Abstract: An illuminated footrest for a motorcycle includes a base having an apertured flange on one end for connection to a mounting bracket, the base also including a cavity, at least one side opening and an end opening. A side lens and an end lens cover the at least one side opening and the end opening, respectively. An illumination source is positioned in the cavity and illuminates the side lens and the end lens. In one aspect, the apertured flange is replaced with an adapter for mounting the footrest on different motorcycle footrest mounting brackets.

Abstract: A motorcycle support stand system for efficiently supporting a motorcycle in an upright position. The motorcycle support stand system includes a base member adapted to be attached to a motorcycle, an upper support member pivotally attached to the base member in a biased manner, a lower support member pivotally attached to the upper support member in a biased manner, and a lever attached to the lower support member.

Abstract: The present invention provides a specialized shipping container for transporting a fully assembled personal vehicle. After use, the shipping container is easily transformed into one or more alternative trailer configurations by rearrangement of the container components.

Abstract: An air bag module includes a first flap covering one side of a cushion, and a second flap covering the other side of the cushion, the second flap having a cut-out portion that is configured to be torn gradually by an expansion pressure of the cushion and to be coupled to the first flap.

Abstract: Adjustment system for adjusting a vehicular component based on occupancy of a seat includes a support structure arranged underneath the seat to movably support the seat on a substrate in the vehicle, the support structure being structured and arranged to transfer a force exerted by the occupant on the support structure to the substrate, a sensor system arranged underneath the seat, optionally in connection with the support structure, for providing a variable output as a function of weight of the occupant, an adjustment system arranged in connection with the component for adjusting the component, and a processor for receiving outputs from the sensor system and directing the adjustment system to adjust the component based thereon. An object recognition or identification system or other morphological characteristic determining system may be used to determine that the occupant is one which requires adjustment of the component.

Abstract: A construction object (a structure) that enables access to high altitudes.

Abstract: A new type of airbag inflator that may be used in an airbag system is disclosed. The inflator will generally include a housing and two initiators. Accordingly, the inflator is a “dual-stage” inflator. The two stages are disposed within the housing. The second initiator is disposed within a second stage generant cup. A cap is also used to engage the second stage cup. The cap maintains seated engagement with the second stage cup, even during deployment of the second stage. The second stage will also include one or more perforations, which constitute openings through which gas may flow. When the second initiator is in the unactuated state, these perforations will be isolated from the generant by the cap. Actuation of the second initiator unseals the one or more perforations but does not unseat the cap from the cup, due to constraints put in place to prevent such unseating.

Abstract: Microprocessors read the tilt of a vehicle as indicated by lateral and longitudinal tilt sensors, and predict the amount of jack actuation needed to level the vehicle. Once an attempt is made to level the vehicle, the system may pause for a configurable amount of time to allow the oscillations of the vehicle to subside. Once the vehicle motion, if any, has stopped, the tilt angles of the vehicle are once again checked and any further actuation of the jacks is taken to fine tune the attitude of the vehicle.

Abstract: A gas generating system (24) is provided including a gas generant container (34) and an initiator (28). A gas generant composition (32) is placed within the container (34) in ignitable communication with the igniter (28). A molecular sieve (33) is positioned within the housing 17 combined within the gas generant composition (32), or external of the gas generant (32) but in reactive proximity or vapor communication therewith. A seatbelt device (150) and a vehicle occupant restraint system (180) incorporating a gas generating system as described herein are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is a pole for sporting activities of the type comprising a tubular body provided at one end with a tip and at the opposite end with a handgrip, wherein the tubular body comprises a tubular element developing mainly in longitudinal direction and having a closed profile in cross section, and at least one shaped element developing mainly in longitudinal direction fitted inside the tubular element and having an open profile in cross section. Between the outer surface of the shaped element and the inner surface of the tubular element opposing each other there is a filling structure.

Abstract: The invention is a unit for coupling and releasing the wrist strap to/from the handgrip of a pole for sporting activities, e.g. skiing, trekking and the like, comprising: a buckle with which the wrist strap is associated; a housing obtained in the handgrip housing the buckle; coupling means comprising an elastic tab projecting from the body of the buckle and cooperating with a corresponding support surface obtained in the housing to fix the buckle to the handgrip; releasing means that can be reached by the user and are inserted in the housing, suitable for cooperating with the elastic tab to release the buckle from the handgrip.

