Abstract: A leaf spring assembly for a vehicle having a frame and an axle. The leaf spring assembly includes a first leaf spring and a trailing arm having first and second ends. The first end of the trailing arm adapted to be coupled to the frame to form a trailing arm attachment point. The first leaf spring is disposed beneath the trailing arm and includes a width defining a lateral direction and first and second ends defining a longitudinal direction. The first end of the first leaf spring being concentrically wound with the first end of the trailing arm and adapted to be attached to the frame.

Abstract: The present invention, in one embodiment, is a device for moving a hospital bed. The device comprises a body, a motor driven wheel coupled to the body, and a hitch coupled to the body and adapted for engaging the hospital bed. Finally, the present invention, in yet another embodiment, is a method for moving a hospital bed with a motorized device. The method comprises maneuvering the device into position next to the hospital bed, hitching the device to the hospital bed, and moving the hospital bed with the device.

Abstract: The arm and leg powered vehicle and head-mounted steering system therefor is a bicycle or similar vehicle, which is powered by the user through rotational actuation of both foot pedals and a hand-actuated crank, both of which provide rotational drive for the vehicle. The steering system for the vehicle includes a helmet-mounted steering mechanism, which translates rotational movement of the user's head and helmet into steering control for the vehicle, allowing the user to steer the vehicle only with the user's head and neck, leaving the user's hands free to power the vehicle. The helmet-mounted steering mechanism can be selectively disengaged, allowing the user to control the vehicle in a conventional manner.

Abstract: A pedaling correction device for a bicycle capable of objectively detecting the state of pedaling and assisting the detection so that the training of pedaling technique can be performed according to an accurate theory. The cranks having pedals mounted at the tips thereof are installed on the center axis of the device so that a crank gear can be rotated according to the rotation of the cranks. The state of the pedaling of a user is monitored and the shape of the crank gear is deformed so that when the cranks reach positions where the user must increase forces applied to the pedals, the vertical diameter of the crank gear can be increased. Also, when the cranks reach positions where the user must release forces applied to the pedals, the vertical diameter of the crank gear can be reduced, whereby the correction of pedaling can be assisted by using such a crank gear.

Abstract: The invention is a frame for a bicycle or other two wheeled vehicle that utilizes convoluted curves in its structure providing function in utility and manufacture as described here with this disclosure, as well as ornamental form as described by the subject complementing disclosure by design patent application number 29/243,986. The specific utility that is offered by this invention is a suspension quality inherent to the frame itself. The frame serves as a suspension system isolating the vehicle rider from the displacements of the vehicle wheels forced by the irregularities that may exist in a road over which the vehicle may travel. The specific quality of manufacture offered by this invention is a frame that avoids the necessity of tubes and tube joints, and likewise the otherwise necessary welding or fusion of such tube joints.

Abstract: A vehicle is disclosed having a pair of drive wheels, at least one ground-engaging front wheel connected to the frame forward of the drive wheels and at least one ground-contacting anti-tip wheel mounted to the vehicle rearward of the drive wheels. The drive wheels and anti-tip wheels are mounted on common suspension arms, pivoted to the frame of the vehicle behind the drive wheels and resiliently suspended, so that the anti-tip wheels move up and down in response to movements of the drive wheel suspension.

Abstract: An apparatus positions a boat having a clip attached to a bow onto a boat trailer. The apparatus is used with a winch and two guides mounted on the boat trailer. The two guides are positioned a selected distance from the winch toward the rear of the boat trailer and spaced apart from each other. The apparatus includes three line sections windable about a reel of the winch with two of the line sections being windable about the reel in one direction and the third line being wound in an opposite direction. The two lines that are wound on the reel in the same direction extend around the guides while the third line extends between the guides and all of the lines being connected to each other at their distal ends. Forward movement of the boat engages the clip with the lines such that the boat can be winched onto the trailer.

Abstract: A steerable caddy trailer is provided that has an improved structure including a main frame assembly, spindle assemblies attached to each end of the main frame for attachment of a wheel, a pair of swinging arms forwardly extending from the main frame and pivotally attached to the main frame, and tie rods connecting the swinging arms with the spindle assembly such that pivoting of the swinging arms steers the wheels.

