Abstract: A gas bag module has at least one first detent element adapted for engagement into a second detent element to form a detent connection to fasten the gas bag module to a vehicle-fixed component. An auxiliary locking element designed for engagement with a lock structure and a control element are provided. The control element prevents an engagement of the auxiliary locking element into the lock structure as long as the first detent element is not in engagement with the second detent element.

Abstract: In an assembly with a gas bag module at least one first detent element is designed for engagement into a second detent element, a load bearing fastening between the first and the second detent element fastening the gas bag module to a first vehicle-fixed component being closed by moving the gas bag module in an installation direction. An additional locking structure is provided which is separate from the first and second detent elements, and which connects the gas bag module with a second vehicle-fixed component. The additional locking structure exclusively determines in the installed state a final installation position of the gas bag module with respect to the second vehicle-fixed component, at least against the installation direction.

Abstract: The cushion of an air bag module includes a first chamber part which deploys to one side of an occupant by a high pressure gas of an inflator, a second chamber part which is formed to communicate with the first chamber part and deploys to the other side of the occupant by the high pressure gas in the first chamber part, an inner pocket which is mounted on an inner side of the first chamber part to introduce gas from the inflator and has a plurality of vent holes to emit the gas into the first chamber part, and a diffuser provided at the vent holes of the inner pocket so that the gas emitted from the inner pocket forms an eddy current at a side of the second chamber part.

Abstract: A lateral airbag device comprises a gas bag which is mounted in a vehicle seat below the seat covering of the vehicle seat. The gas bag is inflated in the event of an accident. The seat covering comprises at least one break line, which can be torn open when the gas bag unfolds enabling the gas bag to exit the vehicle seat. The lateral airbag device is capable of protecting the occupants of a vehicle in the event of an accident in a reliable manner. The seat covering is configured to bring the unfolding gas bag to a predetermined position or to maintain the unfolded gas bag in the predetermined positioned.

Abstract: An airbag inflator has a variable gas flow throttle disposed in a gas flow path. The throttle has at least one gas passageway through a base portion thereof. A tab extends from the base portion and is bendable towards the base portion by a selected amount of gas pressure to closes or at least partially close the gas passageway. The tab may have another gas passageway therethrough.

Abstract: An inflator has a sealed vessel for containing compressed gas. The inflator has an axis. The vessel has a gas outlet passageway. The inflator has an elongated sealing cap closure with an internal chamber portion open to the compressed gas and sealed vessel to seal the opening of the gas outlet passageway. The elongated sealing cap is coaxial with the inflator. When a triggering device is activated it exerts a force against the elongated sealing cap closure in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of the inflator that causes the elongated sealing cap closure to fail and allows gas to escape from the vessel.

Abstract: An air bag system is disclosed. The air bag system comprises a cushion deployed by gas from an inflator in the event of a vehicle collision, for protecting a passenger, a gas guider provided between the cushion and the inflator, for guiding the gas from the inflator to the cushion, and a guide bag provided at one side of the cushion, and deployed by the gas guided by the gas guider earlier than the cushion is so that the cushion is deployed without interference from other adjacent components. The cushion is smoothly deployed without interference from other adjacent components, thereby improving the deployment performance of the cushion. A ramp used for a prior art air bag system is omitted, thus the air bag system is formed in an overall simple structure. The unit cost and weight of the air bag system are lowered, and it is unnecessary to acquire a space for installing the ramp, thereby improving the design freedom of the air bag system.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant protection apparatus for use in a vehicle includes an occupant-protecting expansion part caused to expand in the form of a curtain in the vehicle cabin along windows. The expansion part is attached to the vehicle body at two attachment points positioned forward and rearward of the windows. A tension line that joins the two attachment points is in a position where the expansion part is extended between the two points, and is positioned below the lower edges of the windows.

Abstract: A passenger air bag module includes an air bag cushion accommodated in an air bag housing and deploying toward an occupant when the collision of a vehicle occurs, and a cushion wrap including a reinforcing portion that protects the air bag cushion and a flap portion that suppresses initial deployment of the air bag cushion and keeps the air bag cushion in a folded condition.

