within. The motion translation element includes a back engagement portion, movable between a back engagement stable position and a back intrusion position, and a translation portion, movable from a translation stable position to a translation actuated position in response to the back engagement portion movement. A intermediary element is rotatably attached to the translation portion, such that it is moved between an intermediary stable position and an intermediary actuated position. The intermediary element is additionally movable between a disengagement position and a engagement position. A momentum cam is utilized to move the intermediary element into the engagement position during vehicle impact. A trigger arm is positioned within said seatback and engages the intermediary element when in said engagement position.

Abstract: A high-back automobile seat having an opening defined by the seat's rear surface. The opening allows mounting of utility or entertainment components for use by a passenger behind the high-back seat. Entertainment components such as a video screen or an integrated DVD player/screen may be mounted for viewing enjoyment. A formed seat bun with the opening provides the space for mounting of such components. The formed seat bun may be prewired to allow easier installation of electronic components. An area about the opening may be contoured to provide sufficient depth for flush mounting of components.

Abstract: Headphone storage concepts provided include (i) a headrest forming a compartment configured for storage of an item within the compartment; (ii) a headrest cooperatively configured for receiving headphones such that the headphones are removably secured to the headrest; (iii) a headrest having earphones pivotably attached thereto; (iv) a seat forming a compartment (in wing bolsters or in an underseat, rearward-opening drawer) for storage of an item; and (v) headphones with rotatable earphones to provide a slimmer profile for storage.

Abstract: An infant carrier includes a carrier shell including a seating area for a child; and a harness system adapted to connect to the carrier shell and adapted to be adjusted between a first configuration for a smaller child and a second configuration for a larger child. The harness system includes first and second straps, each of the first and second straps having a shoulder strap end and a lap strap end, a shoulder strap adjuster associated with the shoulder strap ends of each of the first and second straps to enable adjustment of the shoulder strap ends between the first configuration and the second configuration, and a lap strap adjuster associated with the lap strap ends of each of the first and second straps to enable adjustment of the lap strap ends between the first configuration and the second configuration.

Abstract: The child restraint system comprises a harness that extends through one of a plurality of slots in the shell for restraining a child occupant within the child restraint system, and a control unit for determining whether the harness is properly adjusted based upon the size of the child. Belt location sensors are disposed at the slots to detect the presence of a harness belt. The child restraint system also includes temperature sensors responsive to body temperature of the child. The control unit processes the signals from the belt location sensors and the proximity sensors and issues an alert signal if the belt location is not the recommended belt location based upon the size of the child.

Abstract: A child restraint device for use with a vehicle seat having a back portion with a forward side and rear side, the back portion further having at least one device selected from the group consisting of head padding, adjustable shoulder belts, adjustable lap belts, and a provision for mounting the back portion to a vehicle seat. The child restraint device also has a bottom portion with a top side and bottom side. The bottom portion is foldably coupled to the back portion and has at least one device selected from the group consisting of buckle harness assembly, leg strap, and a provision for mounting the bottom portion to a vehicle seat.

Abstract: A chair having an arm, a backrest and a flexible backrest support that is rigidly attached to the arm and the backrest. The flexible backrest support includes a spring located between rigid end portions that are mounted to the chair arm and backrest. The flexible backrest support allows the backrest to pivot while the arm remains stationary. Optionally, a supplemental backrest support may be included.

Abstract: A chair adjustment mechanism has a pin retaining member (as, for example, a sleeve) with a slot having two laterally spaced pin receptors. Each receptor is partially defined by a peripheral wall of the slot and is further defined by a spring finger that projects along side of the peripheral wall. With this arrangement, a pin may be received through the slot and into a longitudinal slot of a second member (as, for example, a J-bar), which longitudinal slot defines a rack. The pin receptors may be positioned such that with the pin in a first of the pin receptors, it is engaged by the rack. In consequence, the pin retaining member may be moved upwardly with respect to the second member by notching the pin over teeth of the rack against the urging of the spring finger. The top of the longitudinal slot may have a cam surface to cam the pin into the second pin receptor such that the pin is now spaced from the rack. This releases the pin retaining member to be lowered with respect to the second member.

