Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for a header in a structural framing system comprising a pair of track members defining opposing receiving portions. A plurality of column members is disposed substantially transversely to the track members and joined thereto. A web member is receivingly engaged in the receiving portions and spans the column members. The track members can be characteristically longitudinally arcuate and the web member characteristically conformable to the arcuate shape of the track members. In one illustrative embodiment the track members can comprise a plurality of flexibly joined sections that are moveable to define a selected arcuate longitudinal shape. A retaining member is adapted for retaining the flexibly joined sections in the selected shape. A fixing member is adapted for fixing the web member to one or more column members and/or one or more of the track members after the track members achieve the selected shape.

Abstract: A trim assembly for interior walls of buildings has a cornerpiece configured for retention in a corner between intersecting walls, a trim strip extending from each opposite side of the cornerpiece, a tang extending from each opposite side of the cornerpiece and extending into slots in respective trim strips, a block member at each opposite side of the cornerpiece, at least one post extending from at least one of the block members and into a slot in a decorative member, and a clip device disposed about the post to retain it in the slot to retain the decorative member relative to the block member.

Abstract: A panel attachment system (10) comprising a plurality of covering panels (12), a plurality of retaining members (16) to hold the panels (12), and a plurality of mounting structures (18) to secure the retaining members (16) to a surface (20). The panels (12) are held to the retaining members (16) through the use of protruding locking members (32) formed on the panels (12) which interlock with a slot (48) formed on the retaining member (16). The panels (12) may be coupled to the retaining members (16) without the need for precise alignment, thereby expediting the installation of the surface (20). The retaining members (16) additionally contain a drainage channel (50) to carry water and other debris away from the surface (20).

Abstract: A door stile structure utilizing a pair of skins. An elongated member extends between at least a portion of the pair of skins. The elongated member includes an outer surface having a pair of ridges with a recessed portion therebetween. The ridges lie in a plane which intersects the edge of the door. The elongated member may lie flush with the edges of the skins forming the door or be imbedded within the skins to lock the elongated member into the door structure.

Abstract: A joggled structural element includes two wings with a small thickness and a great thickness. Slopes made in a joggle of the structural element are computed as a function of each of the thicknesses of the wings. Thus, the joggled structural element comprises a shallow slope in the joggle on the side having the wing of great thickness and a steep slope in the joggle on the side having the wing of small thickness. A method is also disclosed implementing an anvil and a punch. This method can be used to make joggled structural elements.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wooden floor, consisting of a hardenable adhesive (12) which is painted onto a floor base (10) in a continuous layer, and covering elements (16) consisting of wood or a wood material that are joined to the adhesive in its entirety by their surface (14) to be glued. According to the invention, the adhesive layer (12) has a thickness of 0.5 to 5 mm and the combined tension and shear strength of the adhesive (12), in its hardened state, is les than that of the floor base (10) and is at most 1.2 N/mm2, in order to obtain a floor covering with excellent dimensional stability.

Abstract: A partition system may include one or more panels. A panel may be constructed using blow-molded plastic. A panel may include one or more depressions, which may be aligned with one or more depressions on an opposing side of the panel. The depressions may provide additional structural integrity for a panel. The depressions on opposing sides of the panel may extend toward and engage each other. The panels may include patterns with which one or more depressions may intersect. The panels may include symmetric patterns on opposing sides. The partition system may include one or more connectors adapted to receive a portion of one or more panels. The partition system may include one or more feet that may be attached to one or more panels. The panels may include one or more reinforcing members of various shapes disposed proximate one or more edges of a panel.

Abstract: A detecting and protecting device includes detecting devices, and an ultrasonic sensor; the detecting devices are connected to respective ones of expanding assemblies of a shrink film machine, and each include a seat behind a supporting rod of a corresponding expanding assembly, a movable rod passed through the seat and projecting below the supporting rod, a stopping board pivoted to one end of the movable rod, a shading block joined to one end of the stopping board, and a sensor positioned on the movable rod and normally shaded by the shading block; if the stopping board comes into contact with goods while a shrink film is being lowered, it will tilt, and the shading block will no longer shade the sensor; the ultrasonic sensor is used for measuring height of the goods such that sealing and cutting action will start immediately after the film encompasses the goods.