Abstract: The invention concerns a rollover protection system for vehicles with roll bars located fixed to the vehicle seats, which roll bars are guided into a holder, which holder is fixed to the vehicle, and under normal conditions the roll bar is held by a holding device in a lower, stored position, is controlled by a sensor, and upon release of the holding device, is brought into an upright, protective position. In order to design a rollover protection system, fixed to the seat, with a roll bar body in the form of a folding roll bar, the invention provides that each roll bar comprises two frame pieces, which are each spaced along the vehicular lateral axis having one pivotably connected end in mountings, which mountings are located in a bracket fixed to the vehicle, and with the free ends so connected that when folded, they slide against each other, and when deployed, they interlock against each other.

Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a steering column shroud which supports a steering shaft for a steering wheel. The column shroud includes an inner member and an outer member. The inner member being at least partially received within the outer member. A support bracket is fixed in position relative to a part of the vehicle. A clamp mechanism is movable between a locked position in which the clamp mechanism fixes the inner member and the outer member in position relative to the support bracket and an unlocked position in which the clamp mechanism permits movement of at least one of the inner and outer members relative to the support bracket. The clamp mechanism includes a clamp pin that passes through an opening in the support bracket and is connected to a loop plate.

Abstract: A seat belt assembly for a vehicle that includes an anchor portion having an anchor bolt adapted to attach to a vehicle. A seat belt web is associated with the anchor portion. A sheath member is coupled to the anchor portion with the sheath member having opposing top and bottom surfaces and opposing side surfaces. The opposing top and bottom surfaces and opposing side surfaces define an interior cavity. The sheath member includes a plurality of detents formed on the opposing side surfaces. An extension plate having opposing proximal and distal ends as well as opposing top and bottom surfaces bounded by opposing lateral edges is slidingly disposed within the interior cavity of the sheath member. The extension plate includes a pair of arms formed on the opposing lateral edges. An extension arm formed about the extension plate includes first and second ends with the first end coupled to the proximal end of the extension plate. The second end of the extension arm includes a web guide formed on an end.

Abstract: A guide (34a) for seat belt webbing (16) in a vehicle (14) includes a support member (50) that includes an elongated slot (88) through which the seat belt webbing (16) extends. A curved surface (90) defines a portion of the elongated slot (88). The guide (34a) also includes an insert (110) that is adapted to be received in the elongated slot (88) of the support member (50) and that includes a webbing guide portion (112) for guiding the seat belt webbing (16) through the elongated slot (88). The webbing guide portion (112), during normal operating conditions, is spaced apart from the curved surface (90) of the support member (50). The webbing guide portion (112) of the insert (110), when subjected to a load from the seat belt webbing (16) that exceeds a predetermined amount, moves into engagement with and conforms to the curved surface (90) of the support member (50).

Abstract: A gate assembly for a trailer which provides for the gate assembly to be moved between a closed position in which both a lower gate member and an upper gate member are stacked and extend upwardly one upon the other and an extension position in which the lower gate member extends forwardly from an end of the deck as an extension of the deck and the upper gate member extends upwardly from the end of the lower gate member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a file assembly (100) for keeping personal records. The assembly (100) includes a binder (16), and at least one sleeve (102) and at least one photograph display device (104) received in the binder (16). Each sleeve (102) has opposed operatively front and rear walls (22, 24). The front wall (22) is smaller than the rear wall (24) and has a periphery along part of which it is secured to the rear wall (24), such that the walls (22, 24) define between them a pocket (38), having a peripheral opening (40), for receipt of personal records. Each photograph display device (104) is for displaying at least one photograph. The binder (16) is provided with a securing mechanism (17) by means of which each sleeve (102) and each photograph display device (104) are removably secured in place in the binder (16).