Abstract: A steering connection assembly that interconnects an implement train comprising first and second detachable implements towed by a draw bar of a tow vehicle is provided. The first implement is pivotally attached at the draw bar so as to rotate about a first vertical axis, and the second implement is pivotally attached to the first implement. The steering connection assembly includes a drive linkage pivotally connected at a draw bar so as to rotate about a second vertical axis. A steering linkage interconnects a rearward end of the drive linkage to a wheel assembly in support of the frame of the second towed implement. In response to a turn of the tow vehicle, a hitch coupling member generates a turn signal communicated via the drive linkage so as to cause the steering linkage to steer the wheel assembly of the second implement in a direction opposite a turn direction of the tow vehicle.

Abstract: In one embodiment the invention comprises a trailer hitch comprising: a frame having a front, a telescoping member slidably supported by the frame for telescoping from the frame front and wherein the telescoping member is movable laterally relative to the frame.

Abstract: The use of a shock absorber bushing combination to accommodate various size ball ands and tow rings when towing large heavy industrial trailers. The shock absorber bushing combination can be cylindrically-shaped and adapted to have an interior hollow dimension to easily slide over the ball. Its length is adapted to extend at least to a height above the centerline of the ball and preferably so its top surface is aligned relatively close to the height of the ball. On or more if the shock absorber bushings has a flanged portion at its bottom side that is dimensioned in thickness and width to provide some vertical movement shock absorbing effect due to the action of the tow ring bouncing up and down when hitting bumps in the road surface.

Abstract: A folding trailer may be capable of moving between a use position and a storage position. The folding trailer may include an axle that is capable of moving between a first position in which the axle is generally aligned along an axis and a second position in which the axle is disposed in a folded configuration. The folding trailer may also include a towing arm that is movable between an extended position in which a portion of the towing arm extends beyond the front portion of the frame to facilitate attached to a towing vehicle and a collapsed position in which the towing arm is at least substantially disposed underneath the frame. In addition, the trailer may include an adjustment assembly that is sized and configured to adjust the position of the axle between the first and second positions, and adjust the position of the towing arm between the extended and collapsed positions. Advantageously, the adjustment assembly may have different configurations and arrangements.

Abstract: A trailer may include an extension that is sized and configured to extend the length of the trailer. Advantageously, the extension may allow the trailer to be shipped in a standard-sized container. In particular, the extension may allow the trailer to be shipped within a 92 inch container. The extension may also extend the length of the trailer to allow, for example, items that are about 96 inches or 8 feet in length to be positioned in the trailer. Thus, the extension may allow the trailer to be shipped in a standard-sized container and allow the trailer to carrying items such as drywall or sheets of plywood that are 8 feet in length.

Abstract: A towing mechanism includes a pair of brackets for receiving a drawbar therebetween, and a locking device. A towing bolt is received by locating bores in the brackets. The locking device includes a locking pin which is axially slidable in a pin bore in a component. The locking device is mounted on the upper bracket so that, in a locked condition, the locking pin projects out of the bore and prevents axial movement of the towing bolt. A blocking member at least partially covers the pin bore and prevents the extraneous material from contacting the locking pin, in order to reduce the likelihood of an unintentional release of the towing bolt.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coupling device (1) between a sports shoe (2) and sports device (3), with a toe piece (5) and a heel piece (6) and a brake device (7) mounted between the latter for the sports device (3), with a longitudinal guide (9, 10) mounted on the surface (8) of the sports device (3) for the heel piece (6), in which the heel piece (6) is guided laterally and vertically in dimensions perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The brake device (7) is provided with guiding elements (14, 15) that can engage in the guiding track (12, 13) of the longitudinal guide (9, 10) and between the brake device (7) and the heel piece (6), a longitudinal coupling device (19) is arranged for mobile connection with the heel piece (6) and the brake device (7) is guided in a play-free manner exclusively by the guiding track (12, 13) in all dimensions running perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the guiding track (12, 13).

