Abstract: A landing gear assembly for supporting a trailer. The landing gear assembly having first and second legs and a connecting member. Each leg is configured to selectively extend and retract in length. The connecting member operatively connects the first and second legs and is rotatable about an axis relative to the trailer and is axially movable between a first position and a second position. The first and second legs are each configured to extend in length a first amount per revolution of the connecting member about the axis of the connecting member when the connecting member is in the first position. The first and second legs are each configured to extend in length a second amount per revolution of the connecting member about the axis of the connecting member when the connecting member is in the second position. The first amount is greater than the second amount.

Abstract: The invention relates to a translation mechanism (20) on a progressive gear (1), preferably a steering gear on a vehicle, with an input shaft (10) and an output shaft (30). Said translation mechanism (20) comprises three moving parts (21, 23), which are jointed together and fixed to levers (11, 31) on the input shaft (10) and the output shaft (30), such that a translation with a linear progression in the range ?180° to +180° is achieved from the input shaft (11) to the output shaft (30). The advantage of a said translation mechanism (20) lies in the lack of play in the mechanism and the direct force transfer due to the suitable relative angles of the individual components and the economical production thereof.

Abstract: A steering column arrangement has an outer jacket tube as well as an inner jacket tube, which is displaceable within the former, as well as an adjusting device effective between the two jacket tubes for displacing one jacket tube in relation to the other jacket tube. The adjusting device comprises a drive unit and a servo component. The drive unit should be releasably fastened to a guiding device, and the drive unit should be mounted in a fashion permitting displacement along the guiding device.

Abstract: A one-piece synthetic splash and spray suppressor (50) is fastened to the margin of the trailing edge (48) of a front wheel well, or fender, (24) of a vehicle (10) to suppress road splash and spray created by a wheel within the well or fender from hitting steps (40, 42) by which a driver climbs into a cab (36). A wall (58) of the suppressor forms a continuation of an eyebrow (46) in the wheel well, or fender.

Abstract: A loosely bound book of foam-based pages includes a plurality of pages, each page including a middle foam plate and front and back semi-rigid paper plates mounted on and sandwiching the middle foam plate and at least one binder slot formed in each of the pages, the binder slot extending entirely through the middle foam plate and the paper plates. At least one binding strap is extendable through the binder slot of each of the pages for binding the plurality of pages in a book and at least one releasable binding strap closure device is mounted on the binding strap, the releasable binding strap closure device operative to open and close the binding strap to permit pages to be added to and removed from the loosely bound book.

Abstract: An extended text wrap label includes a base ply and at least one top ply. The base ply has a first lengthwise dimension, a first widthwise dimension, a top surface that is capable of bearing graphic images, and a bottom surface that is capable of bearing graphic images and capable of being adhesively coupled to an object to be labeled. The at least one top ply has a second lengthwise dimension, a second widthwise dimension, a front surface that is capable of bearing graphic images, and a back surface that is also capable of bearing graphic images. The base ply and the at least one top ply are adhesively coupled, in a first portion of the label, to each other such that the top surface of the base ply and the back surface of the at least one top ply are in contiguous juxtaposition with each other along the first lengthwise dimension and the second lengthwise dimension, respectively, and along the first widthwise dimension and the second widthwise dimension, respectively.

Abstract: A multicoupling device for lines, especially hydraulic lines, wherein first and second coupling parts (7, 8) are provided with a plug (5) or a collar (6) for coupling units (1, 2) whose number corresponds to the number of connections to be produced. The coupling units (1, 2) are embodied in the form of a self-locking, snap coupling with a locking collar (9) which can be displaced in relation to the socket (6). The two coupling parts (7, 8) can be brought together via an operating element (10) and can be pressed apart and are mutually lockable in the coupling position. The locking collars (9) interact with a common switch plate (11). The operating element (10) is rotatably mounted on an axis (12) on the switch plate (11). The switch plate (11) can be adjusted in relation to one of the two coupling parts (7, 8) in the direction of closure or opening of the coupling units (1, 2).