Abstract: A device includes isolated hoppers defining independent passageways converging downwardly towards a central and unitary area. A conveyor belt assembly is disposed subjacent to the hoppers, traverses the passageways, and travels along a linear path passing through the unitary area. A mechanism is included for depositing a napkin onto the conveyor belt. The napkin depositing mechanism is connected to the conveyor belt assembly and is spaced adjacent to one end portion thereof. A mechanism is included for simultaneously folding the napkin and horizontally stacking the eating utensils such that the napkin becomes folded about the eating utensils before being ejected from the simultaneous folding mechanism. A receiving conveyor belt assembly is disposed beneath the simultaneous folding mechanism for transporting the combined napkin and eating utensils. A storage bin is laid adjacent to the receiving conveyor belt and houses the combined napkin and eating utensils for transit.

Abstract: A machining system and unit, especially a welding cell, is provided for use for the machining of workpieces (2), especially body parts of vehicles. The machining system has one or more machining stations (15, 16) with robots (18, 19, 20) and at least one rotation or turning station (5), which has at least two work stations (6, 7) for carrying out different operations simultaneously. The turning station (5) has at least two multiaxially movable turning units (8, 9) arranged next to one another with said gripping tools (11, 12, 13). The working areas (10) intersect each other at the work stations (6, 7).

Abstract: An assembly for securing a loose yarn end on a cylindrical bale by the use of a band. The band can be conducted to a baling chamber by an advance assembly driven by a motor, where the band can be wrapped around a cylindrical bale in the region of the loose yarn end. The advance assembly is connected to the motor by an overrunning clutch that establishes a drive connection between the motor and the advance assembly only in a first motion transmission direction. The drive connection is established when the motor rotates in a first direction and the advance assembly conveys the band in the direction of the baling chamber.

Abstract: A case-burning rocket booster includes a combustible case containing a solid rocket fuel, a combustion chamber adjustably coupled to the case for burning the case and the solid rocket fuel, a nozzle connected to the combustion chamber for expelling the burned case and fuel to generate thrust, and a drive system for pulling the combustion chamber and nozzle up the case as the case and fuel burn. A hybrid version of the case-burning rocket also includes an oxidizer supply system for supplying varying amounts of oxidizer to the combustion chamber to vary the thrust generated by burning the case and the fuel.

Abstract: Each manual control unit for a moving part of a thrust reverser is associated with a maintenance plate that is pivotable between at least two positions: a first or “normal operation” position in which said plate prevents the manual control unit with which it is associated from being driven manually, while allowing it to be driven electrically; and a second or “maintenance” position in which said plate allows the manual control unit with which it is associated to be driven manually while preventing it from being driven electrically.

Abstract: In a method for the control of the supplied air/fuel ratio of an internal combustion engine (1) with a catalytic converter (5) which is located in the exhaust gas line (2) with an integrated oxygen reservoir (6), it is suggested that the air/fuel ratio be controlled as a function of at least one parameter of the internal combustion engine (1), at least one parameter of the catalytic converter (5), and/or as a function of the type and amount of the exhaust gas emissions currently occurring, in order to optimize the speed for adjustment of the admission or discharge of oxygen in the oxygen reservoir (6) contained in the catalytic converter (5) for favorable conversion of the exhaust gas emissions during transient operation of the internal combustion engine (1) and after deviations from the air/fuel ratio ?=1.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine exhaust gas purifying system (10) having a continuous regenerating diesel particulate filter system (3) on the exhaust passage (2) of an internal combustion engine (1) is constituted by including collected-quantity estimation means (5A) for estimating the quantity of collected particulate matter in a filter (3b) of the filter system for collecting the particulate matter and maximum-fuel-injection-quantity restricting means (5C) for restricting the maximum fuel injection quantity of the internal combustion engine (1) when the quantity of collected particulate matter estimated by the collected-quantity estimation means (51A) is equal to or more than a predetermined judgment value.

Abstract: Method, system, and controller for controlling fuel included within exhaust gases to facilitate regeneration of a particulate filter. The method, system, and controller being applicable in systems having an engine which emits exhaust gases having particulates which are captured by the particulate filter.

Abstract: A method of reducing exhaust emission from a catalytic converter apparatus of a vehicle, the apparatus including at least one catalytic converter, each of the at least one catalytic converter having a catalyst brick positioned within a predefined length of the vehicle. The method includes directing exhaust to pass more than once through the predefined length through at least one of the at least one catalyst brick. The converter apparatus can accelerate catalyst conversion reactions and thus accelerate converter system light-off.

