Abstract: A card shoe handling device includes a cover that is manually movable from a closed position to an opened position and a locking mechanism operable to selectively lock and unlock the cover in the closed position in response to a state of the playing card handling system. In the closed position the cover limits access to playing cards carried by the playing card output receiver from an exterior of the playing card handling system and in the opened position the cover does not limit access to playing cards carried by the playing card output receiver from an exterior of the playing card handling system.

Abstract: A card shoe handling device includes a playing card output receiver including a playing card support surface and a ceiling at least partially disposed relatively over the playing card support surface. The playing card output receiver is sized and positioned to receive a number of playing cards handled by the playing card handling system. The playing card handling system also includes an elevator mechanism operable to selectively move the playing card output receiver between a lowered position and a raised position, where in the lowered position the ceiling limits access from an exterior of the playing card handling system to the playing cards carried by the card support surface of the playing card output receiver and in the raised position the ceiling does not limit access from the exterior of the playing card handling system to at least some of the playing cards carried by the playing card output receiver.

Abstract: A board game comprises a playing surface having a path, the path including a plurality of positions. A first player account is provided to a first player of the game. The first player account contains a balance. The board game further includes a plurality of behavior modeling cards, each card having both a value associated therewith and an explanation associated therewith. The board game further includes a first token associated with the first player. The board game includes a token progressor, wherein the token progressor regulates the advancement of the first token to cause the first token to move along the path. When the token lands on a position, one of the behavior modeling cards is selected, the explanation associated with the card is presented, and the balance of the first player account is adjusted by the value associated with the selected card.

Abstract: A board game includes a game board having spaces about a perimeter. The spaces include a first group each displaying one alphabet letter. The first group is divided into subgroups, each having a subgroup color different from any other subgroup. A second group includes identical rest area spaces. A third group is lucky day spaces positioned between consecutive rest area spaces. Multiple color cards displaying one of the alphabet letters are positioned near the first group of spaces having a same one of the alphabet letters. One object is to remove all of an opponent's color cards. Another object is to color card all of a player's own home base spaces.

Abstract: A gaming method is disclosed and comprises: dealing at least one card to at least one player and to the dealer; requiring each player and the dealer to select a community card value from a set of predetermined community cards; allowing each player and the dealer to decide whether to use an additional card to form their hand; and allowing each player and the dealer to create a Blackjack hand comprising: (1) the at least one card, (2) the community card value selected, and (3) an optional additional card. A gaming layout is also disclosed and comprises: at least one player position that is adapted to identify a player's set of cards and includes at least one betting location, a first position to designate a first community card value, a second position to designate a second community card value, and a third position to designate a third community card value.

Abstract: A poker card game and apparatus for its play are disclosed, particularly adapted for casino play, in which each player in a given game, using only a single dealt hand, plays simultaneously separately against the dealer (the house) and against the other players. Betting for the two lines of play may be separate or linked, and a player can elect to play only against the dealer or to play both games together. The game is played as a form of five-card stud with betting before each deal. At the end of each game a player's status as to whether he/she beat the dealer, beat the other players or both is determined and displayed, and winners are paid accordingly. Conventional dealing may be used, but it is preferred that a biased deal, which enhances the opportunities for players to be dealt reasonably good poker hands, be used.

Abstract: A gaming method is disclosed and comprises: dealing at least one card to at least one player and to the dealer; requiring each player and the dealer to select a community card value; allowing each player and the dealer to decide whether to use an additional card to form their hand; and allowing each player and the dealer to create a Blackjack hand comprising: (1) the at least one card, (2) the community card value selected, and (3) an optional additional card. A gaming layout is also disclosed and comprises: a first position to designate a first community card value, a second position to designate a second community card value, and at least one player position that is adapted to identify a player's set of cards and includes at least two betting locations.

Abstract: A poker game is disclosed. In one embodiment, a set of cards is dealt to a player who chooses cards to select as hold cards and discards non-selected cards from the set. Replacement cards are dealt to the player in a first draw to replace the non-selected cards. If the set of cards after the first draw is one or two cards short of a high-ranked hand, a second draw occurs where the player tries to obtain the perfecting card(s). In a further embodiment, during a draw for the perfecting card(s), the card is revealed to the player at a slower speed than occurs with the original deal or other draws. In one embodiment, the set of cards is a five-card poker hand and the game is implemented on a gaming machine. In one embodiment, the game is initiated by the player making a wager.

