Abstract: There is provided an occupant protecting apparatus which reduces a load applied to an occupant caused by inflating an airbag in a seat portion. The occupant protecting apparatus is provided in a seat portion. The occupant protecting apparatus is constituted by an inflator serving as a gas generation source, and an airbag. In a state in which a gas is not supplied from the inflator, that is, in a state in which the airbag is extended to a rear side from a front side of the seat portion under a non-inflated state, a ratio between a distance from a center position of the inflator to a rear end of a support wall of a second bottom frame, and a distance from a distal end of the airbag to the rear end of the support wall of the second bottom frame is set to be equal to or less than 0.77.

Abstract: A retaining tube having a substantially equilateral hexagonal shape is accommodated in an accommodation recess formed in a bottom frame of a seat rest. An inflator serving as a gas generation source is accommodated in the retaining tube. The retaining tube is contained in an air bag made of cloth. The inflator is cylindrical and fastened by screws to the bottom wall of the accommodation recess. A support surface, which is one of the six planes configuring the peripheral surface of the retaining tube, extends parallel to the upper surface of the support wall. The support surface is arranged at a position slightly lower than the upper surface. The support surface faces the lower surface of the seat cushion.

Abstract: In a knee protecting airbag device (M1), an airbag (26) folded and housed below a steering column (3) is expanded and inflated while rising from the lower side of the steering column (3) along a column cover lower surface (9a) during an inflation process. The shape of the airbag having completed the inflation is in a generally plate shape capable of covering at least the lower surface of the column cover. Even if the knee of the driver comes close to the column cover when the driver depressing a brake pedal, therefore, the airbag being expanded and inflated goes smoothly into the clearance between the knee of the driver and the column cover lower surface. The airbag having completed the expansion and inflation protects the knee of the driver properly so that the knee may not interfere with the column cover.

Abstract: A mounting structure of a curtain airbag in a vehicle is disclosed. The structure is adapted to easily form an inflation passage between a pillar trim and pillar by using a head liner; therefore, the overall portions of the curtain airbag can smoothly expand during the deployment. Such mounting structure may be performed with the head liner, pillar trim, and force transmission means.

Abstract: This invention relates to a pillar ramp structure which prevents interfering with the deployment of a curtain airbag. In one embodiment, the present invention includes a pillar ramp housing which is fixed to an inner panel, and a folding bracket in which the first end of the folding bracket is installed to a front surface of the pillar ramp housing and the second end of the folding bracket extends toward a pillar trim.

Abstract: Provided is a driver's airbag module assembly structure including: an inflator for generating gas by igniting an exploder; an airbag inflated toward a driver by the gas generated by the inflator; a cage covering the inflator; a mounting plate for accommodating the inflator, the airbag, and the cage to be fixed in a cover member disposed at a handle; and a horn plate installed between the mounting plate and a steering wheel, characterized in that the mounting plate has a plurality of fixing clips formed at its outer surface, the cover member has a plurality of coupling holes coupled with the fixing clips, the horn plate is provided with a bracket having an angled tip and a fastening hole, and the steering wheel is provided with a groove having an angled step corresponding to the bracket of the horn plate. Therefore, hooks of a mounting plate push flexible pieces formed at coupling holes of a cover to allow the mounting plate and the cover to be easily coupled with each other.

Abstract: Method for controlling inflation of an airbag in a vehicle which protects an occupant from injury in a crash involving the vehicle includes sensing a crash, inflating the airbag to protect the occupant during the crash, sensing contact between the airbag and the occupant during inflation of the airbag, and adjusting the continued inflation of the airbag after contact of the airbag with the occupant based on the sensed contact. Contact between the airbag and the occupant may be sensed in a variety of ways. One way is to arrange or otherwise incorporate a sensor in connection with the airbag to sense contact between the airbag and the occupant during inflation of the airbag, the continued inflation of the airbag after contact of the airbag with the occupant being adjusted based on contact between the airbag and the occupant as sensed by the sensor.

