Abstract: A hand held protective ski appliance including a ski no longer than 18? inches long and including a handle extensive with the direction of the ski and spaced therefrom about 3? inches.

Abstract: An exercise weight for a skate comprising a pair of similar elongated weight pieces. The skate comprises a boot, an elongated blade holder having spaced posts and a runner. The blade holder is secured to an underside of the boot and the runner is secured to blade holder. The weight is configured to be cooperatively releasably attached to the blade holder in a manner such that the weight pieces mateably conform to and engage with opposed side portions of the spaced posts below the boot and above the runner.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pocket sized information tool that has a flexible design and can be easily manufactured.

Abstract: A label sheet is constituted by a second label and predetermined plural numbers of first labels which are formed consecutively with the second label. The first label to be attached to an object indicates predetermined information on the object, and the second label for managing the first label indicates second information which is not appropriate as the information to be indicated on the first label and is on the purpose and handling of the first label.

Abstract: There is described a printing machine for printing sheets, in particular sheets for the production of securities, banknotes, passports, ID cards and other valuable documents, comprising at least a sheet feeder, a printing unit, a delivery unit with delivery piles for the printed sheets and a sheet transport system for transporting the printed sheets along a transporting path from the printing unit to the delivery piles. The printing machine further comprises a laser perforating unit with at least one laser head disposed along the transporting path of the sheet transport system for perforating the printed sheets, and a first aspiration unit to maintain the printed sheets against an aspiration surface during perforation by said laser perforating unit.

Abstract: A dual image label web carrying a plurality of labels to be applied to single items of produce is provided and a method of making the same. A transparent label film strip made of either polyester or low density polyethylene has a transparent pressure sensitive adhesive applied to its lower surface. A release liner is carried by the pressure sensitive adhesive. The film strip is heated to between 110° F. and 135° F. and then three ink layers are applied to the upper surface of the plastic film strip. The first ink layer is a water based ink and includes a plurality of reverse printed images. The reverse images may be authentication images or promotional images. A second, opaque layer is applied over the layer of reverse images. The opaque covering is formed with a solvent based ink having a coat weight sufficiently large to prevent images on either side of the opaque coating from being visible through the coating.

Abstract: A twin-wall pipe comprises an internal pipe and an external pipe. The external pipe is corrugated, having elevations and troughs. The twin-wall pipe is further provided with a socket. In a transition portion towards the twin-wall pipe and the socket, provision is made for at least one overflow passage which interconnects the clearance between the external pipe and internal pipe in the vicinity of the transition portion and an adjacent elevation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pipe clamp, in particular for the reinforcement grid in connection with the installation of floor heating, constructed as a very firm quadrangular block. The top of the pipe clamp is shaped so that it is prepared for the placing of the heat pipes in a bearing (4), arranged as two (arbitrary) on one another perpendicular cross bearings (4). The bottom of the the pipe clamp is shaped so that it is prepared for the placing on a reinforcement grid, arranged as two on one another perpendicular pipes cases (1), the depth and length of which are adapted to fit the cross mounted pipes of the reinforcement grid. The pipe clamp has a number of slits (3) in particular places centrally situated in the middle of each of the four sides of the pipe clamp and also in the very center of the pipe clamp. Hereby you achieve flexibility and avoid rigidity.

Abstract: A fluid transfer hose coupling has a metal body with a tubular tail which has an exterior buttress thread. The shell of the coupling has an axial bore for screwing on to the tail and a threaded counterbore with an interior buttress thread of opposite hand. When the hose is inserted in the shell and the tail is screwed into the shell, the hose is squeezed and urged into the shell.

Abstract: A brake hose fitting having a fitting body and an eyelet. The fitting body includes a mounting portion, an elongate portion and a crimping sleeve. The elongate portion defines a passage extending radially outwardly from an opening in the mounting portion. The crimping sleeve is located near the opposite end of the passage. The brake hose fitting also includes an eyelet. The eyelet has first and second ends with a bore extending therebetween. The eyelet also includes a radially projecting flange. First and second longitudinal sections of the eyelet are located on opposite sides of the flange. The first longitudinal section is at least partially disposed in the passage and has a radially exterior surface sealingly engaged with the fitting body. An annular space for receiving a brake hose is defined between the second longitudinal section of the eyelet and the crimping sleeve. A method of manufacture is also provided.