Abstract: A gaming method is disclosed and comprises: dealing at least one card to at least one player and to the dealer; requiring each player and the dealer to use a specific community card from a set of predetermined community cards; allowing each player and the dealer to decide whether to use at least one additional card to form their hand; and allowing each player and the dealer to create a blackjack hand comprising: (1) the at least one card dealt to them, (2) the specific community card, and (3) optionally, additional card(s). In one embodiment of the invention, the players and the dealer are each dealt one card; and a first community card, second community card, and third community card are dealt. The players and the dealer are required to use the first community card to form their hand. Players may ‘buy’ additional community cards by placing additional bets.

Abstract: A gaming method is disclosed and comprises: dealing two cards to at least one player and to the dealer; allowing each player and the dealer to decide whether to use at least one community card from a plurality of community cards to form their blackjack hand; players and dealer creating a blackjack hand comprising the two cards dealt to them and optionally one or more community cards; players and dealer creating a poker hand comprising the two cards dealt to them and the plurality of community cards; and resolving all bets In alternate embodiments, players may make optional side bets that their poker hand will form a certain winning poker combination. In one embodiment, the players and the dealer are each dealt two cards and three community cards are dealt. Players may ‘buy’ one or more community cards to form their blackjack hand by placing additional bets.

Abstract: An improvement to two groups of wagering games with at least one player hand and a dealer hand. In one group, the gaming pieces in a hand are divided into two or more sub-hands. In the other group the games include a Reverse Bet and/or a Push Bet. Games may be in both groups. In the improved versions of these games, at least one type of wager has a minimum hand value, known as a qualifier. When a pre-specified hand has that hand value or higher, one method of settling wagers is used. Otherwise, a different method is used for settling at least one type of wager. Introducing this qualifier allows a casino to adjust the advantage for the dealer, making several desirable options practical for these games.

Abstract: A poker card game and apparatus and software for its play are disclosed, particularly adapted for casino play, in which each player in a given game, using only a single dealt hand, plays simultaneously separately against the dealer (the house) and against the other players. Betting for the two lines of play may be separate or linked, and a player can elect to play only against the dealer or to play both games together. The game is played as a form of five-card stud with betting before each deal. At the end of each game a player's status as to whether he/she beat the dealer, beat the other players or both is determined and displayed, and winners are paid accordingly. Conventional dealing may be used, but it is preferred that a biased deal, which enhances the opportunities for players to be dealt reasonably good poker hands, be used.

Abstract: An article support apparatus facilitates article interaction such as game play upon an oblong game table. The article or game support apparatus comprises a support plate, an anchor plate, and an article-positioning assembly extending therebetween. The article-positioning assembly may comprise a plate-extending assembly and a plate-rotating assembly. The plate-extending assembly functions to extend the game support plate away from the anchor plate. The anchor plate is of sufficient mass to interface the game support apparatus with a support surface and prevent the extended game support apparatus from tipping. The support plate functions to support an interactive article such as a gaming device or a common board game. The selected gaming device is supportable atop the game support plate and is thus extendable to separated player stations about the game support surface. The article or game support apparatus functions to enable game play in a spaced player setting.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for monitoring the integrity of seals, especially those in filtering elements. In one embodiment, an electrically conductive material is used as the sealing material. The resistance of this material is monitored, since it is known that electrical resistance is a function of the compression or strain on the material. In a second embodiment, one or more switches are installed in or on the end cap of the filtering element. These switches engage when the filtering element is properly seated. This information can then be conveyed to the operator, such as via wireless communication.

Abstract: A mechanical seal having a compact structure is disclosed. The mechanical seal includes a stationary seal part fitted around a rotary shaft such that the stationary seal part is maintained in a stationary state when the rotary shaft rotates, and a rotary seal part sealably fitted around the rotary shaft such that the rotary seal part is rotated together with the rotary shaft when the rotary shaft rotates. The rotary seal part has an annular rotary seal face being in close contact with a stationary seal face of the stationary seal part in a state of being elastically pressed against each other during the rotation of the rotary shaft. The rotary seal part does not frictionally contact with the rotary shaft, so that it is not worn. Accordingly, the mechanical seal can be reliably used for a prolonged period of time.

Abstract: A seal device where, even if a fluid to be sealed is under high pressure, a seal surface of a seal ring is prevented from producing heat and the seal surface is prevented from wearing.