Abstract: A means for reminding a person of upcoming events, made from a sheet having designations, denoting possible months in a given year, possible days in a given month, day in a week, and designations representing the time period when an event is expected to occur. The object of the invention is to provide an expedient and efficient way for a person to save and record an upcoming event through marking a sheet with all relevant date and time information, thereby eliminating the need to print or write this data.

Abstract: An high pressure seal comprises a tube with a first end adapted to fit into a first bore of a first mating part and a second end adapted to fit into second bore of a second bore of a second mating part and allow fluid communication between the first bore and the second bore. The seal is expandable radially about an axis to form a seal between the first and second mating parts.

Abstract: A fitting for tube and/or pipe includes two legs formed at a nominal included angle that is other than a right angle. An example would be a nominal included angle of about 2°±.5° from a right angle. A fitting is also provided that is drainable under the influence or force of gravity. Methods of forming such fittings are also provided including various combinations of steps of bending, cutting and welding.

Abstract: A leadthrough (10) for constructional components (30) includes a clad tube (11) extendable through the constructional component (30) and provided with a cutting profile (14) at its end surface (12) for forming a bore for the clad tube (11); with a coupling element (15) for connecting the clad tube (11) with a rotary drive, and with an edge protecting element (16) for covering the cutting profile (14).

Abstract: A coupling having a receiver (1), for receiving an insert (3) formed with a retaining ring (2), and a locking element (10) having two arms (11, 12) and a retaining portion (14). The locking element (10) fits into a receiving space (7) of the receiver (1) and is movable between a raised and a pushed-in position. A lifting bevel (16) is formed on the locking element (10) and cooperates with the retaining ring (2) of the insert (3) so that the locking element (10) can be moved from the pushed-in position to the raised position. The coupling also comprises a prelock assembly (30) and a pullback assembly (18, 19, 22, 23), which cooperate so that when the retaining ring (2) is moved in the insertion direction into position behind the lifting bevel (16), the prelock assembly (30) engages behind the retaining ring (2) and the pullback assembly (18, 19, 22, 23) shifts the locking element (10) into a prelocked position.

Abstract: A stamped collet for a push-to-connect tube coupling. The collet is stamped from a metal sheet and formed into a generally cylindrical configuration. The collet has an annular base portion from which flexible tines extend forward from the base portion, the flexible tines being circumferentially arranged around a center axis of the collet and including inwardly inclined distal finger portions terminating at a biting edge. The flexible tines can flex outwardly to permit axial insertion of a tube through the collet. At least one of the flexible tines has at least one cam wing that extends radially outwardly from a side of the tine and has a radially outwardly inclined cam surface. The cam surface can be engaged by a corresponding cam surface of a retainer to urge the tine radially inwardly with the biting edge biting into an outer surface of the tube for preventing the tube from being pushed out or pulled out of a coupling.

Abstract: An electrical power generation system and method for generating electrical power are provided. The electrical power generation system utilizes a master controller for controlling operation of devices coupled to an AC electrical grid and DC electrical grid based on parameter values associated with a renewable power generator.

Abstract: A generator/sensor may include a pair of arcuate swing arms having respective opposing ends pivotally carried by a base so that the arcuate swing arms are transverse to one another and define a movable crossing point therebetween. A body may be carried by the arcuate swing arms at the crossing point therebetween. At least one electrical generator may be driven by relative movement between the body and the base, such as to generate electrical power or to sense movement, for example. The body may be a pendulum mass or sail responsive to fluid flow.

Abstract: A method for providing electrical power for scanner heads in a paper scanner includes generating electrical power from the movement of the scanner heads and providing at least a portion of the electrical power to the scanner heads. The scanner heads are operational using the provided electrical power.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an automotive electrical system including a FET based rectifier and method of controlling the FET based rectifier without using either an alternator shaft position sensor or current sensors on each phase of the alternator output to control the switching of the FETs. In accordance with the teachings herein, the voltage and current on the DC bus of the automotive electrical system are sensed and switching of the FETs is controlled by a microcontroller that determines the appropriate switching times based on these sensed parameters.