Abstract: A hose coupling using at least one reinforcing ring to reinforce a hose coupling during a crimping process, the hose coupling having an inner sleeve, an outer sleeve coaxial with the inner sleeve, and a hose coaxially interposed therebetween. During the crimping process a crimping force is applied directly to the outer sleeve to form at least one depression that results in an area of peak crimp force on the inner sleeve, the depression helping to seal and lock the hose between the inner and outer sleeves. The reinforcing ring is positioned within the inner sleeve and concentric with the area of peak crimp force on the inner sleeve. Consequently, the reinforcing ring prevents the inner sleeve from deforming under the crimping force, thereby ensuring the integrity and long-term durability of the hose coupling.

Abstract: It is the object of the present invention a thermoplastic element for the protection against corrosion in the thermofused splicing of a thermoplastic tube to a thermoplastic connection, which element has the shape of a fully thermoplastic tubular sleeve, able to be introduced into a socket mouth formed by the expansion of the tube end, said splice element bearing only one internal diameter and two external diameters which define a cylindrical external portion of larger diameter and a tubular projection which diameter is smaller than the former, and which is introduced into the thermoplastic tube, a lateral wall of the external portion defining a front butt of said thermoplastic element against the end of the thermoplastic tube. Said splicing element also exhibits an auxiliary ring which operates as a reference point for the assembly thereof.

Abstract: A fluid coupling between first and second fluid carrying components is formed by spin welding. The first fluid carrying component can have a bore with an inner surface defining an inner weld surface. The second fluid carrying component can have a fluid passage between a first and a second opening. The second fluid carrying component can have an endform having an outer weld surface. The second fluid carrying component endform can be adapted to insert into the first fluid carrying component bore. The two fluid carrying components are sealingly joined by a spin weld formed between the outer weld surface and the inner weld surface. Alternatively, the second fluid carrying component can include an annular recess adapted to receive the first fluid carrying component, creating an additional inner weld zone in the recess.

Abstract: A method for producing a tubular component, in which, after machining successively respective threaded elements at both ends of the tubular component, a second orientation gauge is screwed onto the second threaded element to check whether a mark on the gauge comes into alignment with an orientation mark that has been drawn on the component, after the first element has been machined and a first orientation gauge has been screwed onto the first element in axial alignment with a mark provided on this gauge. If not, the machining of the second element is repeated with parameters varied accordingly. Such a method may find particular application to the drilling and operation of hydrocarbon wells.

Abstract: A quick coupling for joining two fluid lines includes a first part which has a projection with a sloping surface directed towards one axial end and a stop face directed towards the other axial end, and a second part which has at least one bracket a catch engages behind the stop face in a locked position. An assembly indicator is arranged next to the catch. In the locked position, the indicator projects outward beyond a catch segment of the bracket on which the catch is located, but, in the unlocked position, the indicator projects outward at most as far as the catch segment.

Abstract: Pipe fittings are provided which can be used in repairing a damaged pipe section or in adding additional pipe outlets to an existing pipe, wherein the pipe is either located under the ground or in an otherwise close fitting environment where only limited space is available for making such repairs or additions. The fitting comprises a pair of semi-cylindrical members that are adapted to fit around and engage the periphery of opposed ends of a pipe line that has been breached for the purpose of repairing a leak in the pipe line or to have an additional pipe connected in fluid flow relationship to the original pipe line. Longitudinal edges of the two semi-cylindrical members are formed so as to mate with one another to form a mechanical means of locking the semi-cylindrical members together in tight engagement with the ends of the pipes.

