Abstract: A compactable and rugged wheelbarrow stand with a first and second leg, a cross support, a first hinge coupling the first leg to the cross support, and a second hinge coupling the second leg to the cross support. The wheelbarrow stand can be compactly folded for shipping, but can be rapidly assembled with other wheelbarrow components to form a finished wheelbarrow.

Abstract: A stroller wheel suspension mechanism has a generally rigid carrier with a top mounting section connectable to a stroller frame and a downward facing surface. The carrier also has a depending spring section that extends downward from the top mounting section adjacent an end of the downward facing surface and that has a generally vertically oriented surface. The carrier also has a bottom spring section that extends from the depending spring section and that has an upward facing surface spaced from the downward facing surface. The depending spring section and the bottom spring section are resiliently deflectable relative to the top mounting section. A damper region is formed adjacent the downward facing surface, the generally vertically oriented surface, and the upward facing surface of the carrier. A wheel mount is provided on the bottom spring section. The wheel mount is spaced from the depending spring section on a free end of the bottom spring section.

Abstract: A is provide that is configured to transport interchangeable child seats. The stroller includes a stroller frame having a first set of connection locations removably attach to a first child seat. The frame also includes a removable child seat adapter that can be connected to the stroller frame such that the stroller frame presents a second set of connection locations that removably attach to a second child seat.

Abstract: A skateboard has a board, and at least one front direction-caster and at least one rear direction-caster each respectively mounted at the front part and rear part of the underside of the board and having roller arms that are freely pivotable about an inclined axis and oriented in a common directional orientation at an angle defined by the inclined axis.

Abstract: A pair of roller skis each comprising at least four fixed rollers disposed in parallel on the central lower face of a long and narrow board made of an elastic material while having a left-right spacing corresponding to the width of the board and while having a front-rear spacing shorter than the front-rear length of a boot secured to the board, and two casters, one disposed on the lower face of the top portion of the board and the other disposed on the lower face of the tail portion of the board, wherein when the board is placed on the ground with no load applied thereto, only the rollers of the top and tail casters make contact with the ground and the fixed rollers at the central portion are away from the ground. With this configuration, it is possible for the user to enjoy or practice skiing on slopes with no snow while having sliding feelings and using sliding techniques similar to those of snow skiing.

Abstract: A damping system for a steer-by-wire vehicle steering system that comprises a viscous damper that accepts a rotational input and interconnecting said damper to the steering input shaft in a manner to impart the damping characteristics of rotary damper to the steering wheel.

Abstract: A method for forming a stabilizer bar includes providing a metal bar having first and second ends, and die casting first and second receptacles over the respective first and second ends.

Abstract: A golf car includes an independent front suspension system having an identical pair of A-arms reversibly arranged with respect to each other. Each A-arm includes a Y-shaped, channel-configured body having a first end and a second end. A first tube member is connected to the first end. A second tube member is also connected to the first end and is spatially separated from the first tube member. The second tube member is co-axial with the first tube member. A third tube member is connected to the second end of the body. A longitudinal axis extending through the first and second tube members is parallel to a third tube member longitudinal axis. Each of the first and second tube members are connected for co-rotation about the longitudinal axis to a frame structure of the golf car. The third tube member is connected to a wheel structure.

Abstract: A two-wheel drive bicycle includes a main frame having a steering head, a seat tube, a cross bar and a hollow downtube. A main drive mechanism includes a housing, a driving spindle, at least one driven ring gear, a first driven shaft and a second driven shaft. The first driven shaft is rotatably connected to the housing and operably coupled to the at least one driven ring gear. The second driven shaft is, likewise, rotatably connected to the housing and operably coupled to the at least one driven ring gear. Front and rear wheel drive mechanisms include a series of shafts that are themselves coupled to and between the first and second driven shafts and the front and rear wheels. The main drive mechanism preferably includes a plurality of driven gears comprising a series of concentrically spaced ring gears. Each ring gear of the plurality of driven ring gears has an inner diametrical surface and an outer diametrical surface.

Abstract: This invention discloses a positioning device for a bicycle handlebar, wherein a pressing assembly, which is mounted on a front tube, is operated by the user so that it can be pressed against a positioning member, which is fixed to a front fork stem. Since the positioning member is flexible, an elastic resilience relative to the direction of pressing will be produced when the positioning member is pressed to resist the pressing force and the elastic resilience that comes in a reverse direction. As a result, the positioning member and the pressing assembly will be pressed to be positioned. Hence, the front tube will not pivotally rotate relative to the front fork stem, and the bicycle handlebar can be positioned in such a way that the bicycle is unlikely to fall, which also protects the members of the bicycle.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced plastic bicycle fork uses a reinforced crown steer tube junction extending the steer tube through a tapered socket to the brake bolt such that the metal steer tube coacts with the fiber reinforced plastic fork to preserve structural integrity in the event of application of high stress to the fork.