Abstract: A backupholstery adjustment device for a wheelchair includes a wheelchair having a horizontally and/or obliquely adjusted backupholstery which has a pair of upper positioning rods and a pair of lower positioning rods spacedly secured to a plurality of V-shaped linking plates on inward arcuate lateral sides thereof, a pair of upper and a pair of lower adjustment pieces respectively secured to the upper and lower portions of a pair of L-shaped handles through a plurality of clamping plates. The upper adjustment pieces each has a slit abutting a stopping portion in the top insertable by the pair of upper positioning rods and a plurality of grooves formed inside for selectively engaging the upper positioning rods. The lower adjustment pieces each has a slit abutting a stopping portion, too, insertable by the pair of lower positioning rods and a single groove engageable within the lower positioning rods.

Abstract: In the case of a fitting for a vehicle seat, in particular for a motor vehicle seat, having a first fitting part (11), a second fitting part (12) connected by a gear mechanism to the first fitting part (11), a driving ring (26), which at least partially defines an eccentric (27, 29) and is mounted rotatably in the first fitting part, for driving a rolling movement of the second fitting part (12) on the first fitting part (11), and a drivable driving bushing (21) which is mounted rotatably, the driving bushing (21) and the driving ring (26) are connected to each other in a form-fitting manner by a transmission profile (24?, 26?).

Abstract: A powered seat assembly for reducing end-play of an associated lead screw interconnecting a pivotally secured seat back to a motor gear box. A motor actuates the lead screw through an input to the motor gear box and in order to pivotally readjust the seat back. The seat assembly includes a base plate, the seat back pivotally securing to a forward location of the base plate, the motor gear box securing to a rearward location. A bracket secures to an intermediate location of the base plate, a slot defined in an extending portion of the bracket defining a passage therethrough for the lead screw. A spacer bushing is supported upon the lead screw and adheres against a face of the bracket opposite the pivotally secured seat back.

Abstract: A reclining device for vehicle seats having a structure capable of reliably maintaining a seat back locking state for preventing the seat back from being undesirably moved on the seat cushion is disclosed. The reclining device includes a base plate, an arm plate, a central shaft, a cam, a pair of locks, a guide plate, an action spring, a return spring, and an actuating lever. The central shaft has a first angled part provided on an intermediate portion of the central shaft and a second angled part provided on an end of the central shaft. The cam has a through hole, a main cam heel and a pair of subsidiary cam heels. Each lock has a main lock heel, a pair of subsidiary lock heels, and a guide protrusion provided on a surface of the lock in a direction parallel to an axis of the central shaft.

Abstract: In the case of a locking mechanism (1) for a vehicle seat, in particular for a motor vehicle seat, having an open housing (5), a latch (11) which is mounted pivotably on the housing (5) and is intended for locking with a mating element (B), and at least one securing element (25, 31) which is likewise mounted pivotably on the housing (5) and, by interaction with the latch (11), secures a locked state, the locking mechanism (1) is attachable to a structural part (41), and the structural part (41) forms the cover for the substantial closing of the housing (5).

Abstract: A armrest assembly includes an upright armrest support, a support member mounted on the armrest support, a slide member movably mounted on the support member, and an armrest movably mounted on the slide member and movable toward a direction opposite to that of the slide member. The slide member is movable on the support member in the longitudinal direction, and the armrest is movable on the slide member in the transverse direction, so that the armrest is movable relative to the support member forward, backward, leftward and rightward. Thus, the armrest is movable relative to the support member in the two opposite directions so as to adjust the position of the armrest in a two-dimensional manner.