Abstract: An outlet plate fitting configured for attaching a secondary component to a fluid pipe section. The fluid pipe section includes opposed flanges that define a receiving groove having a bottom surface. The outlet plate fitting includes a main body, an engagement platform connected to and at a distance from the main body, and a bore extending through the main body and the engagement platform. A first surface of the engagement platform faces away from the main body and is a planar surface with a seal member positioned about the bore. A second surface of the engagement platform faces toward the main body and has a ramped surface, such that rotation of the engagement platform in a first direction within the receiving groove causes the planar surface and seal member into sealing engagement with the bottom surface of the receiving groove.

Abstract: A connection system for conduits, fittings or assemblies which are intended for carrying a fluid acted upon by a pressure (p1), in particular for systems carrying carbon dioxide. The connection system comprises a first coupling part such as a housing part, a second coupling part such as a plug part, and is capable of being introduced into the first coupling part along an axis. At least one gas-permeable circumferential seal is arranged in a groove in one of the two coupling parts. One coupling part is capable of being plugged with a shank into a round receiving orifice of the other coupling part. After plugging-in, the circumferential seal seals off a gap between the outer radius of the shank and the inner radius of the receiving orifice.

Abstract: Union nut (10) includes body (20) and lock member (50). Body (20) includes thread retaining end (30) with threads (33) for mounting upon a threaded pipe (120) and flange retaining end (40) including partial collar (41) for partially retaining a flanged pipe (140). Lock member (50) slidably engages with body (20) to fully retain and support pipe flange (143).

Abstract: A lock assembly for selectively locking to a striker on a vehicle includes a lock body defining a lock body recess for receiving the striker therein. A latch is rotatably mounted to the lock body for selectively locking the striker in the lock body recess. The latch is moveable between a latched position wherein the striker is locked in the lock body recess and an unlatched position wherein the striker is removable from the lock body recess. A ratchet is rotatably mounted to the lock body adjacent the latch for selectively locking the latch in the latched position. The ratchet is moveable between an engaged position wherein the ratchet locks the latch in the latched position and a disengaged position wherein the latch is moveable between the latched position and the unlatched position.

Abstract: A push/pull door latch assembly for use in a door includes a handle assembly and a latch cylinder. The handle assembly has a stop configured for limiting the movement of the handle during the push or pull operation, and absorbing shock transmitted from a user's hand through the handle and a cam assembly that operates in response to the push or pull operation of the handle. The cam assembly operates the latch so as to unlock the door when the handle is pushed or pulled.

Abstract: A telescopic chopstick including an upper section, a lower section and a press member. The upper section is a hollow rod formed with an upper opening and a lower opening. A locating section is formed on an inner side of the upper section. The lower section has an upper end and a lower end. The upper end has a peripheral length larger than a peripheral length of the lower end. The upper end of the lower section has a connecting section for engaging with the lower end of the upper section. The press member is fitted in the upper opening of the upper section and located by the locating section of the upper section. A leaf spring integrally extends from a bottom end of the press member. When the lower section is retracted into the upper section, the leaf spring resiliently abuts against and engages with a lateral wall of the connecting section of the lower section. The lower section can be easily taken out from the upper opening of the upper section for washing.

Abstract: A lifting aid for lifting and supporting a ground engagement tool has an L-shaped cradle having a longitudinally extending base and back wall. A lifting yoke having at least two tubular arms is slideably connected to the L-shaped cradle through tubular sleeves which extend upward to a lifting point. The tubular arms have an upper portion, and a lower portion angled relative to the upper portion, for forming an inflection point inclined rearward toward the back wall. In a rest position, the inflection point is positioned adjacent the tubular sleeves leaving space for the tool. In a lifted position, the inflection point approaches the back wall for gripping the tool therebetween.