Abstract: A ski pole disc is provided for attachment to a ski pole. The ski pole disc includes a body extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the ski pole and having a hole in a central portion thereof to receive the ski pole. An electronic circuit is positioned in the body, and the body is configured to allow illumination generated by the electronic circuit to be visible through the body.

Abstract: The invention provides an instruction manual capable of storing documents such as guarantee certificates easily thereto. An instruction manual 1 of an electronic device having its rear portion 2 bound in a spreadable manner has a back cover 3 disposed on the outer side of the instruction manual and a paper portion 4 overlapped therewith which are bound together at their upper edges 5, lower edges 6 and side edges 9, thereby forming a document storage portion 7 between the back cover 3 and the paper portion 4. The back cover 3 has a document insertion slot 12. Thus, documents such as a guarantee certificate 11 can easily be stored in the document storage portion 7 through document insertion slots 12 without having to open the instruction manual 1.

Abstract: A planner booklet with a set of pages including a plurality of note pages bearing date indicia and bound together. The planner has a front cover flexibly connected to a back cover and an extension flap flexibly connected to the back cover. The flap has a receiving pocket for receiving the solid page of the set of pages or alternatively has a binding device for binding the set of pages. The flap is movable between an extended position where the flap is positioned away from the back cover and a retracted position where the flap is positioned against the back cover. In use, a user is able to flip the note pages underneath the solid page or the flap by moving the flap between the extended and retracted positions.

Abstract: Raw rolls and/or sheets of flat sheet stock are charted by a processing system that generates charting patterns using constraint logic programming, that matches the charting patterns and available raw rolls and/or sheets of flat sheet stock, and that selects the optimal patterns from those matching charting patterns and available raw rolls and/or sheets using mixed integer linear programming.

Abstract: A form has detachable labels and one or more wristbands. The wristband includes detachable labels. The form has a printable face sheet with first and second major surfaces. A pressure sensitive adhesive is provided on at least a portion of one surface of the face sheet. The form includes a liner ply having first and second major surfaces, and a release coating on at least a portion of one surface thereof. The face sheet includes first and second adjacent portions, with the first portion of the face sheet being die cut to form one or more a detachable wristbands. The liner ply is adhered to the pressure sensitive adhesive on the first and second portions of the face sheet. The wristband or wristbands include a plurality of labels carrying a pressure sensitive adhesive. The labels are printed with information so that they can be removed from the wristband and applied to forms, containers, and the like.

Abstract: A bound component including a plurality of pages and at least one reminder strip coupled to the plurality of pages. The reminder strip is separable from the bound component, and once the strip is separated from the bound component the strip is wrappable around the wrist of a user. The bound component further includes a plurality of stickers coupled to the plurality of pages such that each sticker is separable from the plurality of pages and adhereable to the wrapped reminder strip to secure the reminder strip in the wrapped configuration.

Abstract: A bound component including a binding mechanism having a first and a second portion extending along a length thereof. The bound component further includes a plurality of pages directly bound only to the first portion of the binding mechanism, and a plurality of sticker sheets directly bound only to the second portion of the binding mechanism.

Abstract: A quick release pipe connection includes a first connector and a second connector detachably combined with the first connector. The first connector includes a first connector seat, a first connecting member, a locking member, a limit pin, a first support member, a first elastic member, and a first stop member. The second connector includes a second connector seat, a second connecting member, a second support member, a second elastic member, and a second stop member. Thus, the first connector is combined with the second connector by inserting the second connecting member into the first connecting member, and the second connector is detached from the first connector by pressing the press portion of the locking member, so that the pipe connection is assembled and disassembled easily and rapidly.

Abstract: A quick coupling device comprising a body (5) axially subdivided into a link section (6) for linking to a first duct (1), and a connection section (7) arranged to receive in leaktight manner one end of a second duct (2), the body being associated with a retaining member (22) possessing tabs (24) that are elastically deformable between a state of gripping an outer bead (4) on the end of the second duct, and a state of releasing the bead, the retaining member being mounted on the body to turn between a free deformation position in which the tabs can deform between their two states, and at least one holding position in which the tabs cooperate with a surface (20, 21) that is secured to the body and that holds the tabs in one of their two states.