Abstract: This invention is related to a knock down frame attachment system. The knock down frame attachment system includes a seating portion, a pair of side panels and a plurality of sets of mounting brackets. A set includes both a left and a right mounting bracket. A set of brackets are coupled to each side of the seating portion and to both side panels. Thus, two sets of brackets are required to attach a side panel to the seating portion.

Abstract: A plurality of levers each having one end adapted for attachment below a chair seat for controlling separate movements of a chair, each said lever having another end presenting a substantially planar surface terminating at a periphery, said periphery defining a geometric shape different from one another so as to tactually distinguish said levers and the associated movements of said chair controlled by said levers.

Abstract: A conventional crusher forms a hollow space between paralleled straight portions of a wedge body portion and inner side surfaces of expanding members at the time of performing an expanding operation and hence, an expanding force of tapered portions of the wedge is not transmitted to the whole expanding members whereby the force is dispersed and a large crushing force cannot be obtained.

Abstract: A braking device for a motorcycle, in which front wheel braking means is operated in conjunction with a braking operation on a rear wheel, eliminates a rapid change in front/rear braking force distribution at the time of a rear wheel braking operation so as to consistently allow a rider to feel a smooth braking operation. Braking force distribution characteristics on the rear and front wheels are previously set for each vehicle speed. When the braking operation on the rear wheel is performed, a brake caliper on the front wheel is controlled so as to maintain braking force distribution characteristics corresponding to a vehicle speed when the operation is started.

Abstract: A braking system includes a brake actuator which is moveable in a first direction to cause a brake applying member to apply a braking force to a member to be braked. A master valve includes a piston assembly which upon operation of a brake operating member, directs the hydraulic fluid under pressure to the brake actuator to apply the brake. A charging valve is operable in first and second states. The master valve piston assembly includes a pair of coupled pistons separated by a chamber. In a first state, the charging valve connects a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid to the master valve chamber to move the pistons apart, directing a volume of hydraulic fluid to the brake actuator. In a second state, the charging valve connects the chamber to a lower pressure area to allow the pair of pistons to be moved towards one another by a restoring force.

Abstract: A vehicular motor-driven brake apparatus includes an open circuit in which reciprocation of a master cylinder generating a brake pressure is caused by an actuator that operates according to a pedal operation amount, and brake fluid discharged from a wheel cylinder during pressure decrease is directly returned to a master reservoir subject to atmospheric pressure. A fluid amount replenishment control is executed during pressure increase of the master cylinder in which a master stroke is returned for only a predetermined time by operation of the actuator, and thus brake fluid is sucked up from the master reservoir to the master cylinder. Accordingly, when an ABS control continues for a long time period, even if the brake pedal is being depressed, reduced pressure brake fluid in the master cylinder is sucked up. Therefore, there is no limit to pressure decrease, and bottoming-out of the master cylinder does not occur.

Abstract: In a method of operating a brake assistant system which includes a first mode of operation in which the brake assistant system is not operated, a second mode of operation in which, after recognition of an emergency brake situation, a pressure build-up of wheel brakes is generated, and a third mode of operation which is provided for the transition from the second into the first mode of operation, wherein in the third mode of operation the wheel brake pressure (pWHEEL) is excessively elevated compared to the tandem master cylinder pressure (pTMC) in a controlled way, a particularly safe and user-friendly termination of the brake assistant system results from diminishing the amount of the excess elevation over the course of time.

Abstract: A tracked vehicle produces a pressure no more than 3 psi on the ground by increasing the number of contact points on the inner surface of the track. The stiffness of the track is also selected to minimize bowing between the idler wheels or rollers. The track is therefore kept substantially straight between the rollers to increase the efficiency associated with transferring power to track. The drive sprocket is positioned above the ground so as to eliminate complexity in the design and yet effectively transmit power to the tracks. Positioning the drive sprocket above ground also prevents derailing of the track. The track is also held in a constant state of tension on the driver sprocket and the roller. This too prevents derailment. The undercarriage of the vehicle includes torsion axles and sealed bearings to provide for a lower maintenance track. Components associated with the undercarriage do not require constant greasing and cleaning of the idler wheels.