Abstract: A seal device, which accommodates axial displacement between a housing and shaft of an item of rotating equipment, includes a stator which locates into the housing of a piece of rotating equipment. A first rotor locates on the shaft of the rotating equipment and a second rotor is rotationally coupled to the first rotor and is permitted axially to float with respect to the first rotor. The device provides sealing integrity when the shaft is both idle and operational. The sealing device may be used, for instance, in a double ended centrifugal pump where shaft displacement occurs from thermal expansion.

Abstract: A shaft seal assembly for maintaining a seal during shaft misalignment comprising a first sealing means adjacent said shaft with a defined clearance between said shaft and said sealing means, said shaft moveable axially in relation to said first sealing means; a second sealing means, said first sealing means partially encompassed within second sealing means and in cooperative communication with said second sealing means; a third sealing means, said second sealing means partially encompassed within third sealing means and in cooperative communication with said third sealing means, said third sealing means attached to said housing or vessel and allowing said first sealing means and second sealing means to cooperatively respond to said forces produced by angular misalignment of said shaft during rotation of said shaft while maintaining defined clearance between said shaft and said sealing means.

Abstract: In a sealing device (1) , in which a main seal lip (6) used for a shock absorber is formed in a one-stage seal lip structure, for the purpose to improve friction characteristics while securing sealing performance, a roughened portion (63) to which satin finishing is applied to form projections and recessions on the surface thereof is formed on the sliding surface (61) of the main seal lip (6) slidably moving on a contacting member at a position apart a specified distance from a lip edge (62). An area between the lip edge (62) and the portion where the roughened portion (63) is formed is a plane portion (64) to which the satin finishing for forming irregularities is not applied. In place of the satin finishing, a plurality of axially extending projections (65), concave threads (67), or lattice-shaped projections (68) may be formed on the roughened portion.

Abstract: A negative creep gasket with core of shape memory alloy to ensure a leak-tight, automatic and continuous multiple seal of critical plat/piping systems comprises a corrugated core manufactured from shape memory alloy and shape-memorized in advance to the “swelling” under conditions of rigidly fixed corrugation followed by aging under temperature significantly greater than temperature of austenite state of the shape memory alloy. Temperature interval of reverse martensitic phase transformation of the shape memory alloy is close to process temperatures of the assembly. Negative creep effect of the gasket results from shape-recovering stresses that appear between rigid flange surfaces and deformed by bolt preload corrugation during constrained shape recovery of the gasket core under conditions of a variety of operating temperatures and internal pressures.

Abstract: A gasket and method of forming a seal between opposite surfaces of a pair of bodies. The gasket has a body with one portion having a plurality of perforations adapted for receipt between the opposite surfaces. The method of forming the seal includes disposing the portion of the body with the perforations between the opposite surfaces and fastening the pair of bodies to one another to compress the perforate portion of the body therebetween.

Abstract: A boot for a joint includes a shaft-gripping portion, a joint-connecting portion, and a sleeve portion connecting the joint-connecting portion with the shaft-gripping portion. The boot is adapted to dynamically roll about the sleeve portion to a roll position (A, B, C) to form a roll surface having a roll width, wroll, wherein the roll width, wroll, remains generally constant independent of the roll position (A, B, C). The boot can be used to connect a shaft to a joint portion of the joint and is adapted to allow shaft translation.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a chuck mounted on a transmission shaft driven by a power source, and the chuck comprises a chuck body, plural jaws, a rear cap, an outer sleeve rotatablely fitted around the chuck body and located in front of the rear cap, and a transmission nut, characterized in that the chuck further comprises a drive pendulum support sleeve which is located between the outer sleeve and the transmission nut, connected with the outer sleeve and fitted around the chuck body; and a drive pendulum which is mounted on the drive pendulum support sleeve, swings between a first and second positions about its pivot axis, and has first and second drive portions, wherein the drive pendulum drives the transmission nut along a first transmission path through the first drive portion when it is in the first position, and drives the transmission nut along a second transmission path of more gripping force than the first transmission path through the second drive portion when it is in the second position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lathe chuck having a hollow arbor and a cylindrical turning shaft which slides within the hollow arbor. Such an arrangement accommodates a turning shaft of considerably greater length than would ordinarily be possible. For one embodiment of the invention, the chuck is hand-tightenable, the arbor is an integral part of the chuck assembly, and is equipped with a standard Morse taper. The tapered arbor installs in the end of a lathe output shaft or spindle. The turning shaft is equipped with at least one pair of work-securing collets, at least one threaded end and a nut which engages the threaded end and secures one or more work pieces between the collets and to the turning shaft.