Abstract: Method for obtaining information about an occupant of a vehicle for the purpose of controlling a component of the vehicle including arranging a sensor in connection with a seat upon which the occupant is situated, determining weight of the occupant via the sensor when the occupant occupies the seat, and classifying the occupant based on the determined weight, i.e., it may be based on other characteristics of the occupant or seat in addition to the determined weight. Classification of the occupant is used in the control of the component. Method for controlling deployment of an airbag of a vehicle includes arranging a sensor in connection with a seat upon which the occupant to be protected upon deployment of the airbag is situated, determining weight of the occupant via the sensor when the occupant occupies the seat, and suppressing deployment of the airbag based on the determined weight.

Abstract: An energy-absorbing fill tube for a side air curtain system for a vehicle. The fill tube is a hollow tube having a longitudinal axis and a series of waistband wrinkles along the longitudinal axis. The hollow tube is integrated within the vehicle and defines a conduit for directing air into an air curtain for the side air curtain system. The waistband wrinkles deforms under a predetermined load and is sufficiently rigid for maintaining the conduit and directing air into the air curtain under the predetermined load.

Abstract: An air bag system includes an inflator operable to release inflation fluid, and an inflatable cushion having an lower region and inflatable upon release of inflation fluid from the inflator, with the cushion defining a channel within the lower region thereof. At least one tether may support the channel during inflation of the cushion. A fabric member may at least partially cover the channel to define an end channel wall. The fabric member may detach from the cushion if the cushion inflates beyond a predetermined depth, or the fabric member may be movable between a first position and a second position to increase the area of the end channel wall. A retention member may retain the fabric member in the first position. The retention member may be frangible, such that inflation of the cushion beyond the predetermined depth breaks the retention member.

Abstract: An automotive shell structure includes two longitudinal members which are arranged one on each side of the shell structure and are provided with energy-absorbing elements at their front-facing ends. To increase the protection for vehicle occupants in the event of an impact, it is proposed to provide additional energy absorption to channel impact energy into other regions of the shell structure in a controlled manner.

Abstract: A seat belt anchor device and method are provided for anchoring a seat belt to a stud. The device includes a plate member having a keyhole opening into which the stud is fit with the plate member pulled upwardly to bring the stud to the installed position relative to the plate member. A spring retainer member keeps the stud and plate member in their installed position. A stop is provided to limit pivoting of the spring retainer member relative to the plate member. In some forms, the spring retainer includes resilient clamping portions for clamping engagement with the stud head therebetween in the installed portion.

Abstract: A straddle-type vehicle in which a seat is arranged behind a fuel tank has improved layout flexibility behind the fuel tank is improved and allows efficient arrangement of vehicle components. The front of a fuel tank is mounted to right and left main frames via brackets. Brackets separated to the right and left are mounted to seat rails. The fuel tank has, at the rear, right and left ring-shaped brackets mounted to the brackets and an upwardly projecting recess between the right and left ring-shaped brackets. An air cleaner is disposed under the rear of the fuel tank and overlaps the fuel tank in side view.

Abstract: An indexing system for a book, the system comprising an enclosure for the book, the enclosure having a back wall and a top wall capable of pivoting relative to the back wall. The top wall carries a scale with a displaceable slide and the scale carries indications that correspond to specific pages in the book. The system also includes plurality of book tabs adapted to be attached to specific pages of the book. The slide is attached to at least one arm that includes a lug adapted to engage a tab. Actuation means cause the lug to move from a disengaged to an engaged position in which the lug engages the tab, whereby displacement of the slide to a selected page causes the arm and lug to be positioned adjacent a selected tab and activation of the actuation means causes the lug to assume the engaged position with the selected tab so that when the top wall is pivoted open the book is opened at the selected page.