Abstract: A breaker allowing repeated safe use includes in a chamber a pin connected in series with compound metal plate, separation ring, corrugated chip, insulation ring, S conductor, dip slide block and multiple electrodes; the clip with both ends fixed on side walls in the chamber and a protruding piece disposed at the center to expose the dip slide block; two locking blocks to push the compound metal plate into conducted status; and the compound metal plate being deformed then returning to its original shape to immediately interrupt the power supply in case of abnormally high temperature due to high load.

Abstract: A drill string comprises a first drill string member having a male end; and a second drill string member having a female end configured to be joined to the male end of the first drill string member, the male end having a threaded portion including generally square threads, the male end having a non-threaded extension portion coaxial with the threaded portion, and the male end further having a bearing surface, the female end having a female threaded portion having corresponding female threads, the female end having a non-threaded extension portion coaxial with the female threaded portion, and the female end having a bearing surface. Installation methods, including methods of installing instrumented probes are also provided.

Abstract: A preferred joint restraint includes a dampening force and a restraining force to control relative movement between a pad and gland and between the gland and bolt, respectively. The preferred restraint includes a gland, pads, and bolts. Preferably, a flexible member disposed in the pad selectively provides the dampening and retaining force. A preferred joint restraint also includes a pad and a bolt that coact to provide a controlled wedging action. The wedging action supplies supplemental tooth penetration and/or enhanced clamping force that stabilizes a shifting tubular member (pipe). A preferred tooth arrangement for a restraint pad produces an intermittent penetration pattern in the pipe. A preferred spacing member for a restraint tunes a clamping force generated by the restraint to accommodate variations in pipe geometry and/or materials. A preferred restraint is arranged according to a method that uses pipe expansion to provide an enhanced gripping action.

Abstract: A portable power driven system has a manually movable frame. In one example, an internal combustion engine and a generator device that generates AC power are supported on the frame. The internal combustion engine drives the generator device. An electrically powered starting device is coupled to the internal combustion engine. A control panel is coupled to the frame and includes at least one AC outlet and a battery receptacle that is electrically coupled to the starting device. The battery receptacle is materially the same as a foot of a cordless power tool that receives a battery pack. According to one aspect, the battery pack for the cordless power tool may be permanently mounted in the battery receptacle and provides electrical power to the starting device. The battery receptacle may be contained in an enclosure. The enclosure may provide biasing members urging the battery pack into the battery receptacle.

Abstract: A system and method for using natural gas to generate electricity. Natural gas under pressure is withdrawn from a well and passed to a turbine. The pressure of the natural gas acts on a turbine fan that in turn drives a generator to generate electricity. The natural gas used to drive the turbine fan suitably is reused to drive another turbine and generator, thereby producing additional electricity.

Abstract: A liquid treatment system that may be self-powered includes a hydro-generator. A flow of liquid may be used to rotate the hydro-generator to generate electric power. The hydro-generator may include an outer housing and an inner housing. The inner housing may include a first hub removably engaged with a second hub. A plurality of paddles may be replaceably engaged between the first hub and the second hub. An electrical generator may be disposed in the inner housing. A flow of liquid may strike the paddles causing the inner housing to rotate. During rotation of the housing, the electrical generator may produce electrical power.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment includes a wind turbine system. The wind turbine system includes a wind turbine generator operable to supply wind turbine power to a utility system. A converter is coupled to the wind turbine generator and the utility system. The wind turbine system also includes a controller comprising an internal reference frame of the wind turbine generator, coupled to the converter, and configured for modulating flow of power through the converter in response to frequency disturbances or power swings of the utility system relative to the internal reference frame.