Abstract: There is disclosed a bicycle to which a trailer can be connected and from which the trailer can be detached without jeopardizing the integrity thereof. The bicycle includes a frame and two hooks. The frame includes two rear ends. Each of the hooks includes a first end detachably connected to a related one of the rear ends of the frame and a second end for connection to the trailer. A positioning device is used to precisely position each of the hooks with respect to a related one of the rear ends of the frame.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for releasably mounting a rear light member to a body member of a vehicle. The mounting assembly comprises a locking member. The locking member includes a sleeve-like mounting portion adapted to be fixed to the support member, and a first locking portion integrally joined to the mounting portion. The first locking portion is adapted to snappingly engage a matingly shaped second locking portion of the structural member for retaining it. The mounting assembly further comprises a release pin axially slidably in the mounting portion of the locking member. The release pin has a shaft portion axially project from the sleeve-shaped mounting portion and is adapted to be axially displaced for releasing the two locking portions from being snappingly engaged.

Abstract: A hitch is disclosed for vertical and horizontal loading of a trailer latching device. The hitch includes a locking extension positionable to interface with a lesser diameter portion of a coupling member to prevent vertical movement of the coupling member. The hitch also includes a cup comprising an at least partially arcuate sidewall positionable to interface with a greater diameter portion of the coupling member to prevent horizontal coupling member movement. Linkage coordinates relative movement of the locking extension and the cup such that the coupling member is receivable into lockable engagement with the hitch upon either vertical or horizontal movement of the coupling member relative to the hitch.

Abstract: A pintle hitch adaptor enables a vehicle equipped with a drawbar or DMI bumper to tow trailers having different towing components. The pintle hitch adaptor comprises a sleeve that fits over arid is held to the drawbar. A pintle hitch is mounted to the sleeve. Aligned holes in the sleeve and the drawbar receive a hitch ball shank. A trailer tongue with a cup or eye engages the ball. A pintle hitch latch locks to prevent disengagement of the trailer tongue cup or eye from the ball. Shoulders on a pintle hitch post prevent: the latch from contacting the cup. Alternately, the ball can be removed, and a tow pin can to used between a hole in the trailer tongue and the drawbar and sleeve holes. A locking screw on the sleeve holds the sleeve and drawbar holes in alignment when the ball is removed.

Abstract: A universal infant carrier transport is disclosed. The infant carrier transport is adapted to hold and safely retain infant carriers of various dimensions and shapes. The carrier, which can be a tri-wheel type baby stroller having a handle for convenient pushing by the parent, includes a horizontal platform extending from the tri-wheeled stroller and adapted to receive and support the bottom of the infant carrier. A rotating roll bar is provided and is positionable so as to rotate over the infant carrier and lock in place. A ratcheting mechanism is provided in the mount between the roll bar and the bottom support so as to be lockably positioned into one of a plurality of different positions depending upon the width and height of the infant carrier. An easy push button release mechanism is provided so as to release the ratchet when it is desired to remove the infant carrier from the transport.

Abstract: A collapsible stroller has a frame assembly that is reconfigurable between an in-use configuration and a collapsed configuration. The frame assembly has a fold latch on a side of the frame assembly and has two latch parts that are pivotally coupled to one another. A plunger is slidable within a cavity in one of the latch parts and has an end extendable from the cavity. A receiver in the other of the latch parts is positioned to receive the end of the plunger in the in-use configuration. A push arm of the frame assembly has a lower end that is connected to the one latch part. The push arm extends upward and rearward to a handle of the frame assembly. A front leg of the frame assembly has a lower end and extends upward and rearward to an upper end that is connected to the other of the latch parts. A support strut of the frame assembly has an upper end that is pivotally coupled to the one latch part at a pivot defining a pivot axis.

Abstract: A selectively deployable airbag apparatus for vehicles includes: an impact detection sensor; a seat belt sensor; a first inflator and a second inflator; an airbag supplied with gas emitted from the first inflator and the second inflator and having a base chamber and a chest chamber separated from each other by a partition with at least one inner vent hole such that the base chamber and the chest chamber fluidly communicate with each other; and a controller receiving signals from the impact detection sensor and the seat belt sensor and operating the airbag to deploy, and determining whether to deploy the chest chamber or not based on whether the passenger has fastened the seat belt or not and an impact force.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant safety system has at least one restraint device having at least one adjustable parameter, a vehicle seat having at least one seat sensor detecting the sitting position of a vehicle occupant, a seatbelt system having at least one belt extension sensor detecting the belt extension length, and a control unit determining from the values from the seat sensor and from the belt extension sensor whether a vehicle occupant is in a forward-leaning position. The control unit then specifies the value of the adjustable parameter of the restraint device as a function of a forward-leaning position of the vehicle occupant.