Abstract: A security device comprising one or more printed or transferred first areas, each first area having one or more first colours; and one or more printed or transferred second areas, each second are having one or more second colours. At least one of the first an second areas comprises a discontinuous pattern, and the first area or areas surrounds the second are or areas, each first area being distinguishable from the second are or areas. The first area(s) and/or second area(s) define an image. A camouflage pattern is provided over the image and at least an adjacent region surrounding the image, the camouflage pattern having a colour and pattern such that in combination with the first and second areas, it renders the image substantially invisible when viewed under reflected light but visible when viewed in transmission.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a tubular structure such as a clad pipe (10) having inner and outer pipe sections (11, 13) with an interference fit therebetween and also a clad pipe (10) manufactured in accordance with that method. The method comprises the following steps: (a) positioning two pipe sections one within the other to provide an assembly (15) comprising the inner pipe section (11) and the outer pipe section (13); (b) radially expanding a portion of the inner pipe section (11) into engagement with the surrounding portion of the outer pipe section (13) using an expansion tool (17); (c) continuing to radially expand said portion of the inner pipe section (11) to plastically expand said portion of the inner pipe section (13) and elastically expand the surrounding portion of the outer pipe section (13); and (d) repeating steps (b) and (c) for one or more further portions of the inner pipe section (11).

Abstract: A coupling for bringing a first conduit in communication with a second conduit. Each of the conduits has an end to be coupled. Each of the conduits is adapted for conducting a fluid. The coupling has a channel adapted for channeling said fluid from said first conduit into said second conduit. Furthermore, the coupling comprises a seal adapted for sealing and receiving said ends of said first and second conduits. The seal is adapted for sealing said channel.

Abstract: A coupling for bringing a first conduit in communication with a second conduit. Each of the conduits comprises an end to be coupled and each of the conduits is adapted for conducting a medium. The coupling has a housing and at least one aperture in said housing. The housing is adapted for introducing said first and second conduits into the housing. Furthermore, the coupling comprises a recess in the housing. The recess is adapted for partly receiving the ends of the first and second conduits. The coupling has a seal adapted for sealing the first and second conduits within the recess.

Abstract: A rectangular parallelepipedal joint for use in fluid control apparatus comprises in its entirety two divided members which are a grooved connecting member having a groove in its center and provided in portions thereof on respective opposite sides of the groove with bolt holes each having a stepped portion for receiving therein a joint attaching bolt without permitting the head thereof to project from the joint and with female screw portions for respective male screw members to be screwed in for attaching an apparatus component; and a flat rectangular parallelepipedal communication member fitting in the groove of the connecting member and provided only with a U-shaped communication channel. The connecting member is made of stainless steel, while the communication member is made of polyamide 6. A positioning protrusion is formed on a bottom face defining the groove of the connecting member and is fitted in a positioning recessed portion formed in the bottom surface of the communication member.

Abstract: For connection of pipelines which are subject to vibration, for example pipelines in vehicle exhaust systems, a liquid-tight decoupling element is used which includes a, e.g. multi-layer wound, metal hose and a tube accommodated in coaxial relationship inside or outside of the metal hose. A first axial fitting firmly secures one end of the tube. The tube is sized to protrude into a second axial fitting, regardless whether the metal hose is completely compressed or completely stretched, to allow movement of the tube in axial and torsional directions in relation to the second axial fitting.

Abstract: A coupling apparatus includes a pair of cylindrical coupling main bodies which are concentrically and oppositely arranged to each other and which have the same structure as to each other, liners which are accommodated in the coupling main bodies respectively, and a release preventing structure which can selectively resist a rotational force applied to the coupling main bodies coupled with each other, so that a coupling of the coupling main bodies is maintained.

Abstract: A coupling apparatus includes a pair of cylindrical coupling main bodies which are concentrically and oppositely arranged to each other and which have the same structure as to each other, liners which are accommodated in the coupling main bodies respectively, and a release preventing structure which can selectively resist a rotational force applied to the coupling main bodies coupled with each other, so that a coupling of the coupling main bodies is maintained.

Abstract: A fluid quick connector includes an integral retainer pivotally mounted on a housing for latchingly coupling a first endform in the bore of the housing. The retainer is coupled to the housing by a living hinge forming the retainer and the housing as a one-piece unitary body to eliminate the need to manufacture and assemble a separate retainer in the connector.