Abstract: A grappling hook blank for forming a grappling hook having a shaft, a plurality of arms and a connecting member. The grappling hook blank includes a piece of material having a shaft portion, a plurality of arm portions, and a connecting member portion. The shaft portion forms the shaft of the grappling hook. The plurality of arm portions forms each of the plurality of arms of the grappling hook. Each of the plurality of arms of the grappling hook is formed by moving each of the plurality of arm portions outwardly from the grappling hook blank. The connecting member portion connects the shaft portion and the plurality of arm portions wherein the connecting member portion forms a connecting member of the grappling hook such that the connecting member of the grappling hook connects the shaft and the plurality of arms of the grappling hook.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pneumatic gripper assembly structure which comprised a supporting body (11, 111) composed of at least two wall elements or symmetrical half-shells (15, 115), realized and finished individually using a forming process and then put together to form a single body capable of receiving, supporting and guiding other structural and functional components of the gripper assembly. The complementary wall elements or half-bodies are produced using die-casting, sintering or forging techniques with material compatible for such processes and provides a housing for jaws and a drive piston of the gripper.

Abstract: A laminated-type multi-joint portion drive mechanism includes a bone member having at least two elastic deformation portions, a laminated-type pneumatic tube member having at least twoline-tubes which are stacked on the bone member and which are connected to a pneumatic drive source, and a planar-type joint-portion deformation member which is stacked on the laminated-type pneumatic tube member and has pneumatic operation chambers which are placed at joint portions confronting the deformation portions, respectively, and which are connected to the tubes, wherein when pneumatic pressure is applied to one of the pneumatic operation chambers, the joint portion corresponding to the pneumatic operation chamber to which the pneumatic pressure is applied is deformable.

Abstract: A collapsible pickup bed rack apparatus includes a frame having a first side member, a second side member and an end member attached to first ends of the first and second end members. A perimeter flange attached to an upper edge of the frame is positionable on an upper edge of a pickup bed's perimeter wall. Brackets are attached to the first and second side members adjacent to the end member. A rear support includes a pair of vertical posts each having a bottom end and a top end. A horizontal post is attached to the vertical posts. A front support includes a pair of vertical rods each having a lower end and an upper end. A horizontal rod is attached to the vertical rods. A plurality of couplers releasably couples the front support to the brackets and rear supports to the frame adjacent to the second ends.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, the present invention relates to a modular vehicle interior component system which comprises a base having a channel defined at least in part by a latching lip, a vehicle interior component, and a release latch mechanism for slidably and releasably securing the component to the base.

Abstract: The invention provides a vehicle with one or more slide-out sections and a compact operating mechanism for moving each slide-out section between extended and retracted positions. In one form, the vehicle has a primary slide-out section and a secondary slide-out section mounted to extend and retract relative to the primary slide-out section. In that case, the vehicle has at least two operating mechanism, at least one for each sliding section. Each operating mechanism has two slide modules, one module is mounted the slide-out section and the other is mounted to a stationary part of the vehicle. One module includes a drive and the other includes a drive member, such as a drive screw, that interact to extend and retract the slide-out section. A track and glide arrangement can be used to facilitate relative sliding between the modules.

Abstract: A vehicle body includes a first structural component and a second structural component that form the outer shell of the body. The structural components are joined in the area of equidirectional flanges, are locally detachably connected to each other, and delimit a joint in a common connecting area towards the vehicle exterior. A positioning device, which fixes two adjoining structural parts that form the outer shell of the body in the X and Y directions with respect to each other, is provided between the two adjoining structural components in order to ensure that a flush transition on the outer shell and an even course of the joint between the two structural components is provided in inaccessible areas between two adjoining structural components.

Abstract: A pair of folding ramps each of which having a hinge connecting a first ramp section pivotally to a second ramp section. When in a fully unfolded state, structural support adjacent the hinge is provided by a tension cable assembly composed of a tension cable connecting to the first and second ramp sections and passing over an end of a mast, wherein the mast is connected with the hinge so as to be pivotal with respect to the first and second ramp sections. When in a fully folded state, the folding ramps are stored within a ramp storage receptacle of a tail gate.