Abstract: The invention relates to the combination of ski boots of different sizes and skis provided with mounted fixations consisting of front and rear jaws. The ski boots are embodied in at least two types (1, 1?, 1?) which differ from each other by a sole length (a, b, c) and are suitable for inserting internal shoes (3a to 3d, 3?a to 3?d, 3?a to 3?d) into at least two boot sizes. The skis (6, 6?, 6?) are provided with fixations whose fixing jaws (7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b) are mounted in such a way that they correspond to the sole lengths (a, b, c) of different types of boots (1, 1?, 1?).

Abstract: An exemplary scrap material transport car (100) includes a chassis (120), a plurality of wheels (110), a plurality of supporting rods (130), a container (140), and a pneumatic piston (160). The chassis includes four connection rods (121, 122, 123 and 124) connected sequentially. The chassis has four corners (125, 126, 127 and 128). The wheels are positioned under the corners, and the supporting rods extend from four corners. The housing includes an opening (141), and two pivoting joints. Two of the supporting rods extending from two corners are connected with one of the pivoting joints, and another two supporting rods extending from the other corners are connected with the other one of the pivoting joints. The housing pivots along a pivot axis between the two pivoting joints. The pneumatic piston connects between the connection rod and the bottom surface of the container.

Abstract: A vertically adjustable folding wheelchair has a pair of base elements, a pair of longitudinal frame members, and first and second telescoping elements. Wheels rotatably support the pair of base elements. The first and second telescoping elements telescopically engage each of the base elements with one of the longitudinal frame members. A lifting element functions to move the pair of longitudinal frame members, and a seat attached thereto, between a lowered configuration and a raised configuration. A folding frame supports the pair of base elements in a laterally spaced relationship while folding between an expanded configuration and a folded configuration.

Abstract: An airbag module for use in a motor vehicle is manufactured by first to third steps. In the first step, the airbag is folded into a predetermined configuration, and in the second step, an entire external surface of the airbag, in an initially folded condition obtained in the first step, is wrapped in a bag-shaped film forming member. The bag-shaped film forming member includes a plurality of resin layers formed in a layer-stack manner with regard to a film cross-sectional direction. In the third step, the initially folded airbag is housed in the airbag-housing member in a condition wherein the airbag has an airbag volume reduced to less than the airbag volume at a time of being initially folded, by a compression force applied to the bag-shaped film forming member.

Abstract: A neck-protecting device includes an expansible gasbag attached to a headrest on a seat of an automobile, a container for storing pressurized gas, a normally closed valve having one port in fluid communication with the expansible gasbag and the other port in fluid communication with the container, and a valve-opening means for opening the normally closed valve in response to a collision.

Abstract: Airbag apparatus includes an airbag having at least two bag body sections superposed on each other. Gas flow-in portion for connection to an inflator is formed in one of the bag body sections adjacent to one edge of the one bag body section. Communicating hole is formed in the plurality of bag body sections adjacent to the other edge of the one bag body section. Upon activation of the inflator, gas is supplied into the one bag body section, through the gas flow-in portion, to develop the one bag body section. After that, the other bag body section superposed on the one bag body section is developed by the gas supplied through the communicating hole.

Abstract: There is provided a lower space portion at a pad member of a seat back, which is positioned at a lower portion of an airbag that is folded in an airbag unit. Accordingly, an inflation of the lower portion (waist protection portion) of the airbag in the airbag unit provided at a side portion of the seat back can be improved properly.

Abstract: The airbag unit is disposed inside the rear upper face portion of the instrument panel near the difference-in-level portion. The lid portion is configured to open substantially forward around the hinge member without hitting against the difference-in-level portion. Herein, the hinge member is configured such that the lid portion can open beyond the difference-in-level portion to the position where the lid portion is substantially located on the front upper face portion of the instrument panel when the airbag is inflated to its maximum opening state. Accordingly, the proper protection of the passenger seated in the assistant seat can be performed.