Abstract: An airbag is formed from fabric layers joined at a seam, and gas generator inflates the airbag by means of gas expelled from the gas generator's insertion end which has been inserted into the airbag. A gas guide is formed in the airbag in order to direct gas from the gas generator into the airbag and includes a pouch-shaped gas guide member in which are formed gas injection nozzles and an attachment orifice. The insertion end of the gas generator is inserted into the attachment orifice with the gas injection nozzles facing an interior of the airbag. A convex-shaped seam is included where the fabric layers are joined, and is disposed in opposition to the gas guide member. The gas guide member comes into contact with the convex-shaped seam as a result of the pressure of the flow of gas from the gas generator through the gas guide member.

Abstract: An inflator (40) includes a chamber (220) for storing inflation (222) fluid under pressure. A first member (82) has an inner perimeter that defines an opening (92) for discharging the inflation fluid (222). A rupturable closure member (100) extends across the opening (92) and blocks inflation fluid flow though the opening. A second member (110) supports a central portion (302) of the closure member (100) against the pressure of the inflation fluid (222) in the chamber (220). Inflation fluid (222) flows through a passageway (270) defined by an outer perimeter of the second member (110) and the inner perimeter of the first member (82). An initiator (152) ruptures the closure member (100), forming petals (254) of the closure member that deflect into the passageway (270). The petals (254) slide along an outer surface (258) of a portion (132) of the second member (110) while deflecting into the passageway (270).

Abstract: The present invention provides an inflator including a housing having a gas discharge port, an ignition device and a gas generating agent accommodated inside the housing, and a collision member for receiving collision of a combustion product(s) which is generated by the activation of the ignition device, the collision member being provided in a position directly facing an ejecting direction of the combustion products.

Abstract: A protective cover (30) for a motorbike, the motorbike including a fairing over forward parts of the motorbike, the cover (30) having a shape that conforms to the shape of at least a front portion of the fairing and being adapted for attachment there over by fastening means (82, 84) so as to prevent debris striking the fairing from the direction of vehicles travelling ahead of the motorbike, and wherein the cover (30), in use, is in one piece.

Abstract: Various embodiments of reduced-size vehicles such as all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility vehicles (UVs) are disclosed herein. In at least some embodiments, the vehicles include frames that are wider near the front and rear sections of the vehicles than within the mid-sections of the vehicles. This, in combination with the use of shock-absorbers that are substantially vertically oriented, allows for the opening-up of large interior cavities within the front and rear sections of the vehicles within which can be positioned large front and rear internal compartments that can provide storage/carrying capacity as well as added buoyancy for the vehicle, among other things. Also, in at least some embodiments, the vehicles can include special cooling and/or exhaust systems having components that are positioned substantially within the mid-sections of the vehicles, thus further increasing the amounts of space available for the cavities/compartments within the front and rear sections of the vehicles.

Abstract: A combat vehicle restraint system accommodates a wide range of soldiers, both with and without battle, arctic, or chemical gear. The restraint system includes lengthened belts and an adjustable buckle position. The belts include loops for locating and grasping the belts, and separate lap and shoulder belts with small narrowing ends to prevent catching on gear. The belts are extendable from Inertial reels which are calibrated for off-road operation. The buckle engages each belt separately and includes a single action release. The buckle position is easily adjusted using an oversized knob so that a soldier may easily find and adjust buckle length in the dark, wearing heavy gloves, or with muddy slippery fingers. The latch/unlatch mechanism and associated hardware is an open frame type to reduce or eliminate affects of mud, dust, water or other contaminants on operation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a value document, in particular a bank note, having a value document substrate and at least two different feature substances for checking the value document. According to the invention, a first feature substance is incorporated into the volume of the substrate of the value document, and a second feature substance applied to the value document substrate in the form of a coding.

Abstract: The invention relates to a value document, in particular a bank note, having a value document substrate and different feature substances for checking the value document. According to the invention, a first feature substance is incorporated into the volume of the substrate of the value document, and second and third feature substances are applied to the value document substrate in a printing ink jointly and in the form of a coding. The second feature substance is formed by a luminescent substance, and the third feature substance by a material absorbent in a special spectral range. The two substances are used for the value recognition of different user groups.