Abstract: A plunger with interchangeable handle system for machine tools. The plunger includes a shank adapted to engage a machine tool and having a retractable plunger and a threaded adapter, the interchangeable handle system includes a plurality of knobs, each having a discrete shape differing from the others and a socket to receive the threaded adapter of the shank.

Abstract: An active automobile turn gravity change control apparatus installs an elevating mechanism between each of four wheels and an automobile body of an automobile, and the elevating mechanism is driven by a motive power supply element and controlled by a controller to adjust the relative distance between each of the four wheels and the automobile body, so that when the automobile makes a turn, the controller detects the turning direction and speed of the automobile to actively adjust the elevating mechanism to change the inclining direction and extent of the automobile body and shift the center of gravity of the automobile towards the internal side of the curve of turning, so as to resist the inertia force produced by a turn of the automobile, achieve a safe and quick turn, and prevent a car overturn accident.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for repairing a hard to reach vehicle comprising a movable base with an elevated platform with a central support means connected to a platform that is powered by a screw jack that is used to adjust the angle and height of the rotating platform wherein the user can easily reach formerly hard to access locations to facilitate repairs thus also relieving stress, fatigue, and back pain for the user.

Abstract: A stroller includes a frame assembly, an occupant seat supported by the frame assembly, and a storage container removably suspended from the frame assembly under the occupant seat. In some cases, the frame assembly includes a spine. The spine has an underside surface with a one or more brackets or hooks. The brackets are arranged along a main axis of the spine. As a result, each bracket is equidistant from each of a pair of wheels to center the suspended item between the pair of wheels.

Abstract: The stroller comprises a frame and wheels supporting the frame. The stroller can at least be wheeled over a ground surface in a horizontal direction of movement, wherein at least one wheel is movable in a vertical direction with respect to the frame. At least one wheel is simultaneously movable in a vertical direction and in a horizontal direction parallel to the direction of movement with respect to the frame.

Abstract: A vehicle stabilizer bar bushing assembly has an elastomeric bushing and a bushing liner. The bushing liner is internal to the bushing and is not bonded to the bushing prior to be assembled onto the vehicle stabilizer bar. Both the bushing and the bushing liner have ledges at the opposing edges of the structures, to limit movement of the bushing underneath a mounting bracket and to limit movement of the bushing over the bushing liner. The bushing liner is formed of a polymeric material having a relatively low coefficient of friction and is flexible to permit formation of non-linear configurations of the bushing liner.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system utilizes a resilient rod and bracket configuration to replace standard torque rods. Resilient rods are used to couple an axle member to a vehicle member. The axle member includes an axle bracket and the vehicle member includes a vehicle bracket. Upper and lower resilient rods are coupled to the axle and vehicle brackets at each axle end. The resilient rods are pogo rods that utilize a pair of resilient grommets at each rod end that are compressed against a bracket flange by a pair of rigid cups to provide a resilient mount interface. This resilient mount interface at each rod end allows relative movement between the axle and vehicle brackets and each rod in up to ten degrees of freedom.

Abstract: A supplemental torsion suspension system for a vehicle having primary suspension system is provided along with a method of use thereof. The supplemental system has a rotateable torsion bar and a lever arm extending from the torsion bar for engagement with a control member of the primary suspension system. An actuator is coupled to the torsion bar and is operative to impart selective rotational movement to the torsion bar and the lever arm. A corresponding application of an applied adjustment force is imparted on the member of the primary suspension system through the lever arm of the supplemental suspension system to move and/or maintain the vehicle at a desired ride height.

Abstract: A system and method for a bed transport. The system may include a drive system configured to couple to a bed frame and to provide powered movement of the bed frame. The system may also include a substantially vertical control arm and a control handle coupled to the control arm. The system may also comprise a switch on the control handle, and the switch may be configured to control a function of the drive system.

