Abstract: A tab guide is provided for aligning tab stock in a paper tray of a printer having a trail edge guide including a substantially planar sheet-engaging face and a stack height finger extending from the sheet engaging face in a process direction for engaging a top surface of a top sheet on a stack adjacent the trailing edge of the sheet. The tab guide comprises a top flange, a trailing edge flange and a mount. The top flange has a top surface and a sheet-engaging surface. The trailing edge flange has a substantially planar trailing edge-engaging surface. The mount couples the top flange and the trailing edge flange.

Abstract: An exit roll for use in an image forming device. The exit roll may include a body and a kicker section each configured to mount to a shaft. The kicker section may include a plurality of fingers spaced around the periphery. Each of the fingers may include a first section that is substantially parallel to the shaft, and a second section that extends outward way from the shaft. The fingers may be flexible in an upwards and downwards direction into and away from the shaft. The exit roll is constructed to move media sheets out of the exit port and away from the image forming device.

Abstract: A game including a playing area divided into a plurality of spaces, and sets of game pieces with each set associated with different players or teams. The players or teams execute strategically selected instructions, such as move, stack and flip, to position their game pieces in the spaces. The first player or team to place their game pieces on spaces such that top game pieces of stacks form a predetermined design, such as a vertical, horizontal or diagonal row, wins the game. The game allows players flexibility to select rules to adjust the skill level of the game.

Abstract: An action figure game piece is disclosed. The game piece comprises a game figure character adapted for movement a distance over a surface and a mechanism for indicating the distance of movement over the surface. A method of playing an action figure game on the surface is also disclosed. The method comprises providing for each player a plurality of the game pieces, each game piece having an indicium indicating a point value, a mechanism for indicating a distance the game piece has moved over the surface, and a mechanism for attacking an opponent player's game pieces. The method also comprises selecting for each player a group of the game pieces having point values summing to a predetermined value and selecting a number of actions each player can take per player's turn. An action comprises either a move, comprising moving a game piece a distance up to the particular game piece's point value, or an attack, comprising actuation of the particular game piece's attacking mechanism.

Abstract: Game played using match-related medium for printing gaming instructions and indicia. At least one of interior surfaces of a matchbook or matchbox carrier is printed with gaming indicia used for comparison against gaming indicia printed at least one of match sticks or match splints. Game instructions are also printed on the interior surfaces of the matchbook or matchbox carrier. A serial number printed on at least one of the matchbook, matchbox, matchstick or match splint provides control over the game. Game indicia is related to at least one of: Five-card Poker, Seven-card Poker; Pai Gow Poker, Baccarat, lotteries and raffles.

Abstract: A sealing device for sealing between two static portions of a turbomachine includes a brush gasket formed by a plurality of resilient bristles which are, at least in part, held in a housing. Each bristle has a main portion and a secondary portion interconnected by a bent portion. The secondary portion has a free end ensuring leaktight contact with a surface that is to be sealed of the other static portion. The sealing device further includes a flexible washer of bent section which has a free end bearing both against the free ends of the secondary portions of the bristles of the brush gasket, and against the surface that is to be sealed so that the free ends of the secondary portions of the bristles of the brush gasket are permanently in contact with the surface that is to be sealed.

Abstract: A metal gasket for an internal combustion engine includes a first metal plate with a folded portion; a ring member with a sandwiched portion having a sealing bead and an extension portion, with the sandwiched portion being sandwiched in the folded portion to provide a primary sealing portion; a second metal plate laminated to the folded portion of the first metal plate so as to sandwich the extension portion to provide a secondary sealing portion; and a third metal plate sandwiched between the first metal plate and the second metal plate in a portion of the gasket separate from the sandwiched extension portion. In the event that the cylinder head lift becomes greater than the following capability of the sealing bead in the primary sealing portion, the secondary sealing portion provides excellent following capability relative to the lift.