Abstract: A system for testing is described. The system includes a wind turbine, a grid generator configured to generate power and coupled to the wind turbine, and a portable load coupled to the grid generator.

Abstract: Improvements to wind farms and wind generators for harnessing wind energy or generating electricity from wind. Secondary wind turbines are provided at particular locations within a wind farm to generate additional electricity, in some embodiments, using a common electrical power collection system. Enclosures or venturis may surround wind turbines to facilitate mounting close to the ground. Venturis may accelerate wind speed through the turbine and may have a particular shape, may be made of particular materials arranged in particular ways, or both. In different embodiments, wind turbines may be axial-flow horizontal-axis turbines, or may be Savonius turbines, as examples. And in some embodiments, wind turbines may be combined with other power production equipment, such as solar power equipment, for instance.

Abstract: A wind turbine system includes a variable blade assembly including adjustable sails and wing shaped masts expanding the wind velocity capture envelope. The blade assembly turns a hydraulic pump, which pressurizes fluid and stores the pressurized fluid in a chamber in the support tower. Pressurized fluid is directed via an electronically controllable proportioning valve to a hydraulic motor which is coupled to an electric generator. A computer control module operates the proportioning valve regulating pressure to the hydraulic motor, maintaining generator rotational speed, and providing consistent output frequency to the power grid. Stored energy in the high pressure tank is used to continue generator operation after the winds cease, allowing early warning notification to the power management system of impending power loss. Residual pressure maintained in the high pressure tank allows restart operations via hydraulic pressure rather than power grid energy drain.

Abstract: The present invention recycles a bedspring into a door, with relatively few, and relatively inexpensive, modifications to the bedspring.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a latching device for a slide rod system incorporated into a door. The latching device includes a keeper plate engaged to the slide rod, a positioning bracket engaged to a door, and a roller bracket having a roller adapted for engagement to the positioning bracket and the keeper plate. The slide rod and keeper plate are adapted for positioning within a slide channel. The roller bracket is adapted for engagement to a doorframe channel. The positioning bracket includes a slot which receives the roller whereupon the keeper plate is at least partially manipulated vertically to maneuver the keeper to the rear of the roller to accomplish latching of a door.

Abstract: A door operating device is provided in a door of a vehicle and connected to a door latch allowing a striker of the vehicle to engage with or disengage from the door latch. The door operating device comprises an outside lever, a release lever under the outside lever and a locking lever connected to an actuator. In a locking position, only the outside lever rotates, while both the outside and release levers rotates in an unlocking position. The locking lever comprises first and second lever portions which separately move. If malfunction occurs, the second lever portion is moved by an actuator.

Abstract: A motor vehicle lock with a latch and an assigned ratchet, an opening drive for motorized lifting of the ratchet, a flexible traction mechanism and a guide pulley which is located on the ratchet or on a rocker arm which is assigned to the ratchet, the traction mechanism being coupled by drive engineering on its first end to the opening drive and the traction mechanism being guided via the guide pulley. The traction mechanism together with the guide pulley provides a pulley arrangement to lift the ratchet. An emergency actuation arrangement is provided for manually lifting the ratchet and a second end of the traction mechanism is coupled by drive engineering to the emergency actuation arrangement.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for a power closure latch includes a latch chassis, a power actuator fixed to the latch chassis, and a resilient member having a base at a first end and a second end that engages a drive member. The base is fixed to the latch chassis, and the drive member is driveable by the power actuator to compress the resilient member. The drive mechanism includes a toggle arm having an input and an output. The input is driveable by the drive member to toggle the output between a first position and a second position. A first end of a second arm has a pivot fixed to the latch chassis and a second end having an input for attachment to the drive member.

Abstract: A drawer assembly for a refrigerator having compartment walls defining a cooling compartment is provided. The drawer assembly includes a pan having a mounting portion, and a bracket coupled to one of the compartment walls. The bracket includes a locking mechanism movable between a first position and a second position. The pan is mounted to the bracket such that the locking mechanism engages the mounting portion of the pan. Wherein the pan is secured to the bracket when the locking mechanism is in the first position, and the pan is configured to be removed from the bracket when the locking mechanism is in the second position.