Abstract: An asynchronous machine has a first rotor/stator arrangement in which the rotor is connected to a shaft, and a method of controlling such an asynchronous machine is provided. A drive is provided which permits nullification of the play of the mechanical components in the predetermined target position without involving mutual influencing as between the desired braking moment and elimination of the play. A suitable method of controlling a drive is provided. An asynchronous machine has a first rotor/stator arrangement in which the rotor is connected to a shaft, characterized by at least one second rotor/stator arrangement which however is electrically separated from the first rotor/stator arrangement, wherein the rotor of the second rotor/stator arrangement is also connected to the shaft.

Abstract: A current power generator includes a vertical support member mounted to the seabed and horizontal support members mounted to the vertical support member. Generators are mounted between the horizontal support members. A rotatable shaft is operatively connected to each of the generators such that when the shaft rotates, the generator generates electricity. Blades mounted to the shaft are capable of rotation in response to water current. The generators are pivotal relative to the horizontal support members in response to changing current flow direction.

Abstract: A latch mechanism includes a latching member and a button. The latching member is slidably installed in a cover unit. The latching member includes a hook for engaging with a base unit, a groove is defined in the latching member, and a slanted surface is defined adjoining the groove. The button is movably fixed to the cover unit. The button includes a pushing portion received in the groove of the latching member and engaging with the slanted surface adjoining the groove. The button can be operated to drive the latching member to slide for disengaging the hook from the base unit.

Abstract: An exemplary latch mechanism includes a cover piece, and a latch member. The cover piece includes a base wall, and a flange extending perpendicularly from the base wall. The base wall includes a pair of slots defined therein, and a stop board. The flange includes a cutout defined therein. The latch member is slidably attached to the cover piece and includes a frame slidably received in the cutout of the flange, and a pair of arms having a pair of hooks depending therefrom to movably extend through the slots of the cover piece. The frame includes a rectangular hole defined therein, and a post extending into the hole from an inside wall thereof. A resilient member is fixed around the post and movably engages with the stop board.

Abstract: A latch for use with a boat hatch comprises a housing having a well, a floor, and a flange mounted against the boat hatch. The housing has a boss with a bushing and a vertical bore. A slot extends transversely through the boss and the vertical bore. A pull shaft with an annular O-ring is mounted in the bushing bore. A rotation stop pin on the pull shaft will contact the slot, limiting the rotation to one-half turn. A latch bar projects outward from the pull shaft lower end. A D-shaped handle is pivotally mounted on the pull shaft upper end. A spring is disposed below the rotation stop, to bias the pull shaft downward. A lock shaft is mounted for rotation in the housing. A hook with a finger is attached to the lock shaft. A key rotates the hook into engagement with the second pin. The second pin, enclosed between the finger and the boss slot, prevents rotation of the pull shaft and unlatching of the latch.

Abstract: A display box includes a box body, a foldable cover having a locker rim portion and a pivot rim portion pivotally connected to the box body to fold between an opened position and a closed position, and an aesthetic locking arrangement. The aesthetic locker includes a sliding tongue slidably mounted at the box body and a rim locker which is extended from the sliding tongue and is arranged in such a manner that when the sliding tongue is slid towards the box body, the rim locker is substantially engaged with the locker rim portion of the foldable cover, and when the sliding tongue is slid away from the box body, the rim locker is driven to disengage with the locker rim portion of the foldable cover such that the foldable cover is free to pivotally fold between the opened position and the closed position.

Abstract: A push button latch includes a housing, an actuator movable along a path substantially axial of the housing and a lock movable along a path transverse to the axial path. A spring biases the lock to a latching position, and structures in the lock and housing inhibit unintended opening of the latch.

Abstract: A door retainage apparatus reversibly prevents closure of a track guided overhead door having a plurality of rollers. The apparatus includes a stopper formed to extend into, and retract from, the door track thereby permitting motion of at least one of the plurality of rollers in a first direction and preventing motion in a second direction, and an actuator for biasing the stopper such that the stopper retracts from an engaged position to an unengaged position as at least one of the plurality of rollers passes the stopper and then extends back to the engaged position. At least one stopper guide controls the motion of the stopper during transition from the engaged position to the unengaged position. A release device is adapted to selectively change the position of the stopper from the engaged position to the unengaged position.