Abstract: The invention relates to an expandable tubular joint comprising: (i) a male tubular element (EM) which is equipped with a male thread (FM), a first annular lip (L1) having a first axially abutting surface (SB1), a first inner surface (SI1) and a first outer surface (SE1), and a second abutting surface (SB2); and (ii) a female tubular element (EF) which is equipped with a female thread (FF), a second annular lip (L2) having a third abutting surface (SB3), a second outer surface (SE2) and a second inner surface (SI2), and a third inner surface (SI3) and a fourth axially abutting surface (SB4) which, together with the second outer surface (SE2), defines a first annular housing (LO) homologous to the first lip (L1). According to the invention, the male tubular element (EM) initially comprises a local annular added thickness (SA1) at a fourth inner surface (SI4) which projects out from the second abutting surface (SB2).

Abstract: A tubular connection and methods of manufacturing a box member. The tubular connection includes a box member that includes an internal thread and a pin member that includes an external thread. The external thread is adapted to threadedly engage the internal thread. A substantially helical groove is formed on an outer surface of the box member. The method of manufacturing the box member includes selecting an outer diameter for a box member that causes the tool joint to have a greater than a selected bending strength ratio. A helical groove is formed on the outer diameter of the box member such that the helical groove reduces the bending strength ratio to be about the selected bending strength ratio. An internal thread is formed on an internal surface of the box member. Another method of manufacturing the box member includes forming an internal thread on an internal surface of a cylinder and forming a substantially helical groove on an outer surface of the cylinder.

Abstract: A threaded joint for an oil well pipe in which a conventional threaded joint for an oil well pipe is improved so that sufficient fatigue fracture strength is secured, and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. An axial-direction residual stress of a threaded bottom part is set to ?400 MPa or less as a value of X-ray stress analysis between a surface and a part with a depth of 40 ?m.

Abstract: A threaded connection includes a pin member having a pin thread having a pin load flank and a pin stab flank. The threaded connection includes a box member having a box thread having a box load flank and a box stab flank. The pin thread includes a first wedge segment on the pin stab flank and the box thread includes a second wedge segment on the box stab flank. Upon make-up of the pin member with the box member, a contact stress results from engagement of the first wedge segment with the second wedge segment.

Abstract: A fluid line connector assembly including a length of flexible tubing having opposing tubing ends, and an end fitting rotatably supported on one of the tubing ends. A flexible coating extends along the exterior of the length of tubing. The coating is formed from a polymeric material that includes a biocide agent dispersed therein for killing and retarding the growth of microorganisms. The connector assembly can optionally include a braided sheath extending along the exterior of the length of tubing. In such case, the flexible coating extends along the exterior of the braided sheath.

Abstract: A coupling with a first fluid conduit adapted for conducting a fluid and comprising an end to be coupled, a layered structure adapted for providing a channel and adapted for coupling the channel with the end of the first conduit, and a first aperture in the layered structure. The aperture is adapted for introducing the end of the at least one conduit.

Abstract: A coupling for joining two pipes having end sections, each of which is provided with a circumferential locking rib and can be inserted into the coupling, wherein the coupling has at least one elastic ring that joins at least two elongated webs, and wherein the coupling has stop projections, which lock in place behind the locking ribs when the end sections are inserted in the coupling and can be unlocked to release the connection of the pipes by expanding the at least one ring. Each ring is a separate element from the webs.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system for use in transport vehicles, comprising in combination an auxiliary power unit (APU) for a transport vehicle powered by a diesel engine and having a fuel system, an engine exhaust system and a battery powered electrical system; an engine exhaust adapter wherein engine exhaust from the air-cooled diesel engine is directly coupled through the exhaust adapter installed in-line with an exhaust pipe of the transport vehicle between the engine of the transport vehicle and the muffler of the transport vehicle; and a locator unit for use in a tracking and monitoring system for communicating over a communication network with the locator unit and with a remote location for the APU, wherein the locator unit is attached to or installed within the APU.

Abstract: An electric generating device includes a rotatable shaft, an electric generator having one or more rotors coupled to and driven by the shaft, and one or more flywheels attached to the shaft and rotated in concert with the shaft, the flywheels each includes one or more weight members for increasing a moment of inertia to the flywheels and for facilitating a rotational movement of the flywheels and the shaft. It is preferable that the weight members are attached the outer peripheral portions of the flywheels. The weight members of the flywheels are angularly offset from each other for stabilizing the flywheels and the shaft.