Abstract: A bellows has an elongated bellows body defined by a flexible wall. The wall encloses a volume and extends between a first end and a second end. The body has a cross-sectional shape and a cross-sectional dimension that are generally constant between the first and second ends. The wall has an axial stiffness and an axial linear mass density. The stiffness and/or density varies generally monotonically between the first and second ends of the bellows body.

Abstract: A stabilizer control device for vehicle includes a pair of stabilizer bars (31, 32) provided between a left wheel and a right wheel of a vehicle, and an actuator including a reduction mechanism (RD) connecting between said pair of stabilizer bars (31, 32) and a motor (M) connected to the reduction mechanism (RD) for providing torsion force to said pair of stabilizer bars (31, 32) through the reduction mechanism (RD) wherein the reduction mechanism (RD) comprises a first gear (25) and a second gear (26) for generating relative rotational speeds differential therebetween, the first gear (25) and the second gear (26) are coaxially placed adjacent to each other, and opposed side faces of stabilizer bars (31, 32) are adjacently connected with the first gear (25) and the second gear (26) respectively and disposed in the reduction mechanism (RD).

Abstract: For a glide sport article, especially an ice skate with a shoe body that is located on a chassis and that includes a cap-like shoe tip forming the toe area of the shoe body, a shoe body section forming the heel area and an ankle support, lacing on the shoe body section and a tongue located beneath the lacing, the shoe tip can be adjusted in a shoe body direction relative to the shoe body section on the chassis.

Abstract: A wheel unit mountable on a ski of a ski-mounted vehicle includes an actuating plate defining a wheel attachment section and a piston attachment section The actuating plate is pivotally attached to the ski intermediate the wheel and piston attachment sections for pivotal movement about a plate pivotal axis. A wheel attachment assembly is provided for rotatably attaching the wheel to the wheel attachment section. An actuator is operatively coupled to the actuating plate for selectively pivoting the actuating plate about the plate pivotal axis between a plate deployed configuration and a plate retracted configuration wherein in the plate deployed configuration the position of the actuating plate is such that the wheel protrudes at least partially below the ski gliding surface for engaging the ground surface and in the plate retracted configuration the position of the actuating plate is such that the wheel is retracted above the ski gliding surface for preventing the wheel from engaging the ground surface.

Abstract: A stackable refuse cart includes a container, an axle, a set of wheels. The container includes first and second axle supports. The first axle support supports the axle in an operative position to rotatably support the container. The second axle support supports the axle in a stowage position enabling the container to be stacked with other containers without interference from the axles. In one embodiment, the second axle support includes a recess defined in the floor of the container. In another embodiment, the second axle support includes a pair of supports that hold the axle against a sidewall within the container. In yet another embodiment, the second axle support is a cradle integral with the container handle.

Abstract: An extension handle apparatus is provided for a wheeled chair which includes handle support tubes for supporting one or more wheeled-chair handles. The extension handle apparatus includes an extension support portion and an extension handle portion connected to the extension support portion. A pair of clamping plates are provided, wherein each clamping plate includes an extension-support reception region and a wheeled-chair-handle-support-tube reception region. Clamping fasteners are connected between the clamping plates, and a retention assembly is connected between the clamping plates for retaining the clamping plates in opposite positions with respect to each other. The wheeled-chair handles are a fixed distance from the wheeled chair. By using retrofitted extension handle apparatuses of the invention attached to the handle support tubes on the wheeled chair, the effective distance of extension handle portions from the wheeled chair can be adjusted as desired.