Abstract: The airbag apparatus includes an airbag having an exhaust hole for discharging part of inflation gas, an open/close controller for controlling opening and closing operations of the exhaust hole, and a flap element releasably joined to the open/close controller and being joined to a periphery of the exhaust hole in an outer side of the airbag which periphery is in a side facing away from the open/close controller, for opening and closing the exhaust hole. The apparatus further includes an open/close means arranged in the periphery of the exhaust hole. Upon airbag inflation, if the flap element is retained by the open/close controller, the open/close means is held down at its outer side by the flap element and keeps the exhaust hole closed. If the flap element is released from the open/close controller, the open/close means opens by the pressure of inflation gas to expand an opening area of the exhaust hole.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of airbag cushions including diffuser panels to redirect inflation gas within the cushion. In an embodiment particularly suited for use as a knee airbag cushion, a diffuser panel is positioned over the inflator opening and in between the front and rear faces of an airbag cushion panel. The diffuser panel defines a plurality of channels such that, upon inflation of the airbag cushion through the inflator opening, the channels redirect inflation gas towards the top corners and sides of the interior of the airbag cushion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a blind member for a vehicle, which is used in a steering device provided with a tilting structure that can adjust a position of a steering wheel in a vertical direction, and closes a gap between: an opening in an instrument panel provided on a driver's seat side and in which a steering column is inserted; and a column cover which surrounds around the steering column. The blind member includes: a blind main body which is arranged next to the column cover; and a hinge portion which attaches the blind main body to an edge of the opening in the instrument panel such that the blind main body can swing in the vertical direction.

Abstract: A gas generator usable in a vehicle occupant protection system. The gas generator includes an initiator holder and an initiator secured in the initiator holder. The initiator includes a housing enclosing an initiator charge. A metallic bore seal is secured to the initiator holder, and a casing is adhesively secured to the bore seal along an exterior surface of the bore seal. A gas generant is positioned within the casing so as to enable fluid communication between the gas generant and combustion products formed by combustion of the initiator charge, thereby enabling ignition of the gas generant.

Abstract: A ticket assembly that can be used to gain entry to an event comprises a ticket has: a first branding indicia; and a polymeric covering over the ticket that includes a co-branding indicia. The first branding indicia is preferably that of a sports team, musician, or other participant in the event, and the co-branding indicia is that of an entity largely or entirely unrelated to the event, including for example a ticket re-seller, manufacturer, distributor, marketer, professional service provider, lobbyist, builder, or transporter. The ticket assembly can advantageously include an Internet website or other link at which the attendee can maintain a history of their attendance at various events, include notes regarding the events, pictures and video clips relating to the event, and so forth. Access to that information can be granted to friends, family, business associates, and so forth.

Abstract: A method for producing personalized greeting cards includes receiving a plurality of greeting card orders from users and separating the ordered greeting cards into batches. The ordered greeting cards are produced in batches and a batch-separation symbol is printed on at least one greeting card in each batch. The greeting cards produced are separated into batches using the batch-separation symbols.

Abstract: A marking system that includes forming at least one marking in or on an article, wherein the image formed is not visible to the unaided human observer, and further contains at least one digital watermark. The digitally watermarked image comprises emissive and photoabsorptive portions. The digitally watermarked image is applied using a substance reactive to a predetermined excitation source, and exposure to ultraviolet light. Other traditional techniques, such as printing with fluorescent inks may be used in combination. The digitally watermarked image is subsequently observable upon exposure to the predetermined excitation source. The digitally watermarked image may be observed and decoded by appropriately configured detection systems, wherein the information obtained may be used for purposes including, but not limited to, authentication and security of the article or information contained within the article.

Abstract: An electrofusion joint assembly includes a meltable member, such as a pipe or fitting, and a heating element secured to the pipe or fitting. The pipe or fitting may be tapered to facilitate receiving another pipe to form an electrofusion weld joint. Fasteners are used to secure the heating element and extend through a meltable zone and into a non-melt zone. Power supplied to the pipe melts the pipe proximal the heating element.

Abstract: In a method for providing a pipeline assembly, having an inner pipeline and an outer pipeline, the outer pipeline is formed by welding outer pipe sections together. A thermal shielding is provided to protect the inner pipeline from the heat generated by the welding of the outer pipe sections. The thermal shielding had a low thermal conductivity and is heat resistant. The thermal shielding may have an annular form. The method may be used in laying a deep sea pipeline assembly and used in a J-lay method or S-lay method of laying pipes.