Abstract: A starting system and method for a gas turbine engine applies a change in conventional starter generator torque profiles near the conclusion of the start cycle after the engine self sustaining speed and just prior to starter generator cut-out. By decreasing the applied torque to zero prior to transition from a start mode to a generator mode, both the mechanical and electrical transients are greatly decreased.

Abstract: A wave energy conversion system converts wave energy within a wave medium into electrical energy. The wave energy conversion system includes a base substantially connected to a wave-medium floor, a tidal platform connected to the base and a tidal float connected to the tidal platform. An axle is connected to the tidal platform with an inductive coil positioned within the axle, such that an axis of the inductive coil is parallel to the axle. A magnetic sleeve includes a magnetic sleeve opening, such that the axle passes through the magnetic sleeve opening. A float member is connected to the magnetic sleeve. A wave moving through the wave causes displacement of the float member, causing the magnetic sleeve to move relative to the inductive coil and generate electrical energy within the inductive coil.

Abstract: An electric generating system configured to use the force of wind to drive at least one wind pump that pumps fluid in a hydraulic system for driving a hydroelectric generator. The wind pump has a blade assembly with blade boundary characteristic and pitch controls. The wind pump includes an inductive power supply. A standby-pump provides pressurized fluid in the hydraulic system when the wind is insufficient to power the system. An efficient and adaptable control system is employed, enabling the generating system to reliably provide power to an electric grid.

Abstract: A protection system and a protection method are provided for protecting a double fed induction generator and a gearbox during a grid fault. The protection system includes a plurality of controlled impedance devices. Each of the controlled impedance devices is coupled between a respective phase of a stator winding of the double fed induction generator and a respective phase of a grid side converter. The protection system also includes a controller configured for coupling and decoupling impedance in one or more of the plurality of controlled impedance devices in response to changes in at least one of a utility grid voltage and a utility grid current.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a combined-cycle power system is provided. The system is coupled to an electric power grid. The system includes at least one electric power generator, at least one steam turbine coupled to the generator, at least one combustion turbine coupled to the generator, and at least one steam source that is in flow communication with the steam turbine. The method includes operating the system at a first power output level with the steam turbine and the combustion turbine being synchronized to an operating frequency of the grid, so that the steam turbine, the combustion turbine, and the grid are operating at a frequency substantially similar to a standardized grid frequency value. The method also includes sensing a grid frequency deviation away from the standardized grid frequency value.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of an intumescent material as a sensor, actuator, and fixing means for movable elements in the field of fire and smoke protection.

Abstract: An energy absorber for an automobile front-bumper, in which the energy absorber is mounted on the inner side of the automobile front-bumper to absorb impact. The energy absorber includes a central part, and comer parts each positioned at the left and right sides of the central part, wherein the central part is fabricated to be thicker than the comer parts using resin foam foamed with a high magnification, and the comer parts is fabricated to be thinner than the central part using resin foam foamed with a low magnification, thereby increasing the impact absorption effect and the rigidity of the energy absorber.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for picking up animal waste, characterized in that it is provided with fixing elements to be arranged on a leash reel or integrated thereto in a single one-piece appliance and is composed of two articulated arms for collecting waste.

Abstract: A kit for use by a person in an elevated position above ground level for retrieving an object positioned below the person is provided. The kit comprises a cable, and at least two different retrieval components disposed within the kit, wherein each retrieval component may be selectively coupled to the cable and lowered to retrieve the object positioned below the person.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a first plate for supporting the first surface of the article adjacent to the edge part of the article, a second plate extending from one end of the first plate in order to support the second surface of the article adjacent to the edge part of the article, a band connected to both side ends of the first plate such that a worker is able to securely hold the apparatus using one hand, and a non-skid member attached to at least one of inner surfaces of the first and second plates, which make contact with the first and second surfaces of the article, so as to prevent the apparatus from sliding along the article.