Abstract: A power drive for a vehicle latch assembly includes a drive chassis and an electric motor. The electric motor has a drive shaft on which a gear is mounted. The electric motor further includes an engagement feature for locating the electric motor on the drive chassis. The drive chassis includes a mount plate having a slot for receiving the drive shaft during assembly of the power drive. The drive shaft is permitted to slide down a first portion of the slot, thereby allowing the engagement feature to be received by a second portion of the slots to radially locate the electric motor on the mount plate.

Abstract: A magnetic latch for a display of a laptop computer is disclosed. The latch uses magnetic attraction to maintain the display closed and uses magnetic repelling forces to pop-up the display when opened. The latch includes one or more magnetic elements in the body of the laptop and at least one magnetic element in the display. When the display is closed, the magnet element in the display is positioned adjacent the magnet element in the body having an opposite polarity so that the magnet elements are attracted to one another. To pop-up the display, the user moves the magnetic element in the display so that it meets the magnetic pole in the body having the same polarity. When these meet, the repelling force between them causes the display to open slightly so that a user can then readily open the display.

Abstract: An articulated rod comprising at least two articulated segments, a first segment being rotatably mounted on a connecting element that is fixed in relation to the articulated rod, the said articulated rod also comprising a locking device capable of maintaining the articulated rod in the open or closed position characterised in that the locking device locks the articulated rod at the connection between the first segment and the fixed connecting element. The invention also relates to a hatch fitted with a door capable of being maintained in the open or closed position by at least one articulated rod according to the invention. More generally, the invention also relates to the use of an articulated rod according to the invention for transmitting a displacement movement to a moving connecting element to which the said articulated rod is connected.

Abstract: A lock actuator assembly for a locking mechanism of a vehicle door permits either manual or power actuation thereof. The lock actuator assembly includes a housing having a pair of brackets attached thereto, an actuator slidably secured within the housing, and a solenoid disposed below the housing and operatively attached to the actuator. The solenoid is operable to move the actuator between a locked position in which the locking mechanism is locked, and an unlocked position in which the locking mechanism is unlocked. The housing of the lock actuator assembly defines a first plane and the actuator defines a second plane which is substantially parallel to the first plane.

Abstract: A locking device having an upper portion, a lower portion, and a locking arm prevents a closed door from being opened. The locking arm is pivotably mounted to the lower portion of the locking device and positioned in cavities of the upper portion and the lower portion. A pivot bolt is operatively attached to the lower portion and an end of the locking arm. A locking bolt extends transverse and through the locking arm and through the lower portion for securing the locking arm. The locking bolt has a key or detent, which is received by a corresponding groove in the lower portion. The locking arm extends vertically from the lower portion upwardly above the lower edge of the door, thereby preventing the door from being opened outwardly when in a closed position. The upper portion and the lower portion are preferably bulbous shaped.

Abstract: A motorhome/travel trailer has a door with a latch actuation assembly. The door latch actuation assembly includes a latch actuation member slidably coupled to the door. The latch actuation member has first and second portions. The first portion is disposed on an interior portion of the door. The first portion includes an internal actuation portion. The second portion includes an engagement portion. The engagement portion is configured to actuate an external actuation member.

Abstract: A handle of a vehicle door of the present invention includes a base, a cover, a grip, and an aligner. The base is mounted on an interior side of a door panel. The cover is assembled to the base through the door panel. The grip is assembled to the base through the door panel. The aligner is disposed on the grip adjacent to the cover, such that a gap between the cover and the grip is maintained as a first predetermined gap when the cover and the grip are assembled to the base.