Abstract: A fluid delivery adapter unit for selectively connecting fluid supply equipments to an endoscope comprises a straight pipe capable of being detachably coupled to a fluid inlet collet of a headpiece of the endoscope and a generally L-shaped elbow pipe having a lure lock component at a proximal end to which the fluid supply equipment is coupled. A joining structure is installed between the elbow pipe and the straight pipe so as to allow the elbow pipe and the straight pipe to turn through a predetermined angle relative to each other only when the elbow pipe is forced to turn and further to keep them in a turned position while the elbow pipe is unforced. The joining structure comprises principally involves an elastic sealing member to provide fluid tight seal between the elbow pipe and the straight pipe.

Abstract: A tubing system composed of tube parts and connecting elements forming a flow-through channel. The tube parts are of low elasticity material and the connecting elements are of high elasticity material. At least one connecting element is shaped for changing the speed and/or the direction of movement of a product flowing through the connecting element, wherein at least two of the tube parts of low elasticity material are connected together with a connecting element.

Abstract: A connection assembly for pneumatic tool includes a first connector connected to the pneumatic tool and a spring is received in the passage so as to bias a seal member received in the passage. A nut is connected to the first connector and a sphere of a second connector is engaged with a chamber defined in the nut. The second connector includes an axial passage defined therethrough. The second connector can be rotated 360 degrees and tilted an angle relative to the nut. The seal member is in contact with the sphere by the spring so as to prevent leakage.

Abstract: A disconnect tool for disconnecting a tubing end from a fitting. The disconnect tool comprises a first member having a first front portion, a first rear portion, a first middle portion and a first channel disposed through the first front portion, the first rear portion and the first middle portion. The disconnect tool further comprises a second member having a second front portion, a second rear portion, a second middle portion and a second channel disposed through the second front portion, the second rear portion and the second middle portion. The second channel aligns with the first channel wherein second middle portion contacts an outer collet surface of the collet such that the second middle portion forces the outer collet surface against a forward end of the fitting to axially drive the collet inwardly against the fitting in order to release the tubing end from the collet.

Abstract: A quick to connect and quick to disconnect fluid coupling includes a clip, a male stem having an annular clip groove adapted to receive the clip, a female port having a step groove adapted to receive the clip upon insertion of the stem into the port, and a sleeve slideably disposed about the stem adapted to abut the clip and minimize shuttling of the stem within the port. The sleeve may be biased toward the clip by a dust seal abutting a shoulder of the sleeve distal from a lead-in end of the sleeve abutting the clip. Also, the sleeve may radially retain the clip, compressed in an annular groove of the stem, and/or the sleeve abutting the clip may stabilize the clip and axially align the clip with the stem, for insertion of the stem into the port.

Abstract: A push-in tube coupling that facilitates visual verification of insertion of a tube into the coupling or viewing of a medium within the coupling. The tube coupling comprises a coupling body having a cavity into which a tube can be inserted to mate with the coupling body, and a transparent or translucent lens in a wall of the coupling body for optical enhancement of an interior portion of the coupling.

Abstract: An electrical connector connects to a mating connector by a rotatable union nut that is axially displaceable on a contact carrier with a sealing element therebetween. Damage to the sealing element is prevented by a stop that limits the maximum path by which the union nut can be screwed onto the mating connector, such that when the union nut is screwed on, the elastic sealing element is intentionally compressed, but is not damaged or destroyed. A vibration guard can also be provided in the connection.

Abstract: A power generation system is provided that includes an internal combustion engine configured to provide rotational mechanical energy. A generator is configured to receive the rotational mechanical energy and generate electrical power in response to the rotational mechanical energy. A fluid medium is provided to the internal combustion engine and to the generator for removing thermal energy from the internal combustion engine and from the generator.

Abstract: A linear electric generator is mounted to an article of human clothing that is subject to repetitive fore-and-aft motion when worn by a human wearer during locomotion. The linear axis of the generator is aligned generally parallel to the direction of fore-and-aft motion of the wearer to utilize the kinetic locomotion energy of the wearer for production of electricity. A separable electric connector is coupled to the output of the generator to facilitate electrical connection to a battery for charging purposes.