Abstract: 1. A door closing apparatus includes a latch mechanism operated for opening or closing a door of a vehicle, a driving mechanism transmitting a driving force to the latch mechanism to operate the latch mechanism, a first lever rotatably disposed about a first rotational axis and rotating in one direction in response to transmission of an operation force of a door handle to the first lever so that the latch mechanism is controlled at the unlatched state, a second lever having an engaging portion which engages with the first lever and rotatably disposed about a second rotational axis being different from the first rotational axis. The second lever rotates in the one direction about the second rotational axis in response to a rotation in the one direction of the first lever to interrupt transmission of the driving force from the driving mechanism to the latch mechanism.

Abstract: A lift gate latch is used with a lift gate and a handrail on a boat having a deck with a receiving hole. The handrail has a jamb with a hollow interior having a predetermined width and breadth. The lift gate has a stile and a sliding hinge. The lift gate latch comprises a cup adapted for insertion in the receiving hole, and for receiving the stile. A flange extends outward from the cup upper end, and is adapted for mounting against the boat deck. A tongue extends outward from the flange. A block extends upward from the tongue. The block is adapted to be slidingly received in the jamb interior. The block has a width commensurate with the jamb interior width, and a breadth substantially less than the jamb interior breadth. This is to allow adjustment of the jamb during installation, thereby adjusting clearance between the jamb and the stile. The flange and the tongue each have a predetermined height from the deck to their upper surface, presenting a low profile on the deck.

Abstract: A push-to-open and push-to-close latch mechanism for a latchable structure includes a protrusion movable in an arc and a push-push latch configuration that moves in an arc while opening and closing the structure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a reusable locking unit and a one time use electrically conductive molded thermoplastic shackle loaded with carbon black particles and having a linear resistance that is periodically monitored. The locking unit includes an integrated circuit for measuring shackle impedance through terminals capacitively coupled to the shackle. The terminals allow for adjustment of the length of the seal shackle in the locked secured state. The terminals and shackle form an RC network having a complex impedance that manifests the locked adjusted shackle length. Two AC signals at two different frequencies are used to measure impedance, which is compared with an initially determined or continually generated reference impedance to determine a tampered state of the shackle. Temperature compensation is also disclosed. A time stamp is stored for noting the tampering time of occurrence.

Abstract: Apparatus for coupling operational drive mechanically by way of a cable from an actuator to a mechanism such as a door latch, comprising: a frame for mounting in a fixed position relative to the door latch and the actuator; an inertia lever pivotally mounted on a bracket constrained to slide along a predetermined path within the frame, the inertia lever having a centre of mass distant from its pivotal mounting on the bracket; a catch constrained to slide along a predetermined path within the frame, following the path of the inertia lever; means for connecting the bracket to the actuator; and means for connecting the catch to the said mechanism such as a door latch; the apparatus being configured such that when the inertia lever is at a position at which it locks against the catch to couple drive from the actuator to the cable, its centre of mass is shifted transversely from a line through its pivotal mounting on the bracket parallel at that point to the path of the inertia lever; such that when no driving for

Abstract: The embodiments provide bumper systems, as well as methods of making bumper systems. The bumper systems include an inner panel and an outer panel, each with a first end and a second end. The outer panel can then comprise a substantially uniform cross-section between the first end and the second end, and the inner panel can also comprise a substantially uniform cross-section between the first end and the second end.

Abstract: An impact energy management system for absorbing or displacing kinetic energy during a collision. The system includes a housing defining a chamber and a contact element disposed at least partially within the chamber and longitudinally movable therein. A tab extends from a side wall of one of the housing and the contact element. Prior to a collision, the contact element is disposed in an impact position, and upon the collision the contact element moves within the chamber. The tab contacts a side wall portion of an other of the one of the housing and the contact element. The side wall of the housing and/or the contact element tears to absorb or displace kinetic energy during the collision, thereby reducing the force of the impact by transferring energy through the tearing.