Abstract: Described is an adjustable side rail having a first elongate rail portion, a second elongate rail portion, and a tab projecting from one end of one of the first and second elongate rail portions. The second elongate rail portion has spatially separated opposing upper and lower grooves. Each groove slidingly receives one of the top and bottom edges of the first elongate rail portion when the first elongate rail portion engages the second elongate rail portion. The tab has a side edge with a notch formed therein for catching an edge of a hole in a mounting rail into which the tab is inserted and for anchoring the one end of that elongate rail portion to the mounting rail while a length of the side rail is adjusted.

Abstract: A shelf for a refrigerator compartment includes a tempered glass panel to front and rear edges of which are injection molded or adhesively bonded front and rear border members. Side edges of the tempered glass panel are thereby exposed enhancing conductivity within the refrigerator compartment.

Abstract: A large variety of ink delivery systems for an existing ink-jet printing system are provided. The ink delivery systems include ink reservoirs of varying configuration and size which are capable of accommodating a variety of ink use rates. Each ink delivery system also has an electrical connector and an information storage device which are suitable for the various ink use rates. The information storage device may be a memory device circuit that provides enabling information to the printing system.

Abstract: The amounts of liquid discharged from a liquid discharge head to predetermined areas can be made uniform while suppressing an increase in circuit size. In order to achieve this object, there is provided a liquid discharge apparatus which discharges a liquid from a liquid discharge head having a plurality of nozzles for discharging the liquid, wherein the liquid discharge head includes a subset of nozzles capable of individually controlling liquid discharge amounts, among the plurality of nozzles. The subset of nozzles is smaller in number than the total number of the plurality of nozzles.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus includes a carriage which holds a recording head, and a scanning unit which moves the carriage in relation to a recording medium. The recording head ejects ink while the carriage moves in relation to the medium so as to record an image on the medium. A measuring unit measures a moving distance of the carriage in relation to the medium, and a counting unit counts the number of ink drops ejected from the head. A control unit calculates an image recording duty based on the measured relative moving distance of the carriage and the number of ink-drops ejected during the relative movement of the carriage, when the carriage moves in relation to the medium for a predetermined distance, and the control unit controls ink ejection energy applied to the head in accordance with a value of the calculated duty.

Abstract: A method of generating print data includes the step of receiving compressed page data having a layer of continuous tone data and a layer of bi-level data. The continuous tone data and the bi-level data are decompressed. The continuous tone data is halftoned and the bi-level data is composited over the continuous tone data.

Abstract: A recording apparatus having: (a) a head unit including an actuator which generates energy required for recording predetermined patterns of image on a recording medium; (b) a circuit board including a driver element which drives the actuator of the head unit; and (c) a heatsink disposed in thermally conductive communication with the driver element. The heatsink has a void portion which is opposed to the head unit.

Abstract: A machine readable medium in combination with at least one sheet of print media, the machine readable medium having encoded parameter information that corresponds to the sheet of print media, the machine readable medium adapted to be separable from the print media and packaging therefor such that, during operation, the machine readable medium is physically separate from the print media and packaging, for conveying the encoded parameter information to an imaging device capable of configuring at least one parameter of the imaging device based on the encoded parameter information to form an image on the sheet of print media.

Abstract: A circuit and a method of estimating pulse frequencies of nozzles in an ink-jet head use a new mechanism of estimating pulse frequencies of nozzles instead of in a conventional counting mechanism. The circuit includes a DRAM, an adder and a method control mechanism. The method control mechanism controls the access method. The DRAM retrieves a plurality of pulse frequency parameters of nozzles after ink-jet cycle signals are received. The adder adds the parameters and weighted values to update pulse frequency parameters. The updated parameters are saved back to the DRAM.