Abstract: A drive apparatus for a hybrid vehicle is provided with a first motor generator, a power splitting mechanism portion, and a second motor generator. The first motor generator functions mainly as a generator. The power splitting mechanism portion divides the power generated by the engine into power for the first motor generator and power for driven wheels. The second motor generator has an outside diameter that is smaller than the outside diameter of the first motor generator and is arranged on the side of the first motor generator opposite the engine. Further, a speed reducing mechanism portion which has an outside diameter smaller than the outside diameter of the second motor generator and which reduces the rotation speed of the second motor generator is provided on the side of the second motor generator opposite the engine.

Abstract: A power generation system is provided. The power generation system has a wind turbine, an electrolysis unit, a tank, and a pump. The wind turbine has a base and is mounted to the floor of a body of water. The electrolysis unit is attached to the base and electrically powered by the wind turbine. The electrolysis unit also has a hydrogen gas outlet. The tank is coupled to the outlet, and the pump is coupled to the outlet and the tank.

Abstract: An electromechanical transmission is provided having only a single motor/generator, at least one differential gear set and two torque-transmitting mechanisms. A first of the torque-transmitting mechanisms is selectively engageable to establish a first continuously variable operating mode and a second of the torque-transmitting mechanisms selectively engageable to establish a second continuously variable operating mode and a synchronous shift between the two operating modes is achievable. A method of control is provided in which vehicle operating characteristics are analyzed to identify a target operating state in terms of operating mode and ratio based on the available motor torque and motor power and on maximizing energy efficiency. The transmission is controlled to approach this operating mode as closely as possible and the diverge away from the optimum torque operating with zero net battery use as the battery charge of the battery connected with the motor/generator accumulates or depletes.

Abstract: An automated provider of predesigned mechanical motion to self powered cell phones is disclosed which avoids the need for users thereof to perform manual manipulations of the phones for power restorative purposes. An optimized kinetic generator of electrical currents for such phones is also disclosed based upon use of a linear wire coil-wrapped tubular raceway through which a permanent magnetic member moves in substantially perpendicular orientation of its magnetic flux relative to the wire coils.

Abstract: A fluid power conversion apparatus (1) serving fluid pumping and/or power-generation functions, including: (a) an impeller (5) having a hub (8) and a periphery; (b) a housing (13) around the impeller; (c) a diffusor (12) having an outer wall attached to the housing, a diffusor hub (7) axially-aligned with the impeller hub, rotatable support of the impeller being provided only by a bearing assembly (6) internal to the hubs, and at least one stator vane (11) securing the diffusor hub to the outer wall; and (d) a rotating electrical machine with an armature (16) attached to the housing and a rotor (20) attached to the impeller periphery and positioned to form a gap (18) between rotor and armature. The impeller and the rotor form an integrated unit.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a wind power installation comprising a pylon and a pod arranged at the tip of the pylon. The invention further concerns a method of controlling such a wind power installation. In order to prevent a fire from occurring or at least to be able to rapidly extinguish a fire which has occurred, there is provided a first apparatus for producing an inert atmosphere.

Abstract: An electronic tongue strike mechanism which can be mounted in a door frame is disclosed. The electronic tongue strike mechanism has a main mounting bracket which is mountable to a door frame, a tension plate which is pivotally mounted to the main mounting bracket a tongue strike mounted on the tension plate for engaging a door bolt and a pressure sensor mounted on the tension plate to sense relative movement between the tension plate and the main mounting bracket caused by the door bolt being urged against the tongue strike. The pressure sensor feeds electronics which operate to control release of the tongue strike.

Abstract: An embodiment of a vehicle step assembly includes a brace defined, at least in part, by a generally horizontal surface. The generally horizontal surface selectively transmits the weight of a user to the vehicle. The assembly further includes a fascia having an aperture. The brace is positioned, at least partially, at a generally lateral side portion of the vehicle rearward of a rearmost operational-wheel. The fascia at least partially encloses a portion of the lateral side portion.

Abstract: An elongated shock absorbing material having a base section extending lengthwise of the shock absorbing material and two, vertically spaced apart upper and lower ribs extending in the lengthwise direction of the shock absorbing material and also forwardly from one surface of the base section. A cut-away or indented portion extending in the lengthwise direction of the shock absorbing material is formed, for example, in each of the upper and lower ribs at outer side, distal ends thereof or each of edges of top and bottom faces of the base section. The elongated shock absorbing material may be used as a bumper core disposed between a fascia and a reinforcement.