Abstract: An air filter connecting unit having a connecting flange (11) and a connecting nipple (20) that can be coupled to the connecting flange via a snap connection. The connecting flange (11) has a round receptacle (13) provided an inside thread flight (12) that is subdivided into individual, resilient, curved thread flight segments (12.1, 12.2, . . . , 12.n). The associated connecting nipple (20) has a generally cylindrical construction and an advancing thread (22) which ends in a free-running groove (23) on the connecting nipple.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hydroelectric device including generally a base portion with a top surface, a bottom surface, and opposing sidewalls defining an interior space of the base portion. The interior space of the base portion is such that it is wider near the ends of the base portion and narrower in the interior of the base portion, essentially forming a venturi. The base portion also includes a central slot along a longitudinal axis thereof. The present invention further includes a wheel support portion fixedly attached to the base portion, a wheel portion rotatably attached to the wheel support portion and having a plurality of blades extending from a center thereof, and an electrical generator operably engaged with the wheel portion.

Abstract: An aircraft starting and generating system includes a starter/generator that includes a main machine, an exciter, and a permanent magnet generator. The system also includes an inverter/converter/controller that is connected to the starter/generator and that generates AC power to drive the starter/generator in a start mode for starting a prime mover of the aircraft, and that converts AC power, obtained from the starter/generator after the prime mover have been started, to DC power in a generate mode of the starter/generator. The exciter includes a stator and a rotor, and wherein the exciter rotor includes a three-phase AC winding.

Abstract: The Wave Generator Power Plant converts the energy in sea waves into electricity. The wave motor portion of the power plant utilizes a buoyant, moving, semisubmerged, cone-shaped pontoon that is powered by the sea wave motion. The reciprocation is changed to rotary motion by a connecting rod and crankshaft. Then, through a gearbox, the rotary motion drives an electrical generator. The fully submerged, stationary, buoyant, ring-pontoon is anchored to the sea floor by sixteen (16) cables. Also, sixteen (16) columns connecting to it, support the upper above-water structure. The assembly, is a moving buoyant pontoon, reciprocating within an anchored ring-pontoon. Optimum operation takes place in sea waves of adequate height and period that can lift and drop the moving cone-shaped pontoon relative to the design mechanical requirements. Sea wave energy, through the design of this invention, is amassed to develop sixteen hundred (1600) horsepower and generate one ((1) mega-watt of electricity.

Abstract: Disclosed is a syphon wave generator for generating electric power from a wave-driven water body in a fast, easy, inexpensive and efficient manner such that the unit has few moving part, is very inexpensive to build and maintain and can withstand storms. The syphon wave generator comprises: a horizontal pipe with one or more pipes at each end extending down below the water surface, a turbine and generator mounted inside the horizontal pipe and a means for filling the unit with water. The waves passing under the unit cause different water levels at different pipes creating a siphon. The water siphoning across the horizontal pipe spins the turbine and generator to create electricity.

Abstract: A wind generator includes: a nacelle; a hub rotatably carried by the nacelle and including at least a pair of wind turbine blades; and an electricity producing generator including a stator and a rotor carried by the nacelle. The rotor is connected to the hub and rotatable in response to wind acting on the blades to rotate the rotor relative to the stator to generate electricity. A cooling system is carried by the nacelle and includes at least one ambient air inlet port opening through a surface of the nacelle downstream of the hub and blades, and a duct for flowing air from the inlet port in a generally upstream direction toward the hub and in cooling relation to the stator.