Abstract: A transportable device, such as a cart, for transporting and elevating an imaging media cartridge into a press printer may include a base platform, first and second elevation members disposed thereon, a panel disposed between the first and second elevation members, and first and second elevator platforms. The panel may include a pair of opposite vertical faces along which the elevator platforms slide to mutually exchange elevations by vertically sliding the platforms in opposite directions. The device may be used for a method of transporting and elevating an imaging media cartridge into a press printer at an installation height above a floor. Additionally, the device may be used for a method of removing and storing an imaging media cartridge from a press printer at an installation height above the floor.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a replacement steering assembly for a rear steer vehicle and requires no cutting/removal of suspension components or drilling holes or welding of vehicle frame rails. The replacement steering assembly includes a cradle for support a replacement steering system. The cradle includes spaced apart first and second side plates and a center support extending therebetween. A mounting portion of the first side plate includes mounting holes to affix the plate to the left side frame rail and a mounting portion of the second side plate includes mounting holes to affix the plate to the right side frame rail. The first and second side plate mounting holes are configured to align with existing mounting holes in the frame rails which were provided to mount original vehicle steering assembly. The center support is offset vertically downwardly and positioned forwardly of the side plate mounting portions.

Abstract: A bicycle shift control apparatus comprises a threshold value setting unit that sets a threshold value of a running condition for shifting a bicycle transmission, a decision unit that decides if a current running condition value passes the threshold value, and a tentative shift unit that sets a tentative shift of the bicycle transmission when the decision unit decides that the current running condition value passes the threshold value. A canceling unit cancels the tentative shift if the decision unit decides that the current running condition value varies from a previous running condition value by a determined value.

Abstract: A folding bicycle comprises a support assembly pivotably connected to a portion of a head tube below a lower enlargement above a front wheel; and a rear wheel assembly comprising a front end pivotably connected to a quick release slidable along the head tube, an intermediate enhancement including a padded cross bar interconnected its right and left portions, an intermediate point pivotably connected to an intermediate point of the support assembly, and two auxiliary wheels fixedly connected to both ends of a hub of a rear wheel as kickstand. Unfastening and sliding the quick release the quick release upward until being stopped by a stop fixedly connected to handlebars, and fastening the quick release will fold the bicycle. Alternatively, unfastening and sliding the quick release downward until being stopped by the enlargement, and fastening the quick release will unfold the bicycle.

Abstract: A device for protecting the frame of a motorcycle from damage in the event of a crash with an easily replaceable wear pad. This invention is generally comprised of a base and a wear pad that are secured together. To accomplish the installation of this device the base is directly secured to the motorcycle using a primary bolt that runs through the center of the base. The base of the device acts as the mounting apparatus for the wear pad portion the assembly. The wear pad, which has a recess at the bottom that closely matches the outer diameter of the base, is then slid over top of the base. The wear pad is then attached to it with one or more securing devices (bolts, pins or similar devices) that are perpendicular to the primary bolt. Replacement of the wear pad is accomplished by removing the securing device or devices, which are perpendicular to the primary bolt, while the base remains fixed to the motorcycle.

Abstract: A trailer dolly comprising a horizontal base plate, a first pair of wheels which are fixed from rotation about a vertical axis, a second pair of wheels being rotatable around a vertical axis, and a trailer ball. The trailer dolly facilitates the loading of a trailer onto a tilt bed tow truck, including: a disabled trailer, such as a trailer with a broken or damaged axle, frozen wheel bearings, or collision damage to a wheel, axle or components thereof: and a trailer which is not fitted with a trailer jack having an attached dolly wheel. The trailer hitch ball of the trailer dolly is connected to a receiver of the trailer tongue, providing support, stability, and steerability, and allowing the trailer to be winched onto a tilt bed tow truck without damage to the trailer tongue, a trailer jack, and/or associated mechanism and wiring.

Abstract: A towing apparatus mounted to a frame of a vehicle includes a receiver and an energy management device. The receiver is operably connected to the energy management device and the energy management device is operably connected to the vehicle frame. When the receiver is moved in a first tow direction, the energy management device is isolated and the tow force is coupled directly to the frame. However, when the energy management device is moved in a second, generally opposite direction, the energy management device reduces some or all of the force applied to the receiver from being transferred to the vehicle frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new type of snow glide board, in particular a ski, with at least one binding, which is held on one snow glide board top side by locking sections interlocking behind undercuts on the snow glide board body, wherein open insertion apertures are provided on the top of the snow glide board for inserting the locking sections into the undercuts, each of which apertures pass into one undercut.