Abstract: A crank is provided with a crank axle connecting portion for connecting a crank axle thereto, a pedal connecting portion for connecting a pedal thereto, and a main crank portion positioned between the crank axle connecting portion and the pedal connecting portion. A first insert member is arranged in the crank axle connecting portion, and has an axle attaching part having a crank axle connecting hole and an extended part extending from the axle attaching part toward the pedal connecting portion so as to following along the main crank portion. The crank axle further includes a shell member made of a fiber-reinforced resin that at least partially covers an outside facing surface of the first insert member.

Abstract: A stem assembly for a bicycle that includes a handlebar and a fork having a steerer. The fork is coupled to a wheel and is rotatable about a steering axis to turn the wheel. The stem assembly includes a stem that has a steerer aperture configured to receive the steerer and a handlebar receiving portion configured to receive the handlebar. A wedge is at least partially disposed within the steerer aperture and partially surrounds the steerer aperture. The wedge includes a tapered surface that defines an angle between the steering axis and the stem.

Abstract: A bicycle frame includes a head tube, a top tube, a down tube, a pair of chainstays, a pair of seatstays, and a rear wheel fender providing structural support to the bicycle frame. A seat tube is provided that does not extend to a bottom bracket of the bicycle. For example, the seat tube can be attached only to the top tube. The bottom bracket can be an integral component of the down tube. Bicycles are also described that include the present bicycle frames.

Abstract: A motorcycle with increased freedom in selection of a location in which a passenger puts a foot has a footboard, a seat and a side cover. The footboard includes footboard extensions extending rearwardly of a foremost portion of the seat toward the rear. The footboard extensions include a projection projecting outward of a vehicle body beyond a portion of the side cover positioned outermost in a vehicle width direction. Folding type footrests for a passenger are below the projections.

Abstract: A floating boat trailer for use with an automatic latching device for securing a boat includes a frame constructed and arranged to accommodate floatation panels, a hinged linkage mechanism having a spring steel extension blade attached to the trailer tongue, a pneumatic cylinder operable from a control transmitter to effect movement of the hinged linkage and a keel guide roller mounted on a spring steel plate located ahead of the bunker rails to keep the boat centered on the trailer and direct the U-bolt into the automatic latching device. A receiver, two pneumatic solenoid valves mounted on the winch stand, and a hand-held transmitter to operate them. A sealed winch stand upright acts as an air system surge tank for a tongue-mounted air compressor or for a compressor located in a towing vehicle. A pair of air springs, mounted in the trailer suspension system, allows the wheels to be raised or lowered by applying or removing air pressure.

Abstract: A trailer hitch alignment apparatus is comprised of a convex mirror assembly adjustably mounted to a vertical stanchion assembly which in turn is removably mounted within mounting means fixedly attached to the tow bar of a trailer. Vertical stanchion assembly is height adjustable to permit raising or lowering of the mirror assembly to a height which permits it to be viewed by a driver from within a towing vehicle, either directly or via a rear-view-mirror. The mirror assembly is situated substantially over the hitch socket of the trailer and angled until a reflection of the hitch socket is caused to appear in the convex reflective surface of the mirror assembly. Thusly positioned, the driver is able to maneuver the towing vehicle while backing towards the trailer until the hitch ball mounted to the towing vehicle is visibly reflected in the mirror. Continued maneuvering of the vehicle is carried out until the driver visualizes the hitch ball below the hitch socket for subsequent coupling.

Abstract: An assembly 10 which may be selectively and removably attached to a selectively movable assembly, such as a vehicle 90 and which provides the driver 94 of the selectively movable assembly 90 with an image of the trailer connection portion 99 of the selectively movable assembly 90 as the selectively movable assembly 90 is moved toward a trailer 102.

Abstract: Disclosed is a trailer hitch system that is configured to rotate to a stowing position and an operating position. When in the operational position, a coupler arm of the trailer is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the trailer so that the coupler arm contributes to the length of the trailer. When in the stowing position, the coupler arm of the trailer is bent at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the trailer so that the coupling arm does not contribute to the overall length of the trailer.

Abstract: A folding wheelbarrow includes opposed tubular perimeter frame sections each connected to a support wheel and joined to each other at a point along rearward edges thereof by a hinge pin. Integral handlebar sections extend rearwardly from the frame sections and are connected to handgrips which may be selectively positioned for comfort and use by a human operator. A flexible load carrying container is secured to the frame sections. A single wheel embodiment includes perimeter frame members which may be joined by pivot pins supported on a fork structure or by a hinge connection at a single hinge pin also connected to a wheel fork structure.