Abstract: A support for bodywork of a vehicle elements is provided that includes means for receiving and fastening optical elements, fastener members for bodywork elements, docking zones for receiving the edges of bodywork elements and for putting them into position relative to the adjacent edges of bodywork elements and optical elements, and a means for positioning and fixing a hood lock. The equipment front face has generally two portions, a structural portion and a geometrical portion, corresponding to the vehicle front block divided into two modules, a structural module integrating various functional members of the vehicle, and a geometrical module integrating the bodywork elements for the front of the vehicle.

Abstract: There is described an improved fuel door assembly. In one preferred embodiment, the fuel door comprises a housing that defines an axis of rotation and has a biasing element that is at least partially surrounded by a second interface that forms a cavity that narrows between the ends of the second interface. The fuel door has a first interface that contacts the second interface such that the biasing element urges the fuel door toward the closed position when the fuel door is at the closed position, and urges the fuel door toward the open position when the fuel door is at the open position.

Abstract: A clamp for securing a tonneau cover to the bed of pick-up truck in which the clamp includes a base secured to the cover and a handle rotatably connected to the base. A cam part is located between the handle and the base, which upon rotation of the handle in a general horizontal plane causes the cam part to shift upwardly toward the base into engagement with the truck bed, securing the cover to the truck bed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a convertible top assembly for a vehicle, which comprises a pair of reinforcing plate members 20 each attached to an inner surface of a lower region in a corresponding one of right and left lateral edges of a convertible top 3, and connection means X (plate spring 28) for connecting between a main link 6 and each of the reinforcing plate members 20, whereby the rigidity of the lower region in each of the right and left lateral edges of the convertible top 3 is increased to ensure a sufficient sealing between the convertible top 3 and a vehicle body 2 in a closed position of the convertible top 3 in a simplified structure.

Abstract: A hydraulic synchronization system for a slide-out portion of a recreational vehicle has two cylinders spaced apart and reversed in orientation with respect to one another at opposite sides of the slide-out portion. The bore sides of the cylinders are connected and the rod sides of the cylinders are connected such that fluid is pumped from the rod side of one cylinder to the rod side of the other cylinder and from the bore side of one cylinder to the bore side of the other cylinder upon extension and retraction of the slide-out portion to keep the slide-out portion synchronized.

Abstract: A camping trailer adapted for towing behind a motor vehicle comprising a body divided into a sleeping portion, a kitchen portion, and a bathroom portion, wherein the bathroom portion is substantially located over a forward “A” shaped towing frame of the trailer.

Abstract: Several embodiments of sidewall assemblies having side posts and plastic liners affixed to an outer side sheet of a van or trailer. The liners have edges extending in contacting relationship with the edge portions of the side posts in connected relationship. Protuberances and foam material extend between the plastic liners and the side sheet for added strength. Slots may be provided in the posts for securement purposes.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle front structure includes upper and lower siderails and a structural link extending from the upper and lower siderails, with the structural link having a pivotable connection to the upper siderail and a rigid connection to the lower siderail, such that energy absorption provided by the structure may be tailored by varying the character of the joint between the structural link and the upper siderail.

Abstract: A working machine includes a frame, a cab arranged on the frame, and a lateral support arranged between the frame and the cab for taking up load from the cab to the frame when lateral displacement of the cab takes place in a direction toward the side on which the lateral support is arranged to allow an initial lateral displacement of the cab before its function of taking up load is activated.

Abstract: An all terrain vehicle includes a substantially V-shaped front fender, a substantially V-shaped front carrier bar, and a substantially V-shaped grille. Apexes of the substantially V-shaped front fender, the substantially V-shaped front carrier bar and the substantially V-shaped grille are substantially aligned along a common vertical axis.

Abstract: A golf car (10) or utility vehicle having a composite body (58). In some aspects of the invention, the golf car or utility vehicle has a composite body assembly that includes a front clam shell assembly (62) and a rear shell-like body (64). In other aspects, the golf car or utility vehicle includes a composite body assembly having a periphery (118) and one or more decorative body panels (106, 108), the decorative body panels being recessed inwardly relative to the composite body assembly periphery to prevent impacts to the panels.