Abstract: The Angular Adjustment Mechanism for Snowboard Bindings positioned between the snowboard and boot bindings allows angular adjustment between the snowboard rider's boot bindings and the snowboard without the need for any tools or levers. The user can make adjustments at any time by weighting the board with either foot and lifting and rotating the opposite foot. A lifting action releases the mechanism allowing for the adjustment of angular orientation. Removal of the lifting force engages the locking mechanism preventing further angular movement.

Abstract: A placement rack on baby cart, particularly for supporting a movable placement basket having a fastener member; installed on the baby cart frame is a fastener unit that can be engaged with the fastener member, so that they work together to support the placement basket. When placing a larger object, the user can pull on the placement basket support to disengage the fastener member from the fastener unit, so that the placement basket support can rotate downwards to increase the space to accommodate incoming articles.

Abstract: An occupant knee protection apparatus for a vehicle includes a knee airbag 11 disposed in front of a knee portion B1, B2 of an occupant and configured to expand and deploy toward the knee portion B1, B2 of the occupant upon collision of the vehicle to thereby protect the knee portion B1, B2 of the occupant. The knee airbag 11 is attached to a panel 21 capable of absorbing energy. The panel 21 is connected to a support member of the vehicle; that is, an instrument-panel reinforcement 23, via brackets 22 capable of absorbing energy. The panel 21 is disposed in front of the knee portion B1 of the occupant at a vertical position where the knee portion B1 of the occupant can come into contact with the panel 21 when the occupant has a small build as compared with a standard build.

Abstract: A bracket is provided for connecting an airbag module to a structural member in an automotive vehicle. The bracket provides three degrees to freedom to allow the fit and finish of the interior panels to be determined without being affected by the rigid connection between the airbag module and the structural member. Holes are also provided in the bracket for tuning energy management.

Abstract: A vehicle steering device includes a steering wheel part coupled non-rotatably to a steering column and a central part which is stationary with regard to a rotation of the steering wheel part. The steering device further includes a gas bag module including a gas generator unit. The gas generator unit in the installed state of the gas bag module is a component of the steering wheel part. Another vehicle steering device also includes a steering wheel part coupled non-rotatably to a steering column and a central part which is stationary with respect to a rotation of the steering part. A gas bag module including a gas generator unit is housed in the stationary central part. The gas generator unit is connected electrically via a supply line with a control unit arranged outside the steering device. The supply line is guided from a first clock spring arranged in a stationary section of the steering device via a second clock spring arranged in the rotatable steering wheel part to the gas generator unit.

Abstract: An airbag chute assembly for a vehicle. The airbag chute assembly includes a chute portion, an inflator housing, and a coupling member that facilitates coupling and decoupling of the inflator housing.

Abstract: In at least certain embodiments, the vehicle seat assembly comprises a frame, a seat pad, a trim cover extending over the seat pad and including a release seam adjacent the seat pad, and an air bag assembly within the trim cover. In accordance with this embodiment, the air bag assembly includes an inflator and an air bag inflatable to project outwardly from the seat through the air bag release seam of the trim cover. Further in accordance with this embodiment, the vehicle seat assembly further includes an air bag guide including an inner panel and an outer panel that have outer extremities, and a rigid plastic connector for connecting the outer extremities of the flexible inner and outer panels to each other adjacent the air bag release seam.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a trim cover defining an outside surface of the seat assembly, and including a frangible portion extending along a length of the trim cover. An airbag assembly includes an airbag and an inflator configured to supply gas to the airbag. An airbag housing includes a frangible portion along a side of the airbag housing that is generally aligned with the frangible portion of the trim cover. A tear strip is attached to the trim cover and spans the frangible portion of the trim cover to inhibit separation of the frangible portion of the trim cover prior to deployment of the airbag. The tear strip extends along at least some of the length of the frangible portion of the trim cover, and is configured to separate during deployment of the airbag to facilitate deployment of the airbag through the frangible portion of the trim cover.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes an inflatable air bag and a housing associated with the air bag. The housing includes first and second housing portions that are moveable away from each other upon inflation of the air bag, and the first and second housing portions have first and second receptacles, respectively. The assembly further includes a cover material overlaying the housing and having first and second sections that are connected together at a deployment seam through which the air bag is deployable. First and second retainers are connected to the first and second sections, respectively, and disposed in the first and second receptacles, respectively. Upon inflation of the air bag, the retainers are configured to facilitate deployment of the air bag through the deployment seam.