Abstract: A vehicle door handle includes a handle main body arranged at a predetermined position of an exterior of a vehicle door, and operated when the door is opened or closed; and a base member for attaching the handle main body to the vehicle door, wherein the handle main body is lever-shaped, and is supported by the base member to be rotatable in a predetermined range, the handle main body having one of both ends serving as a spindle and the other end serving as a free end, a hook protruding toward the base member in a longitudinal direction of the handle main body is formed on the free end of the handle main body, and a stopper abutting on the base member and restricting a rotation range of the handle main body is formed on a tip end of the hook, thereby setting an operated position and a non-operated position of the handle main body, and guide walls adjacent to both side surfaces of the stopper, respectively, at the non-operated position of the handle main body, are formed on the base member.

Abstract: A hold-open lock structure of a sliding door, in which, when the inner handle of the sliding door is manipulated to open the sliding door, a hold-open lock is not released, thus preventing a safety hazard from occurring when the vehicle is parked on a slope due to the sliding door not being locked open and moving closed due to its own weight when the inner handle is released after the sliding door has been opened.

Abstract: An adjusting device (1) may include a base (2), a rotary pin (6) rotatably positioned within the base (2), a latch recess (13) formed in the rotary pin (7), a latch body (12), a spring (10); and, a mounting bracket (7) adapted to pivotably hold and position an associated fitting to the rotary pin (6). The spring (10) urges the latch body (12) into the latch recess (13) and thus urges the rotary pin (6) and the associated fitting into a latched condition.

Abstract: A pedestrian protection apparatus for a vehicle, including a plate member which is disposed at a front face of the vehicle, which includes front and rear portions, and which is fixed at the rear portion to the vehicle with at least a leading end part of the front portion protruded from the front face of the vehicle, the apparatus being arranged to sweep a leg portion of a pedestrian, thereby protecting the leg portion, wherein the leading end part includes at least one horizontally extending portion and a plurality of vertically extending portions each having an anterior surface substantially orthogonal to a horizontal plane, the horizontally extending portion and the vertically extending portions being formed integrally with the leading end part so as to be alternately disposed in the frontward and backward direction of the vehicle and extend in a staircase-like form.

Abstract: A device for preparing holes in soil for planting bulbs or small plants includes a pair of mutually opposing members including scoops located along the distal portions thereof. The tool is spring biased to a normally open position for insertion into the soil. To remove soil, the handles are squeezed together, which in turn closes the scoops to entrap soil for removal.

Abstract: A method and a hook arrangement for a load handling system (LHS) mounted on a vehicle for moving a cargo carrying apparatus on and off the vehicle without using a front lift adapter. The hook arrangement comprises a hook arm coupled to the LHS and configured to receive a hook member. An offset hook member is coupled to the hook arm.

Abstract: An inflatable cushion structure comprises a cushion body that is provided with an air passage for air to inflate or deflate said cushion body. The improvement characterized in that indents are provided inwardly two lateral sides of said cushion body, while a plurality of holes for binding by ropes are provided along the periphery of said cushion body, such that, after placing said cushion body under a car and inflating said cushion body, the inflated cushion body can lift the car upwardly and apart from the ground, while wheels of the car can be accommodated just in said indents, respectively, and ropes can penetrate through said plurality of holes on the surface of the cushion body and securely bind said cushion body with the chassis of the car.

Abstract: An automobile may include a vehicle frame, a body supported on the vehicle frame and defining a passenger compartment and a console assembly positioned within the passenger compartment. The console assembly may include: (A) a console frame having at least a first tubular portion and a plurality of legs where each leg is supported on the vehicle frame; (B) an outer shell connected to the console frame for use in covering the console frame; and, (C) an armrest supported on the console frame and adapted to support a person's arm.

Abstract: A golf bag well arrangement on a golf car includes a receiving area defined on the golf car and adapted to accept at least one golf bag in a secure position. A first support surface is arranged on the receiving area and provides vertical support to the golf bag in the secure position. A second support surface is defined on the receiving area and provides lateral support to the golf bag in the secure position. The second support surface defines a first arcuate wall portion defined on the receiving area.