Abstract: A vehicle roof device includes a guide rail provided along a side edge of an opening portion formed at a vehicle roof, a frame provided at a rear portion of the opening portion so as to extend in a vehicle width direction, and the frame comprised layers of plural plates and fixed to the guide rail in a manner where one of the plates positioned at the top of the layers is fastened to the guide rail by caulking.

Abstract: A roof arrangement for a motor vehicle having a roof frame, a sunroof, two lateral guide paths in which the sunroof is movably guided for closing or at least partially releasing a roof opening. Multiple bearing devices are connected to the sunroof, at one end in an articulated connection and at the other end supported in one of the guide paths via a guide element. The bearing devices each have a lever which is attached to both the guide element and the sunroof in a pivot bearing, whereby the pivot bearing on the sunroof end has a bearing axle which protrudes at its one end into a control path for the lifting motion of the sunroof and is provided at this end with a stepped bearing sleeve. A spring mechanism is arranged between the bearing sleeve and the lever, pressing a ring collar of the stepped bearing sleeve against an edge bordering the control path, thereby minimizing noise, particularly when the sunroof is closed.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant sensing system adapted for detecting a condition of a vehicle seat assembly including at least one emitter and at least one sensor disposed spaced relative to the emitter. The sensor is operable to detect relative distance between the emitter and the sensor to thereby detect the condition of the vehicle seat assembly. The vehicle occupant sensing system also includes at least one sensor assembly having a base and an upper slide member moveable toward and away from the base. The upper slide member includes at least one interference member that generates an interference fit between the emitter and the interference member to thereby securely mount the emitter to the upper slide member. The vehicle occupant sensing system may be employed in a vehicle seat to detect a condition of the vehicle seat.

Abstract: Slipcovers are provided for covering a variety of seating structures. The slipcovers can include a fabric sheet, multi-layered components, extensions, anchors, relaxation mechanisms, and holders, and can be configured to cover all or a portion of a seating structure. The multi-layered components can be removably secured to the fabric sheet by decouplable fasteners or by friction or interaction with a friction enhancing material, non-removably secured to the fabric sheet by sewing, quilting, tufting, gluing, and/or applying an adhesive or bonding agent, or secured to the fabric sheet by extensions inserted into a crevice. The internal layers of a multi-layered component can also be removable, or a multi-layered component can be configured to allow additional layers to be inserted.

Abstract: In a vehicle-seat retracting apparatus, a seating state is switched to a non-seating state by retracting a headrest and tilting a seat back relative to a seat cushion (lower arm). In association with retraction of the headrest, the tilting angle of the seat back with respect to the seat cushion is unlocked.

Abstract: A portable chair and method of use thereof, wherein the chair comprises a seating portion, a support pole and a strap that secures the chair to a fixed object, such as a tree or post. The chair further comprises a section of material utilized as a seat, wherein the material at the bottom end of the seat is gathered into fan-folds, and wherein the fan-folds are secured together via a grommet. A telescopic support rod engages the grommet to support the bottom end of the seat, while the strap fastener supports the top end of the seat. Accessories may be attached to the support rod via a threaded facility.

Abstract: A bicycle wheel rim and a method of making a bicycle wheel rim are provided. The rim provided is made of a single part using structural fiber based material, preferably carbon fiber material, with two circumferential flanges for anchoring the tire, which extend radially outwards from the two sides of the outer peripheral wall of the rim.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a demountable tire rim assembly having a spare inner wheel which permits running during the run flat condition. The demountable tire rim includes two complementary annular parts provided with reciprocal threaded coupling members on the perimeter of the annular parts which include threaded and non-threaded sectors which are structurally arranged to secure the annular parts together.

Abstract: An anti-skid brake control system for a multi-wheeled vehicle includes both a paired function and an individual function. The paired function controls the wheels of the vehicle in unison. The individual function controls the wheels of the vehicle individually. A paired/individual logic circuit alternatively activates and deactivates the paired function and the individual function. A method for controlling the skid of a vehicle utilizing a paired function and a individual function is also provided.