Abstract: A vacuum cup for a material handling system includes a body portion and a perimeter seal that functions to substantially seal against an object. The vacuum cup may transport the object when a partial vacuum is applied to the vacuum cup to retain the cup to the object. The vacuum cup includes a relief port that functions to at least partially relieve the vacuum from the vacuum cup as the vacuum cup is moved relative to the object. The relief port may include a sealing member that may engage a surface of the object to close the relief port. When the vacuum cup is initially pulled or moved away from the object, the relief port is at least partially opened and allows the cavity to be vented to at least partially relieve the vacuum within the cavity.

Abstract: The invention generally involves an apparatus and method for cleaning metal debris from a tool. The tool may have magnetic properties. The magnetic cleaner comprises a magnetic element suitably sized to interface with a surface of a tool associated with metal debris. The apparatus is preferably configured to be operated with one hand and may comprise a protective housing that surrounds a magnetic element. The housing has a magnetic interface constructed of magnetically transparent material with the remainder of the housing optionally constructed from material that forms a magnetic barrier. The magnetic element may be movably associated with the housing allowing the magnetic element to be associated/disassociated with the housing magnetic interface. The apparatus may further comprise a resilient element that defines a bias force that tends to keep the magnetic element disassociated from the housing magnetic interface.

Abstract: The invention concerns a parallel pneumatic gripper which comprises a gripper body (11) forming a chamber (15), an alternate pneumatic piston (12) movable in said chamber, and two jaws (13, 14) controlled by the piston and movable in opposite directions. A first jaw (13) is rigidly attached to the piston (12) to follow its movements, whereas the second jaw (14) is connected to the piston (12) by means of an oscillating transmission element or lever (22,22?) comprising an intermediate larger dimensioned cross section portion (23, 30) having a transversal bore to house the oscillating central fulcrum and two terminal heads with rolling surfaces (25, 25?; 31, 31?) designed to couple with corresponding seats provided respectively on the bottom of a flaring shaped in one side of said piston (12) and in the second jaw (14).

Abstract: A manually operable tool for grasping solid objects including a scissors assembly at opposed ends of which are a pair of handles, and a pair of opposed paddles such that objects may be received between the paddles whereupon movement of the handles towards each other causes the paddles to move together to grasp said solid objects therebetween.

Abstract: The transport frame has engagement elements configured to engage and hold a battery-operated electronic device via its battery compartment and/or securing elements for the battery compartment cover only. The engagement elements optionally may be movable apart to secure the device, for example by a lever-actuated cam against spring biasing. The transport frame optionally may be mounted in a fixture, for example at a testing location, the transport frame and fixture being configured in complementary fashion whereby the transport frame is mountable in the fixture for any desired purpose, for example to facilitate testing of the device at the fixture location.

Abstract: A plate carrier is carried on a server's forearm. The carrier comprises a horizontal support portion for carrying the plate carrier on the forearm and a vertical spine with at least one plate holder. The horizontal support resides between the elbow and the palm, and comprises a plastic support surface and a metal backing. The vertical spine extends downwardly from the horizontal support, looping around the forearm, and continuing downward below the server's forearm. The spine is laterally centered on the horizontal support, and longitudinally closer to the elbow than the palm. The plate holders extend longitudinally with respect to the horizontal support, and a majority of the plate holders extend forward from the spine.

Abstract: A collapsible grip handle for mounting on a truck or trailer has a steel rod mounted between two brackets formed of spring steel. The brackets have an attachment section for fastening to a surface, a spring section which buckles under compressive load, and an attachment section to hold the rod. The entire assembly has a polymer overmold with ribs for slip-resistant gripping and a skirt to prevent the rod from pulling away under tension. The brackets buckle under a compressive load so that the handle bends and returns to the original position when the load is removed.

Abstract: A mobile containerized autopsy facility for use in distant contamination zones, comprising at least one enclosure which includes at least one seamless and sealable compartment, which compartment meets biohazard safety level 3 and 4 requirements. The facility consists of enclosures that are most commonly a conversion of at least one standard 40×8×9.5 foot refrigerated cargo container that may be easily transported by trailers or by air to remote sites and be operational without the dependence on local infrastructure.