Abstract: A golf ball retrieval tool comprising an elongate handle (1) which carries at one end a so-called cage (20) which has at its rear end that faces towards the handle (1) a first section (21) and at a part distal from said handle a second section (22) which connects with said first section (21), wherein in a first cage orientation of the tool the first cage section has an opening edge (21) which, in said first tool orientation, is generally open downwards and rearwards towards the handle and which is able to freely receive a golf ball, wherein a transit opening (32) connects the first section (21) with the second section (22), wherein the second section includes a downwardly open opening (33) which forms a ball seating, wherein, with the tool in said first cage orientation, the handle extends obliquely downwards beneath the horizontal plane of the cage (22), and wherein the transit opening (32) between said first and said second sections forms a threshold (35) over which the ball must run.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a temporary lifting device for electronic chassis such as a server chassis. The lifting device comprises a customized sling connected to a server using a strap to secure the server on the sling. The strap can be removed to detach the server from the sling as it is installed in a rack.

Abstract: A device and method for reducing vibration in a travel trailer. In one form, a vibration isolation member includes an elastic sandwich structure that forms part of a mounting system that connects an enclosure that defines a living space therein to a frame on the trailer. By placing the compliant part of the sandwich structure substantially along a gravitational axis, vibrations imparted to the device from the frame are absorbed in shear, causing a reduction in vibration transmitted to the travel trailer enclosure.

Abstract: A sun visor for an automobile having a plate-like core provided with multiple micropores each having a diameter ranging from 1 to 5 mm. Open area ratio representing the ratio of the total area of micropores to the projected area of the plate-like core ranges from 2% to 30%. Alternatively, a sun visor for an automobile has a skeletonic core having an air permeability equal to that of the plate-like core provided with multiple micropores. The plate-like core or the skeletonic core is covered with a covering member having a high air permeability.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a sunshade for an infant car seat or similar which is held in position by inserting a rear panel between the car seat and the vehicle seat on which it rests. A top panel, flexibly connected to the rear panel extends forward over the car seat to provide shade. Side panels extend downward from the sides of the top panel to provide increased protection. An optional front flap extends downward from the front edge of the top panel at an adjustable angle to further increase the level of protection. The side panels may be individually folded up and over the top panel to a stored position when not needed. The top and side panels can be folded upward and rearward as a unit to improve access to the car seat. Optional lengthwise creases in the side panels allow them to be folded into a more compact size to decrease the clearance necessary around the car seat in order to move the side panels between their stored and deployed positions.

Abstract: The sunvisor attachment apparatus of the present invention includes a mounting bezel configured to retain a sunvisor sub-assembly. The mounting bezel includes an alignment protrusion adapted to align the mounting bezel relative to the vehicle. The alignment protrusion includes a mounting clip configured to temporarily retain the mounting bezel to the vehicle. The mounting bezel also includes an attachment boss positioned to align with a complementary attachment feature of the vehicle when the mounting bezel is aligned with the vehicle. The sunvisor attachment apparatus also includes a fastener configured to more permanently attach the mounting bezel to the vehicle. Advantageously, the temporary retention of the mounting bezel to the vehicle allows the fastener to be driven to more permanently attach the mounting bezel to the vehicle in a simplified hands-free manner.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle rear structure, which is designed such that a pull bar (7) provided at a rear end of a tonneau cover (6) is slidingly displaced along a pair of right and left guide rails (38). The right and left guide rails (8) are positioned parallel to each other in a rear view of the vehicle. Each of the guide rails (8) has an upper portion located at a position overlapping a corresponding one of a pair of right and left rear pillars (18) in the rear view of the vehicle and in front of the rear pillar (18) in a side view of the vehicle, and a lower portion located at a position overlapping the rear pillar (18) in the side view of the vehicle and on the inner side of the rear pillar (18) in the rear view of the vehicle.

Abstract: A mounting device (10) for mounting accessories to a wall (34) of a thin walled structure such as a tent or a sheet of glass. Device (10) includes first member (12) having first engagement surface (18); a mounting portion suitable for mounting an accessory such as a light fitting; and second member (14) having second engagement surface (22); the first and second members (12, 14) being magnetically attracted to one another so that when applied on opposite sides of wall (34), first and second surfaces (18, 22) frictionally engage the part of wall (34) between them and retain mounting device (10) on wall (34). First and second surfaces (18, 22) have surrounding edges which are profiled to allow device (10) to slide smoothly on wall (34) when device (10) is forcibly moved in relation to wall (34).