Abstract: There is provided a bracket for securing a side airbag for an automotive vehicle. The bracket fixes a path such that a connection strap connecting the side airbag to the bracket is secured to an A-pillar and removes any interference when the side airbag is assembled, to make it easy to assemble the side airbag in a manufacturing site. The bracket has a through aperture through which a bolt is fastened, and a mounting plate secures the side airbag to the vehicle. Protrusions are each formed on each of both side ends of the bracket, and a bracket clip is installed on the external surface of the bracket. The bracket clip comprises: a bending part formed in the middle of the bracket clip; a plurality of support plates formed at either side of the bending part; and through apertures formed on the support plates, corresponding to the through aperture of the bracket.

Abstract: A structure for protecting a passenger of a vehicle includes a vehicle body of the vehicle; an interior material arranged on an inner side of the vehicle body, which faces an interior of the vehicle; an airbag which is stored between the vehicle body and the interior material, and is deployed toward the interior; and an attachment device for attaching the interior material to the vehicle body in a manner such that the interior material is movable to a distant position at which the airbag is deployable. The structure also has a forcing device, provided to the interior material, for forcing the interior material toward the vehicle body, or a returning device, provided to the interior material, for returning the interior material toward the vehicle body. The forcing device may be an elastic body coupled with the interior material and the vehicle body.

Abstract: An airbag system mountable in a vehicle includes an airbag formed into a predetermined storage shape arranged to unfold and inflate when a vehicular accident occurs, an airbag holder configured to retain the airbag in the predetermined storage shape. An airbag storage section stores the airbag in the predetermined storage shape, the airbag storage section including an airbag opening that allows the airbag to unfold and inflate, an airbag cover for covering the airbag opening, and a gas supplying section for supplying airbag-inflating gas to the airbag to unfold and inflate the airbag in an unfolding and inflating area when a vehicular accident occurs. The airbag holder further includes a film sheet member that seals the airbag into the predetermined storage shape obtained by compressing and compacting the airbag folded in a predetermined mode from the outside, and a wrapping member for wrapping the airbag and film sheet member.

Abstract: A ramp for directing the deployment of an expanding air bag may be formed to extend from a surface of a trim panel. The ramp may comprise one or more projections having a hinge or fold line. After molding of the trim panel, the projection may be folded along the hinge line towards the surface of the panel to form a ramp structure to promote the emergence, direction and/or placement of an expanding air bag. The ramp structure may be formed on any surface of trim panels lying adjacent or over an air bag system.

Abstract: There is provided a guide plate for a side air bag. The guide plate includes a fastening member fastened to an inner surface of a vehicle body, a support member bent from a lower end of the fastening member and extending toward a passenger space of a vehicle, and a retaining member extending from a surface of the fastening member toward the passenger space of the vehicle. As the guide plate prevents a side air bag tube from being deployed in an upward direction, force for deploying the side air bag tube is not spread but concentrated to allow the side air bag tube to be properly deployed by opening a head liner.

Abstract: An airbag device for protecting motor vehicle occupants is disclosed. The airbag device comprises an airbag, which is accommodated folded-up in the roof area of the vehicle prior to inflation. The airbag unfolds downwards curtain-like when triggered, with a first section of the folded-up airbag extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle from its roof frame. A second airbag section is arranged within the roof strut above the windshield, which runs at right angles to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The second section of the airbag is bent inwards around a folding point and disposed above the windshield. A fastening means arranged in the vicinity of the folding point fastens the first section of the folded airbag running along the roof frame to the roof frame.

Abstract: A seat sensor system comprises at least one seat sensor for sensing a status related to a seat occupancy and for generating a output signal indicative of said status and a control unit for communicating with said at least one seat sensor. According to the invention the seat sensor comprises a self-powered transmitter associated with a seat for transmitting a data signal containing said output signal and the control unit comprises an receiver module for receiving said data signal from said self-powered transmitter.

Abstract: An airbag apparatus includes an air bag, the airbag including an inflator opening, a vent hole provided at a side of the inflator opening, and a vent hole cover which closes the vent hole, wherein the vent hole cover has a strip-shaped closure part which covers the vent hole, and an extending part which extends towards the inflator opening from a longitudinal intermediate part of the closure part, and both ends of the closure part are joined to the airbag at rupture joining parts which are configured to rupture at the time of deployment of the airbag.