Abstract: An exhaust gas aftertreatment installment and associated exhaust gas aftertreatment method utilizes a nitrogen oxide storage catalytic converter and an SCR catalytic converter. A particulate filter is provided upstream of the nitrogen oxide storage catalytic converter or between the latter and the SCR catalytic converter or downstream of the SCR catalytic converter. The time of regeneration operating phases of the nitrogen oxide storage catalytic converter can be determined as a function of the nitrogen oxide content of the exhaust gas downstream of the nitrogen oxide storage catalytic converter or of the SCR catalytic converter and/or as a function of the ammonia loading of the latter. Moreover, a desired ammonia generation quantity can be determined for a respective regeneration operating phase. The installation and method are adopted for use for motor vehicle internal combustion engines and other engines which are operated predominantly in lean-burn mode.

Abstract: An engine output control system includes an engine ECU having a fundamental ignition timing map, a fundamental fuel injection quantity map, a target throttle angle determination unit for determining a target throttle angle of an exhaust control valve, an exhaust control valve diagnosis unit for diagnosing operation of the exhaust control valve, an ignition timing map to be used during an abnormality for determining fundamental ignition timing when the exhaust control valve operates abnormally, and an abnormal fuel injection thinning-out table for determining a reduced rate of fuel injection when the exhaust control valve has been diagnosed as abnormal. The exhaust control valve driving unit supplies a driving current to an actuator in such a manner that the target throttle angle notified by the engine ECU coincides with actual valve throttle angle. The system is capable of obtaining sufficient traveling performance even when an exhaust control valve has is operating abnormally.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention provides a torque converter that is looser at stall than it is at 0.8 speed ratio. The torque converter includes a stator having a plurality of stator blades. The stator blades each define a primary leading edge, a trailing edge, and preferably include a flange defining a secondary leading edge. The stator blade flange extends away from each blade such that the secondary leading edge points generally to the primary leading edge of a preceding stator blade. In this manner, the secondary leading edge is designed at stall to catch flow coming past the primary leading edge of the upstream blade and to redirect the flow back out of the front of the stator. The secondary leading edge is further designed to hide in the wake of the primary leading edge at higher speed ratios.

Abstract: A distributed hydraulic system having a plurality of hydraulic functions each including a hydraulic actuator, a valve assembly that controls flow of fluid to the hydraulic actuator, and a function controller which operates the valve assembly. The function controllers exchange messages over a communication network which has a finite bandwidth. Access to the network is controlled by determining which function controllers govern high priority operations and allowing those function controllers to send messages as often as once every first interval of time. The other function controllers are limited to sending messages no more often than once every second interval of time, which is longer than the first interval of time.

Abstract: A hydraulic system for a work machine having a linkage system is disclosed. The hydraulic system has a tank configured to hold a supply of fluid and at least one hydraulic actuator associated with the linkage system to affect movement of the linkage system. The at least one hydraulic actuator has a first pressure chamber and a second pressure chamber. The hydraulic system also has an independent metering valve associated with the first pressure chamber. The independent metering valve has a valve element movable between a first position at which fluid communication between the first pressure chamber and the tank is blocked, and a second position at which fluid is allowed to drain from the first pressure chamber to the tank. The hydraulic system further has at least one sensor configured to sense a parameter indicative of a pressure in the second pressure chamber, and a controller in communication with the independent metering valve and the sensor.

Abstract: A hydrostatic transmission vehicle comprises: a fuel adjustment position detection portion (681) which detects an operation position of a fuel adjustment portion (68); a deceleration operation position detection portion (691) which detects an operation quantity of a deceleration operation portion (69); and a controller (9) which controls a displacement of a hydrostatic transmission (7), and the controller (9) comprises: an operation state judgment portion (91) which judges operation states of the fuel adjustment portion (68) and the deceleration operation portion (69) based on detection values acquired by the fuel adjustment position detection portion (681) and the deceleration operation position detection portion (691); and a displacement control command generation portion (94) which generates a displacement control command which differs depending on a case where an engine revolution number is restricted by the fuel adjustment portion (68) and a case where an engine revolution number is restricted by the dec

Abstract: An expansion sump is provided in the axle horn of a hydraulic apparatus, and a cap member seals the expansion sump from the main sump. An arcuate sealed fluid passage is provided between the periphery of the cap member and the housing. The sealed fluid passage cooperates with a first passage between the expansion sump and the sealed fluid passage and a second passage between the main sump and the sealed fluid passage to form a siphon to permit fluid communication between the two sumps. The hydraulic apparatus may also have an oil filter removably mounted on the external surface of the housing and a removable shield adjacent thereto, with an engagement member formed on the shield to prevent the oil filter from being removed from the housing with the shield in place.