Abstract: A wind turbine, including: a rotatable frame; a plurality of airfoils extending in a direction parallel to an axis of rotation of the rotatable frame; and an enclosure surrounding the rotatable frame, wherein the enclosure comprises a plurality of moveable members configured to direct air flow onto a first half of the rotatable frame and to block air flow onto a second half of the rotatable frame to thereby cause the rotatable frame to rotate. The moveable members may be pivotable louvers that can be opened by being oriented in a direction parallel to the direction of the air flow. By changing the orientation of the pivotable louvers, the present wind turbine can generate electricity from winds blowing in any direction.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for collecting energy from a prevailing wind. The system and method include a concentrating structure having a surface substantially facing an unobstructed expanse of a terrain and/or water communicating the prevailing wind toward the surface. The surface is configured to deflect and concentrate the prevailing wind. Also, the system includes a wind turbine having a rotational axis substantially horizontal and perpendicular to the direction of the prevailing wind. The wind turbine is mounted adjacent to the structure and situated to receive the concentrated wind.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wind power current generator comprising a bearing, a tubular stator that carries a race of the bearing, a tubular rotor coaxial with the tubular stator that can rotate in relation to the stator, a hub connected to the rotor, and at least two blades radially extending away from the hub. According to the invention, the stator and the rotor are formed with substantially tubular cross sections and are concentric to one another. The opposing surfaces of the rotor and stator carry permanent magnets and windings. The stator and rotor extend beyond either side of the magnets and the windings in order to accommodate an antifriction bearing on at least one side. The tubular nature of the rotor and stator allows easy passage of workers within the generator for maintenance thereof and of the blades. Additionally, the tubular nature facilitates air flow through the structure and out the blades, cooling equipment within the structure and aiding de-icing of the blades.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wind power current generator comprising a bearing, a tubular stator that carries a race of the bearing, a tubular rotor coaxial with the tubular stator that can rotate in relation to the stator, a hub connected to the rotor, and at least two blades radially extending away from the hub. According to the invention, the stator and the rotor are formed with substantially tubular cross sections and are concentric to one another. The opposing surfaces of the rotor and stator carry permanent magnets and windings. The stator and rotor extend beyond either side of the magnets and the windings in order to accommodate an antifriction bearing on at least one side. The tubular nature of the rotor and stator allows easy passage of workers within the generator for maintenance thereof and of the blades. Additionally, the tubular nature facilitates air flow through the structure and out the blades, cooling equipment within the structure and aiding de-icing of the blades.

Abstract: A latch assembly for a door includes a housing composed of a base and a cover. A drive knob, two links, two hooks, two adjusting members, and two torsion springs are connected between the base and the cover. The drive knob includes a drive surface that is engaged with a straight inside portion of a through hole of the links. One of the two links is pivotably connected to an adjusting portion of the other link and retaining slot of one of the two hooks. The other link has a positioning portion that is pivotably connected to the retaining slot of the other hook. When the drive knob is rotated in a particular direction (typically counterclockwise), the two links are pivoted in opposite directions and the two hooks are pivoted in two opposite directions and extend through apertures in the first outer surface of the base to hook a keeper structure and secure the door.

Abstract: A lock bolt release system operable with a door bolt supported by a door providing access to a secure area. A pawl is pivotally mounted on a distal end of a lock bolt, and the pawl is pivoted by operation of the door bolt prior to the lock bolt being movable by the door bolt. A wedge block is movably mounted on the lock bolt and is effective to block motion of the pawl and the door bolt. A stop member is located adjacent the wedge block and blocks motion of the wedge block, thereby preventing the door bolt from being disengaged from the structure. The stop member is movable, which permits the wedge block to be moved by the pawl and the door bolt to contact and move the lock bolt, thus, permitting the door bolt to be disengaged from the structure.

Abstract: A closure assembly is mounted on a vehicle and moveable between a closed position and at least one open position. The closure assembly includes a closure structure mounted to an associated vehicle for movement between the closed position and the at least one open position. A first lock assembly is selectively locking the closure structure to the associated vehicle. A second lock assembly is selectively locking the closure structure to the associated vehicle. One of the first and second lock assemblies includes a latch that requires overstroking to lock the latch in a latched position.

Abstract: The invention provides an automatic latch having a first latch member and a second latch member. The first latch member may include an opening and a cam structure. The second latch member may include a pivoted structure that includes a protrusion and a cam surface. The second latch member may also include a spring having first and second spring portions. As the cam structure is advanced towards the cam surface of the pivoted structure such that the cam structure passes over the protrusion of the pivoted structure, the first spring portion applies a bias causing the protrusion to protrude through the opening of the first latch member when the cam structure clears the protrusion. Thus, the latch is placed in a locked configuration. When in the locked configuration, the second spring portion applies a bias that tends to separate the first latch member from the second latch member, so that the latch may spring apart when intentionally unlocked.