Abstract: A unitary flexible track for converting a wheeled vehicle into a tracked vehicle, the track being provided for mounting in longitudinal direction around at least two successive vehicle tire-wheel assemblies in movement direction of the vehicle, the track having an inner circumferential track surface provided to form a running surface for the wheels and an outer circumferential surface provided to form a running surface for the track with respect to the medium over which the track is to be displaced, each tire-wheel assembly having a circumferential running surface provided to contact the inner circumferential track surface of the track, each tire-wheel assembly comprising a loaded wheel part and a non-loaded wheel part.

Abstract: A suspension device for a lowerable luggage stowage compartment has at least one spring element for assisting the movement of the compartment into a closed position against the force of gravity, and at least one damping element for damping the movement of the compartment into an opened position. A weight detector detects the weight of the compartment, and at least one additional spring element can be actuated based on the detected weight of the compartment. A retention device is provided for fixing the additional spring element. The suspension device provides a compartment that is easy to handle and easy to close even when fully loaded.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of custom color inks in printing. According to various aspects of the invention, printing apparatus and processes are provided for dispensing a first primary color ink to a custom color chamber associated with a print head, dispensing a second primary color ink to the custom color chamber, mixing the first primary color ink and the second primary color ink to create a custom color, and printing the custom color ink from the custom color chamber with a print head. The invention also relates to using valves to select a printing ink from a number of available ink chambers.

Abstract: In a method of controlling drive of a function liquid droplet ejection head in which a plurality of nozzle arrays are arranged, the nozzle arrays have function liquid droplet ejection amounts which are different from each other per unit nozzle. The drive of the plurality of nozzle arrays is controlled by using a single drive signal having a plurality of ejection pulses corresponding to the plurality of nozzle arrays in one print cycle. Thus, even if a plurality of nozzle arrays having function liquid droplet ejection amounts which are different from each other per unit nozzle are disposed in one function liquid droplet ejection head, easy drive control is possible without lowering printing throughput.

Abstract: An inkjet printing apparatus, having a carriage incorporating an inkjet printhead where nozzles for discharging ink are arranged in a predetermined direction, performs printing by scanning the carriage with respect to a printing medium in a direction orthogonal to the nozzle arrangement direction. The apparatus includes first and second conveyance sections, which are arranged at the front and rear of the area scanned by the printhead, for holding and conveying the printing medium. When the printing medium is held only by one of the conveyance sections, nozzles to be used for printing are selected from the nozzles satisfying the condition that the distance between a discharge surface of the nozzle and a printing surface of the printing medium falls within a predetermined range, in accordance with a position of the printing medium with respect to the printing-medium conveyance direction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing intercolor bleed to improve print quality is provided. This technique includes the detection of an edge between a black portion color portion of an image to be printed, the edge being disposed in a region of color pixels and black pixels to be printed in a first configuration of drops, modifying the first configuration of drops to obtain a second configuration of drops, and printing the image by ejecting the drops from a printhead based on the second configuration.

Abstract: A method informs a user of an ink jet printer of the end of life of a consumable. The consumable supplies ink to a printhead having a plurality of ink ejection nozzles and an associated plurality of ink jetting actuators, each of the plurality of ink jetting actuators being addressable. The printhead includes a plurality of address lines for facilitating selection of one or more of the plurality of ink jetting actuators. The method includes the steps of defining a notice threshold that is associated with a corresponding amount of ink remaining in the consumable; providing control logic for selectively controlling the plurality of address lines; determining whether the amount of ink remaining in the consumable has reached the notice threshold; and upon reaching the notice threshold, reducing an image density of images formed by the printhead by selectively disabling at least one of the plurality of address lines.

Abstract: An ink-jet printing method, an ink-jet printing apparatus and an ink-jet printing system, which are free from the deterioration of color development effect even if a plurality of color inks are used, caused by the overlap of different color inks on a printing medium, are proposed. For this purpose, when density data quantized to several ranks are converted finally to binary data by using predetermined dot arrangement patterns, a dot arrangement pattern different from those for other color inks is prepared for a particular color ink. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce as much as possible the probability that the particular color ink is overlapped with the other inks on the printing medium, whereby the color development of the particular color ink is effectively facilitated.