Abstract: A vehicle seat component (18) includes a side air bag module (18) mounted on a frame (24) within a trim cover (34) that also covers a seat pad (30). An air bag guide (44) includes flexible inner and outer panels (46,48) that extend between a release seam (36) of the trim cover (34) and the air bag module (18) to provide a guiding function to an air bag (42) thereof as it is inflated upon deployment so as to project outwardly through the release seam (36) for use. Inner extremities (52,56) of the flexible inner and outer panels (46,48) are respectively secured by a first taut wire connector (64) and a second frame connector (66) at spaced locations from each other.

Abstract: A garnish clip comprises a body attachment portion for attachment to a vehicle body and a garnish attachment portion for attachment to a garnish. The garnish attachment portion comprises a plate-shaped base with one end connected to the body attachment portion and a plate-shaped garnish engagement portion connected to the other end of the base by a U-shaped connection. The garnish engagement portion and the base are also connected by a thin breakable connector near the body attachment portion. Ribs on the garnish attachment portion provide rigidity to limit opening of the garnish engagement portion away from the body attachment portion when the airbag deploys and the thin connector breaks due to collision or roll-over forces.

Abstract: Inflator with improved reliability wherein charge holder 37 that gives directivity to a detonation wave generated due to combustion of priming 36 is provided to igniter 26, thereby promoting rupture of plate 19. Diffuser portion 320 is connected in the opening portion side of housing 312, and gas discharging port 340 is connected to diffuser portion 320. Diffuser portion 520 is connected in the opening portion side of inflator housing 512, and gas discharging port 540 is connected to diffuser portion 520. Outflow directions of the pressurized media within each gas discharging port 340, 540 and each respective axial direction of inflator housings 312, 512 are coincident with each other at actuation.

Abstract: An inflator device for an inflatable restraint system. The inflator device includes a tubular body with a center discharge opening disposed in a center portion of reduced diameter. First and second end closures each join an initiator to a respective opposing end of the tubular body to define a sealed chamber. First and second generant housings are disposed within the sealed chamber, define generant chambers containing a supply of generant material and include a plurality of openings providing fluid communication between the generant chambers and the sealed chamber. Rupturable initiator seals are disposed between the initiators and a respective generant chamber. A supply of pressurized stored gas and the supply of generant material are disposed within the sealed chamber.

Abstract: Both end portions in a second direction intersecting a first direction along which an airbag is deployed are folded to a center portion in the intersecting direction (first folding). The airbag is folded so that an upper side portion and a lower side portion are close to each other (second folding). The airbag has a bellows portion which is folded in a bellows shape between a connecting portion and a spiral portion. The airbag folded like this is enhanced in housing performance for the vehicle, and increases in stability of the deployment when the airbag is inflated and deployed.

Abstract: “DISPOSITION INTRODUCED TO HYDROPNEUMATIC JACK”, according to description of the report and the annexed illustrations, it is about a new disposition for a hydropneumatic device that is used to lift and support hauler and semi-haulers, whereby the device was designed to offer more operational easiness to the driver through the increase of speed, as well as the durability of the set.