Abstract: A wastegated turbocharger includes a turbine wheel mounted to a shaft for rotation within a turbine housing and a compressor wheel mounted to the shaft for rotation within a compressor housing. The compressor housing has mounted thereto a wastegate actuator command valve. A secondary boost air outlet passage is disposed in fluid flow communication with the wastegate actuator command valve and the compressor outlet volute. The secondary boost air outlet passage extends into the compressor outlet volute so that an inlet opening of the passage is spaced from the surface of the compressor outlet volute.

Abstract: A method and a device for controlling an electrically operated supercharger are proposed, which cooperates with an exhaust-gas turbocharger for compressing the air supplied to the internal combustion engine. The controlling of the electrical supercharger (ES) is implemented via a control signal, which is generated as a function of a predefined value for the compressor-pressure ratio of the electrical supercharger.

Abstract: A method for identifying combustion characteristics of a plurality combustion chambers in a gas turbine, the method including: supplying fuel to the combustion chambers at a predetermined fuel rate; sensing combustion dynamic pressure in said plurality of combustion chambers and generating dynamic pressure signals representative of the dynamic pressure in each of said combustion chambers, wherein the dynamic pressure signals provide information regarding the dynamic pressure at a plurality of frequencies; segmenting the signals into a plurality of predefined frequency bands; determining a characteristic value for each of the segmented signals, and identifying an order of combustion chambers based on the characteristic value.

Abstract: An ice cube maker has an upper container, a cooling module assembly mounted to the upper container, a lower container, a water flow controller and an ice module assembly. The upper container acts as a reservoir and holds a liquid. The cooling module assembly is attached to the upper container and chills the liquid in the upper container. The water flow controller is mounted between the upper container and the lower container and controls the chilled liquid entering the lower container. The ice module assembly is attached to the lower container and freezes the chilled liquid into ice cubes in a short time. The ice cube maker allows people who do have a refrigerator to make ice cubes and chilled liquid. The ice cubes and chilled liquid do not have any strange smell.

Abstract: Disclosed are a rotary type ice maker and a method for making ice using the same. The rotary type ice maker comprises an ice making mold having ice making cavities in upper and lower sides thereof, respectively, a rotating shaft for supporting the ice making mold so that the ice making mold is rotated by its own weight or by the weight of ice cubes in the ice making cavities, and a mold position fixing device for fixing or releasing the ice making mold by engaging with the ice making mold or separating from the ice making mold.

Abstract: A refrigerant charging system and method for charging a refrigeration system with refrigerant includes a refrigerant source, one or more cartridges, an input line, a scale, a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor. The input line connects the refrigerant source to the cartridge. A valve is disposed between the refrigerant source and cartridge. The scale measures the weight of the cartridge. The pressure and temperature sensors adjust the remaining refrigerant that ensures full charge on the refrigeration system. A heater can be connected to the refrigerant source to raise the temperature of the refrigerant within the refrigerant source, and a controller can be attached to the components of the refrigeration charging system. The system and method are used to charge the refrigeration system of, e.g., an automotive vehicle.

Abstract: The use of 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluorobutane (R365mfc) as refrigerant in turbocompressor cooling systems, which, due to their construction, can achieve high outputs with a small space and material requirement. Such systems used in high-performance commercial and industrial refrigeration units.

Abstract: A no-frost refrigerator includes at least one storage compartment, an evaporator, which can be switched on and off and is disposed in a chamber that is separate from the storage compartment, and a fan for driving an exchange of air between the storage compartment and the chamber. Of the evaporator and fan, at least one can be operated while the other is switched off.

Abstract: Refrigerant is circulated through a vapor compression system including a compressor, a gas cooler, an expansion device, and an evaporator. An auxiliary electric heater is activated to further heat the heated water exiting the gas cooler when the heating capacity of the system is low. The auxiliary electric heater can be located on the water line exiting the gas cooler, in a water tank that stores the heated water, or on the refrigerant line proximate to the compressor discharge.

Abstract: In order to provide a modular arrangement, an inverter for an electric traction motor used to drive an automotive vehicle is positioned in proximity with the traction motor. The inverter is located within a compartment adjacent to one end of the electric traction motor and is cooled in a closed system by spraying a liquid coolant directly onto the inverter. The liquid coolant absorbs heat from the inverter and is cooled by a heat exchange arrangement comprising a reservoir with pipes carrying a second coolant from the radiator of the automotive vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, the coolant is collected from the inverter in an annular reservoir that is integral with the compartment containing the inverter. In accordance with one embodiment of the cooling arrangement, heat from the inverter vaporizes the liquid coolant by absorbing heat from the inverter during a phase change from a liquid to a vapor.