Abstract: The invention concerns a security sealing device including a sealing element, an integrated circuit and an antenna connected to the integrated circuit, the integrated circuit and the antenna forming a RFID circuit. The security sealing device is characterized by the fact that said sealing element is conductive and is forming a part of said antenna.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a night latch in particular a night latch that includes a housing, tumbler, button, and a two resilient members. The housing of the present invention maintains the tumbler, button, and two resilient members. The housing also may have at least one protrusion located on its sidewall. The tumbler of the present invention has a pivoting member along with a means for housing a resilient member. In addition the tumbler of the present invention may have recess located on its front face. The tumbler also has at least one groove that co-acts with the protrusion on the sidewall. A first resilient member is used force the tumbler into an exposed position, and a second resilient member is used to keep the tumbler in a retracted position, via the co-action of the recess in the tumbler and a protrusion on the bottom portion of the button.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a night latch in particular a night latch that includes a housing, a tumbler, a button, and one resilient member. The housing, tumbler and resilient member of the present invention all serve the same function and operate in the same manner, as in our previously filed U.S. patent application filed on Mar. 27, 2006, Ser. No. 11/388,786. That is to say the housing houses the members, the tumbler prevents movement of the sliding member, and the resilient member forces the tumbler into an exposed position. In the present invention the improved button forces the tooth-like protrusion into the recess of the tumbler in a similar fashion as in our previously filed patent application. However, unique to the present invention, is a flexible bottom portion integral with the button, which biases the tooth-like protrusion of the button into the recess of the tumbler. Hence, the use of a separate biasing member is unnecessary.

Abstract: A method for slowing a first vehicle is provided. The method including: deploying a chassis from a second vehicle to protect the second vehicle from a crash with the first vehicle; movably disposing a surface on the chassis; and converting a kinetic energy of the first vehicle traveling over the movable surface into potential energy upon movement of the movable surface thereby slowing the first vehicle.

Abstract: A collision detection apparatus has a support member which is fixed to side members of a vehicle, an absorber which is arranged at a vehicle front side of the support member to define a space therebetween, a chamber member defining therein a chamber space which is substantially sealed, and a pressure sensor for detecting a pressure in the chamber space. The chamber member is arranged in the space defined between the absorber and the support member. A collision of the vehicle is detected based on a variation in the pressure of the chamber space.

Abstract: A front bumper system for a motor vehicle including a body and a front end module includes a beam coupled to the body and an energy absorbing cover coupled to the beam. The front bumper system also includes a grille coupled to the cover and covering at least a portion of the front end module. The grille can define a plurality of openings sized to at least partially restrict objects from contacting the front end module.

Abstract: An injection-molded product comprising separate-member-fixing hooks each connected to an edge of its body via a thin hinge, said injection-molded product being formed by injecting a molten resin into a die comprising a pair of die plates, and said hooks extending from the edge substantially perpendicularly to a parting direction of a die in an as-molded state.

Abstract: A bumper structure for the front and rear area of a motor vehicle includes a bumper cross member and a crash box which is placed between the cross member and an end of a side rail. The crash box is configured in the form of a hollow body made of two sheet-metal shells which overlap one another in an overlap zone and are interconnected, at least in sections thereof, through material union. The cross member is detachably secured to the crash box by a bolted connection having at least one bolt which extends in upright direction of the motor vehicle and is arranged in the overlap zone of the crash box. Force introduction from the cross member into the crash box is hereby improved.

Abstract: A portable collector for pet's waste is configured with a frame displaceable between a folded position and an operative position, in which the waste is collected.

Abstract: The present invention involves a multi-function hand-held tool having a handle portion, an extension portion, and an attachment portion. The handle portion includes a spring-loaded trigger. The extension portion includes an elongated flexible shaft enclosing a control rod that is attached to a triangular block. The attachment portion includes a fixed attachment member and a rotatable attachment member, each preferably having two protrusions located on one end for securely receiving various removable attachments, such as spark plug boot removal members, cutting members, and plier members. The elongated flexible shaft allows the positioning of the handle portion away from the attachment portion and potential harmful objects to help minimize injury to the user when exerting a force on the handle portion.

Abstract: A manure fork comprising a handle and a fork arrangement including a shank terminating in a plurality of spaced-apart tines. The tines are integral with the shank at their inner ends and are free at their outer ends. A vibrator is incorporated into the manure fork a point near the juncture of the handle and shank. The vibrator includes a DC electric motor having an eccentric weight mounted on its shaft. The motor is battery powered by a rechargeable battery source. A switch is provided on the handle in proximity to either of an operator's hands so the motor may be energized when vibration is desired and de-energized to conserve battery power during scooping or dumping. Preferably, the vibrator is an auxiliary module attachable to convert a prior art manure fork into a improved manure fork. Alternatively, the vibrator may be incorporated permanently on or within the handle.