Abstract: A telescoping steering shaft, especially an intermediate steering shaft, with an inner rod (1) and an outer tube (2), placed thereon in twist-proof fashion and able to slide lengthwise by means of a roller bearing unit (3), while the roller bearing unit (3), which can move axially relative to the inner rod (1) and outer tube (2), has a plurality of rolling elements (5) held in a retainer (4), and is configured such that at least one driver (6) is mounted in the roller bearing retainer (4), engaging by form fit with the wall of the inner rod (1) and the outer tube (2).

Abstract: A flexible, preferably elastic empanelled book cover (12) that has pocket portions (25) to receive the covers of a book (10) that is inserted therein. The cover (12) consists of a unitary hexagonal sheet of pliable material such as “SPANDEX”, having extended upper and lower edges, with each edge bisected by a slot (32) of predetermined width that extends orthogonally. Fold lines (34, 36 and 38) form a laterally-extended rectangle, with the side fold lines (38) forming the lateral apices of the hexagon two triangular flap portions (20) of the cover pockets. The in-folded upper and lower flap portions of the hexagon are attached to each other and to the triangular side flap portions, to form the pocket portion (25), with lock stitching (27) at the innermost juncture by the spine opening. A central top and bottom fold-over engages the spine of the book in stabilizing relation. The unitary hexagonal blanks can be economically mass produced from roll material (40).

Abstract: A second surface micromotion display includes a see-through base having a first surface, defined in the art as a front surface facing a viewer, and a second surface, defined in the art as a rear surface opposite to the front surface and facing away from the viewer, an image formed over the second surface, a micromotion textured pattern formed over the image, and a reflective layer over the micromotion textured pattern, such that the illusion of motion is viewable through the base as reflected from the reflective layer through the micromotion textured pattern.

Abstract: A reflective printed article includes a substrate having a top surface and a bottom surface with a graphic image printed thereon. A reflective or glossy ink layer is printed over the entire top surface of the substrate. A graphic image is printed over the reflective ink layer. The image may cover the entire portion of the reflective layer or only selected portions thereof. The graphic image includes hidden or latent images printed within the graphic image layers. An optional glossy layer of transparent ink may be printed over the graphic image. A textured pattern of lines is printed or applied in sections over the optional glossy layer or graphical image, with each line in the section printed at the same angle or orientation, with the lines of adjacent sections printed at different angles in order to reflect light in different directions to create the illusion of depth, three-dimensionality, hidden images and motion.

Abstract: Plug connection between a corrugated hose and an unprofiled pipe. A plug connection is provided between a corrugated hose (1) and an unprofiled pipe (31), a holding element (3, 34, 50) that surrounds the unprofiled pipe (31) being connected at least indirectly with the hose end (4), and the end (31) of the unprofiled pipe being surrounded by a sealing ring (16, 17, 30) that is situated before the holding element (3, 34, 50). The sealing ring is connected at least indirectly with the hose (1) so as to form a seal. It is provided that the holding element (3, 34, 50) is situated in the hose end (4) and is held thereby, at least indirectly, by mutual positively locking engagement in the axial direction, and that on the other side of the seal (17, 18, 30) a guide sleeve (18, 25) having an inner diameter that corresponds to the outer diameter of the unprofiled pipe (31) is situated before the holding element (3, 34, 50).

Abstract: A pipe clip includes upper and lower clip members that are pivoted at one end and form upper and lower slots with a locking bar fixed in the lower slot. The upper and lower clip members form upper and lower grooves for receiving and thus engaging flanges of pipe sections to be jointed therein. A U-shaped pull tab has two limbs fit over and pivoted to the upper slot. An abutting block is fixed while rotating between the limbs and defines a through hole through which a stem of a hook-on member extends by sliding. The hook-on member has a hooked end engaged with the locking bar. A helical spring is fit over the stem and retained between the abutting block and a nut engaging a threaded end of the stem. The clip is efficiently installed by engaging the hooked end of the hook-on member with the locking bar and can be secured and released by pushing/pulling the pull tab. The pull tab is configured to causes deformation of the spring to induce a torque against release of the pull tab from the secured position.