Abstract: An outdoor unit for an air conditioner allows condensed water generated from an outdoor heat exchanger to be easily discharged, and prevents coldness from the outdoor heat exchanger from being transmitted to a bottom of the outdoor unit, thus preventing freezing of the condensed water on the bottom. The outdoor unit includes a cabinet having a bottom panel, an outdoor heat exchanger installed in the cabinet, and a support member made of heat insulating material supporting the outdoor heat exchanger with a spacing between a lower end of the outdoor heat exchanger and the bottom panel of the cabinet, to prevent condensed water generated from the outdoor heat exchanger from freezing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tempering device (1) for objects (2) located on the object carrier (3) of a microtome (4) of a cryostat (5) comprising an operating means supply (6) connected to a cooling device or a cooling and heating device (7) arranged on the object carrier (3), and a temperature control system. According to the invention, one such tempering device (1) is embodied in such a way that the operating means supply (6) does not hinder the work carried out on the microtome (4), and the accuracy of the cut is affected as little as possible. To this end, the operating means supply (6) is displaceably positioned in a guiding element (12) which is arranged on the guiding carriage (8) for the advancing movement (9) and the cutting movement (10) of the object head (11) and is oriented parallel to the direction of advancement (9), in such a way that it can be guided away from the object head (11).

Abstract: A refrigerator having a freezer compartment having an ice maker disposed within the freezer compartment for forming ice pieces and an ice storage bin removably mounted to freezer compartment door below the ice maker having an open top receptacle for receiving ice pieces from the ice maker. The ice storage bin has a movable lid assembly including a frame removably mounted to the top of the ice storage bin and two lid members mounted to the frame. At least one lid member is pivotally mounted to the frame to close the receptacle when pivoted to a generally horizontal position and to open the receptacle when pivoted to a generally vertical position. The pivotal lid member is biased to the generally horizontal position.

Abstract: By using a core made of laminated sheets of inorganic fibers having a particular shape and composition as part of a vacuum heat insulator for a heat insulation box, a heat insulation box excellent in long-term heat insulating properties and productivity can be provided. The vacuum heat insulator can be shaped easily. Therefore, a vacuum heat insulator suitable for a required heat insulation portion can be produced easily and applied to a heat insulation box. This property can increase coverage of the vacuum heat insulator on the heat insulation box, thus improving heat insulating properties of the heat insulation box. This can improve heat insulating properties and productivity of a refrigerator, thermal storage box, cold storage box, or vending machine, and contribute to energy savings.

Abstract: A variable displacement compressor for efficiently cooling and lubricating seals arranged on a rotary shaft. The seals are arranged at end portions of the rotary shaft that project from a housing of the compressor. A first lubrication chamber is defined by a first seal in the housing around the front end portion of the rotary shaft. A second lubrication chamber is defined by a second seal in the housing around the rear end portion of the rotary shaft. A shaft passage extends through the rotary shaft to connect the first and second lubrication chambers. Refrigerant gas including lubricating oil flows from a crank chamber to a suction chamber via the first lubrication chamber, the shaft passage, and the second lubrication chamber. This efficiently cools and lubricates the seals.

Abstract: There is provided, as an object of the present invention, a refrigerant cycle apparatus capable of smoothly cooling an inverter module for driving a motor of an electric compressor while preventing enlargement of an installation space as much as possible. In the refrigerant cycle apparatus which is constituted by sequentially connecting the electric compressor, a gas cooler, an electric expansion valve, an evaporator and an accumulator in an annular form through pipes, and driving a motor of the electric compressor by the inverter module, the gist of the apparatus is that heat exchange is carried out between the accumulator and the inverter module.