Abstract: A tool (1) for connection and disconnection of a cargo item (8), in which the tool (1) comprises a suspension (2) and a lifting hook (4), and in which the lifting hook (4) is rotatably connected, about its suspension axis (40), to the suspension (2), wherein the lifting hook (4) is connected to an actuator (22, 28, 32, 70) via a transmission (44, 46, 48, 50, 54, 60), the actuator (22, 28, 32, 70) being arranged to allow it to rotate the lifting hook (4) about the suspension axis (40).

Abstract: A latching apparatus for lifting and lowering loads. The apparatus comprises a prong and a receiving receptacle configured to receive the prong. The receiving receptacle comprises a body having a central passage, a plurality of jaws arranged about the central passage, and a spring for biasing the jaws to extend into the central passage. The latching apparatus may further comprise an activation disc for disengaging the jaws from the prong. The jaws have a pin extending therefrom; and wherein the activation disc contains a plurality of cam surfaces that engage the pin of the jaws. A method of latching onto a container is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention concerns a pneumatically controlled finger gripper that comprises a supporting body (11) with a proximal and a distal end, a pneumatic control piston (12) guided and moving alternatively in said body, a compression disk (13) connected to, and moving axially with, said piston relatively at the distal end of said supporting body, and a flexible gripper element (14) assembled between said compression disk (13) and said distal end of the supporting body (11) and moving between a contracted and expanded position in response to the movements of the control piston with the compression disk between an inactive and active position.

Abstract: A holding rack for mounting on truck tailgates is disclosed. The inventive holding rack is used with a truck bed to securely haul loads with a truck. The holding rack broadly includes a rack body for receiving the load, a hold-down mechanism that attaches to the rack body to engage the load, and a support frame. The support frame attaches to the tailgate and shiftably receives the holding rack and thereby permits placement of the rack in a stored position and in a load-supporting position where the load is secured while the tailgate is in its upright, latched position.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle chassis which carries a bed assembly. The bed assembly includes first and second connecting arm receivers extending at an angle relative to each other. The first and second connecting arm receivers include first and second openings, respectively, which face away from the vehicle. The connecting arm receivers are for receiving connecting arms attached to a panel or an accessory.

Abstract: A holster for a passenger seat has a rear face and a peripheral wall which defines a pocket for receiving an IFE device. The holster is moveable between stowed and deployed positions. In the deployed position, an IFE device may be positioned in the pocket for convenient viewing. The tilt angle of the holster may also be adjusted.

Abstract: This invention relates to an integrated trim panel system, comprising: a trim module; at least one component attached to the trim module via a living hinge, wherein the trim module and the living hinge are injection molded together, and the at least one component is adapted to be folded about the living hinge and attached to the trim module without separating the at least one component from the trim module.

Abstract: A vehicle seat latch (24) includes a latch member (40) and a blocking member (70) that each have associated first and second blocking surfaces (80, 82 and 88, 90) for holding the latch member in a latched position with the blocking member in a blocking position. The first blocking surfaces (80 and 88) of the latch member and blocking member have a pressure angle between 4.6 and 6.6 degrees while the second blocking surfaces (82 and 90) have a zero degree pressure angle and are slightly spaced from each other. A deformable blocking portion (84) of the blocking member (70) defines its first blocking surface (88) and is deformed by excessive loading so that the zero degree pressure angle second blocking surfaces (82 and 90) then contact each other to hold the latch member in its latched position.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a seat part and a backrest which together are configured to be pivoted about a generally vertically aligned pivot axis from a use position into an entry position and from the use position into a cargo position. The seat part is configured to be substantially perpendicular to the backrest in the use position and the entry position. The seat part is configured to be substantially parallel to the backrest in the cargo position. The seat part and the backrest are configured to be pivoted at least approximately 30 degrees from the use position into the entry position. The seat part and the backrest are configured to be pivoted approximately 90 degrees from the use position into the cargo position.