Abstract: A fluid ejection head of a fluid ejection device is provided, the fluid ejection head having a substrate, a fluid ejection die coupled with the substrate, an electromagnetic radiation-curable adhesive disposed on the substrate, and a cover coupled with the substrate via the electromagnetic radiation-curable adhesive, wherein the cover includes an opening configured to pass fluids ejected from the fluid ejection die, and wherein the cover is made at least partially of a material transparent to electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: A filler solution of the present invention, which is supplied to fill an inkjet head, contains water and a hydrolyzate of a silicon compound which has a hydrophilic group.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a maintenance station mounting a printhead wiper having a waste ink collection surface. A printhead carrier carries a printhead and a printhead wiper cleaning mechanism for cleaning the printhead wiper. The printhead wiper cleaning mechanism includes a hook member for contacting the waste ink collection surface of the printhead wiper for removing residual waste ink from the waste ink accumulation surface as the printhead wiper cleaning mechanism moves relative to the printhead wiper.

Abstract: A printer comprising: a printhead comprising first and second elongate printhead modules, the printhead modules being parallel to each other and being disposed end to end on either side of a join region, wherein the first printhead module is longer than the second printhead module; at least first and second printer controllers configured to receive print data and process the print data to output dot data to the printhead, wherein: the first printer controller outputs dot data to both the first printhead module and the second printhead module; and the second printer controller outputs dot data only to the second printhead module.

Abstract: An integrated printing system is provided and includes at least two image marking engines and at least one media feeder module. The printing system further includes a first forward generally horizontal interface media transport between the at least two image marking engines and the at least one feeder module for transporting media from the at least one media feeder module to at least one of the at least two image marking engines.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ink ejection type printhead having a plurality of ink ejection devices and a central axis, the ink ejection devices arranged in a series of groups, each of the groups generally extending along at least partially curved radial lines.

Abstract: A doubly-anchored thermal actuator for a micro-electromechanical device such as a liquid drop emitter or a fluid control microvalve is disclosed. The thermal actuator is comprised of a base element formed with a depression having opposing anchor. A deformable element, attached to the base element at the opposing anchor edges, is constructed as a planar lamination including a first layer of a first material having a low coefficient of thermal expansion and a second layer of a second material having a high coefficient of thermal expansion. The deformable element has anchor portions adjacent the anchor edges and a central portion between the anchor portions wherein the flexural rigidity of the anchor portions is substantially less than the flexural rigidity of the central portion. The doubly-anchored thermal actuator further comprises apparatus adapted to apply a heat pulse to the deformable element that causes a sudden rise in the temperature of the deformable element.

Abstract: An electrostatic actuator is provided which can increase the amount of displacement of a diaphragm, thereby improving the ejection pressure when employed as a drive mechanism in a droplet ejection head. The electrostatic actuator comprises: a first substrate having a diaphragm functioning as a first electrode; and a second substrate coupled to the first substrate and having a second electrode opposite the first electrode, wherein: the diaphragm is displaced with an electrostatic force generated by applying a voltage between the electrodes; and an insulation film is provided on a coupling surface of the first substrate which couples with the second substrate, and an area of the insulation film corresponding to the diaphragm has a reduced thickness region.

Abstract: A printhead chip includes a substrate that incorporates a drive circuitry layer and defines a plurality of nozzle chambers and respective ink supply channels in fluid communication with the nozzle chambers. A plurality of nozzles is positioned on the substrate to be in fluid communication with respective nozzle chambers. A plurality of actuators is connected to the drive circuitry layer and is reciprocally displaceable with respect to the substrate on receipt of an electrical signal from the drive circuitry layer. At least one actuator is associated with each respective nozzle chamber. The actuators are positioned so that reciprocal displacement of each actuator results in reduction and subsequent enlargement of each respective nozzle chamber to eject ink drops from the respective nozzles.