Abstract: A process for liquefying natural gas in conjunction with producing a liquid stream containing predominantly hydrocarbons heavier than methane is disclosed. In the process, the natural gas stream to be liquefied is partially cooled, expanded to an intermediate pressure, and supplied to a distillation column. The bottom product from this distillation column preferentially contains the majority of any hydrocarbons heavier than methane that would otherwise reduce the purity of the liquefied natural gas. The residual gas stream from the distillation column is compressed to a higher intermediate pressure, cooled under pressure to condense it, and then expanded to low pressure to form the liquefied natural gas stream.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for separating oxygen directly from air, operating at substantially atmospheric pressure and recuperating energy used for cooling incoming air. An ambient air input leads from the atmosphere to a vessel for confining gases. A cryocooler has a cooled surface in the vessel for directly condensing oxygen from the air at substantially atmospheric pressure. The cryocooler cools the cold surface to a temperature greater than the boiling point temperature of nitrogen and not greater than the boiling point temperature of oxygen for condensing oxygen. A liquid/gas separator separates the liquid oxygen from residual gases which both flow out through separate outputs. Air is propelled through the system at substantially atmospheric pressure by an air impeller. A heat exchanger recovers cooling energy and dehumidifies incoming air by transferring heat from the incoming air to outgoing gases.

Abstract: A bangle includes first and second bangle members, each having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the first bangle member is pivotally connected to the distal end of the second bangle member to permit relative movement between the first and second bangle members. A first locking member is provided at the proximal end of the first bangle member and a second locking member is provided at the proximal end of the second bangle member. The first locking member is selectively moveable between a closed position where the first locking member engages the second locking member to releasably secure the proximal end of the first bangle member to the proximal end of the second bangle member, and an open position where the first locking member is separated from the second locking member.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning a sensor proximate to a fiberizer includes a support means for supporting a sensor, adjustment means for adjusting a position of the sensor, and attachment means for attaching the apparatus to a fiberizer. The adjustment means is coupled to the support means, and the attachment means is connected to the adjustment means.

Abstract: A water distributor for an automatic laundry or dishwashing machine, comprises a water inlet that is controllable by a programming device of the machine and a movable element controllable by said programming device which serves for supplying water to a predetermined detergent dispenser for carrying a selected detergent towards the washing tub according to the washing program of the machine. The movable element is driven through a shape memory alloy wire electrically connected to a drive circuit that is part of the programming device.

Abstract: A lock assembly for a hinged door has a pair of hasps that align with each other, each having a hole. A housing with an open back fits over the hasps. A retainer pin extends through an aperture in the housing and through the aligned holes of the hasps. The retainer pin has a pair of axially spaced apart shoulders. A key actuated lock member has a lock pin that extends perpendicular to the retainer pin and between the shoulders in an engaged position.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention typically comprises a pair of opposing restraint members wherein a first restraint member is attached to a first end of a thin, flexible, high tensile belt, cord or cable tether, whose second end is attached to a controllably-ratcheted, winding-rewinding spool within a suitable housing. A second restraint member is attached to an opposite end of the housing. The housing may have respective arms which further include a pivotable connection. When actuated by a user, a controllable ratchet-pawl release mechanism permits the tether to be withdrawn against the tension of the rewinding mechanism. When the ratchet-pawl release mechanism ceases to be actuated, the tether can no longer be extracted and can only be ratcheted back onto the spool while being retracted by the rewinding mechanism, thus bringing the attached opposing restraint members toward a closed connection.

Abstract: A padlock comprises a lock body, a shackle, a block member, an elastic member, a combination locking device and a key locking device. The shackle is movable relative to the lock body between a locked position and an unlocked position, and the shackle has a first end movably installed in the lock body and a second end. The block member is movably connected to the lock body and comprises a button provided for retaining the second end of the shackle in the locked position, a supporter protruding from the button, and a base protruding from the supporter. The elastic member is installed around the button and has one end against the lock body and the other end against the supporter. The combination locking device is installed within the lock body for controlling movements of the shackle. The first end of the shackle is movable to the unlocked position when the combination locking device is unlocked.

Abstract: A multifunctional vehicle lock including a cylinder lock comprising a rotatable tumbler, a coupling member rotationally linked to the tumbler, wherein rotation of the tumbler rotates the coupling member, a first vehicle locking element connected to the coupling member, and a second vehicle locking element connected to the coupling member, wherein rotation of the coupling member moves the first vehicle locking element in a translatory movement along a first axis and simultaneously moves the second vehicle locking element in a translatory movement along a second axis angled at a non-zero angle with respect to the first axis.

Abstract: A lock guard system for efficiently securing a dead bolt lock mechanism from outside access. The lock guard system includes a stop member comprised of a base including an upper slot and a plate that includes a lower slot for receiving a sleeve and fastener. The stop member connects to an existing dead bolt mechanism by extending the fastener and sleeve through the lower slot into an existing aperture in a covering plate. The stop member is able to adjust about the sleeve and lower slot to allow the dead bolt mechanism to operate both normally or to prevent the knob that controls the dead bolt from rotating.