Abstract: An assembly fixture for the separable connection of a first component 1 and a second component 2, the first component 1 having an essentially cylindrical end-face recess 3, with the second component 2 having an essentially cylindrical protrusion 4 which fits into the recess 3, with the protrusion 4 of the second component 2 being conical at a side opposite the cylindrical side, with the first component 1 being provided with a conical face at a side facing the cylindrical side of the recess 3, and with a conical clamping body 5 which, together with the protrusion 4 of the second component 2, can be fitted into the recess 3 of the first component 1 and clamped against the first component 1.

Abstract: A method and computer program product of limiting sand use in a railroad locomotive sanding system applying sand to railroad rails to enhance adhesion of wheels of a railroad locomotive on a track having a pair of railroad rails, the sanding system including a plurality of sand applicators for each rail for directing sand flow toward the rail and with the locomotive having two trucks carrying the wheels for supporting and propelling the locomotive along the track. The method and computer program product may include steps of automatically controlling a flow of sand applied to the rail by the locomotive sanding system to limit the application of sand to situations in which applying sand to the rail would be effective to increase the adhesion of at least one of the railroad locomotive wheels on the rail by a predetermined incremental amount.

Abstract: A door handle assembly attachable to a door. The door handle assembly includes a handle coupled to the door and a latch bolt coupled to the handle and movable along a latch bolt axis between an extended position and a retracted position. An attachment member defines an attachment axis. The attachment member is movable relative to the handle between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: A radiator grill for a motor vehicle has a chromium-plated mask, with a mask frame comprising a plurality of mask decorative strips. The latter are secured to individual support plates of a support frame. The individual support plates are elastically deformably connected to one another by spring devices. A mask decorative bar is preferably arranged such that it can move relative to the mask frame.

Abstract: A device for absorption of impact energy on an automobile is provided, with at least one energy absorber arranged between a bumper and the vehicle chassis, which has a deformation element which deforms in the event of a collision. The device adapts to different driving and risk situations and which has a simple design and can be manufactured cost-effectively. The absorption characteristic of the energy absorber is implemented to adapt to the driving situation. This is achieved by transferring the impact energy to the deformation element inside the energy absorber via at least one force introduction element which, depending on the respective driving situation, either transfers the impact energy directly to the deformation element for conversion into deformation work, or initially performs an excursion-limited motion inside the energy absorber and only thereafter transfers the impact energy to the deformation element for conversion into deformation work.

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: An impact energy management system for absorbing or displacing kinetic energy during a collision. The system includes a housing defining a chamber and a contact element disposed at least partially within the chamber and longitudinally movable therein. At least a first load bearing pin is disposed between the energy adsorbing member and the housing. Prior to the collision, the contact element is disposed in an impact position, and upon the collision, the contact element moves within the chamber and the first pin deforms a segment of at least one of the housing or contact element, thereby reducing the force of the impact by transferring energy into the deformation.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a distal rest pad for supporting a portion of a wafer seated on an end effector. In one embodiment, the rest pad includes a bottom support pad and an edge stop. Each element is mounted separately to the distal end of a support plate. The bottom support pad includes an inclined surface that transitions to a substantially horizontal surface at its distal end. The edge stop has a substantially vertical wafer contact surface that the peripheral edge of a wafer eventually contacts as the wafer is urged towards the distal rest pad. In another embodiment, the bottom support pad comprises an inclined surface. In yet another embodiment, the distal rest pad comprises a single structure. This distal rest pad includes a backstop portion and a bottom support separated by a particle collection groove. The bottom support may include an inclined lead-in surface that transitions into a flat contact surface or only comprise an inclined lead-in surface.