Abstract: A fitting is provided with an integral orientation indicator that can be permanently fixed to or detachable from the fitting. The orientation indicator allows the installer of the fitting to ensure that the fitting, as well as the upstream and downstream parts of the fluid conveying system associated with the fitting, are properly oriented so that liquid will flow in the desired direction. When the fitting is connected to the primary condensate outlet of the drain pan on a central air conditioning unit, the orientation indicator can be used to ensure that liquid will flow out of the drain pan.

Abstract: A coupler and plug system for air line uses which identifies properly mating components by the colors of the components. The coupler of the system includes a sleeve which is made in a chosen color. The plug of the system is made in the same color as the sleeve of the coupler. The plug and coupler sleeve may be anodized aluminum dyed in the same color. By choosing a plug which is of a matching color to the sleeve of a coupler, the user will choose a plug which properly mates with the coupler.

Abstract: A quick coupling comprises a male element (2) which can be threadably assembled to a female element (3), housing an inner tubular supporting body (8) in turn housing a bearing (11) thereon the female element (3) bears, the female element (3) including a plurality of radially extending holes (20) in which are engaged ball elements (21) which can be fitted in a circumferential slot formed in the male body (2) and being adapted to be radially locked by an enlarged portion (16) formed on an inner side of a ring nut which can be driven against an urging spring (17) pertaining to the female element.

Abstract: A radially expandable tubular connection and methods for expansion related thereto are disclosed. In an embodiment, a radially expandable tubular connection includes a radially-expandable box member. The radially-expandable box member includes an internal thread, and a non-threaded internal area including a groove providing a mechanical means for securing position of an elastomeric seal ring disposed in the groove. The radially expandable tubular connection further includes a radially-expandable pin member. The radially-expandable pin member includes an external thread for threadably engaging the internal thread. In addition, the radially-expandable pin member includes a non-threaded external seal surface carried by an elongated pin nose for engaging the elastomeric seal ring in a sealable manner.

Abstract: An interlocking mechanism suitable for use with exhaust components. The mechanism may be provided on pipes, components, adapters or appliances. The mechanism includes an entry channel and a rotational channel positioned adjacent to entry channel. A locking bead is positioned in the rotational channel at a position in the channel defined to engage a mating element in a locking lug on a mating component when the lug is positioned adjacent to an end of the channel. The entry channel may include a face increasing in height from the entry portion to the end portion.

Abstract: A pipe coupling device that secures a first pipe to a second pipe. The pipe coupling device includes a collet disposed within a collar having a fastening mechanism. The collet includes a first collet portion that interlocks with a second collet portion to form a seal that fastens the first pipe securely to the second pipe.

Abstract: Coupled magnetic rotary discs for power generating comprises a plurality of vertical and horizontal rotary discs each having two strong permanent magnets, the rotary discs are interconnected by gears, chain wheels or constant velocity universal joints, etc., so that they rotate synchronously. Each of the vertical rotary discs is located close to a corresponding horizontal rotary disc, and a position at which the magnets meet after each 360-degree rotation of the respective rotary discs is fixed. The polarity direction of the permanent magnets on the respective rotary discs are properly arranged to prevent the generation of magnetic rotary drag force, the magnets on the horizontal rotary discs are subjected to a push force and an attraction force of the permanent magnets on the vertical discs; the respective vertical rotary discs are arranged at different rotary angular positions so that the horizontal discs will be subjected to a magnetic force at certain angle interval of rotation.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods that use an electroactive polymer transducer to convert mechanical energy, originally contained in one or more waves, to electrical energy. Marine devices described herein may employ a mechanical energy conversion system that transfers mechanical energy in a wave into mechanical energy suitable for input to the electroactive polymer transducer.

Abstract: Described herein are marine devices and methods that convert mechanical energy in one or more waves to mechanical energy that is better suited for conversion into electrical energy. The marine devices employ a mechanical energy conversion system that harnesses wave energy and converts it into limited motion that is suitable for input to an electrical energy generator.

Abstract: A self-supporting, submersible generating plant for producing electricity from ocean currents, consisting of two counter-rotating, rear-facing turbines with a plurality of rotor blades extending radially outward from two separate horizontal axis that convey the kinetic energy from the two side-by-side, counter-rotating turbine rotors through separate gearboxes to separate generators that are housed in two watertight nacelles that are located sufficiently far apart to provide clearance for the turbine rotors. The two generators and their gearboxes serve as ballast and are located far below a streamlined buoyancy tank that extends fore and aft above and between them. A combination of a leverage system and a pressure-controlled system adjusts the hydrodynamic lifting forces to maintain constant depths. There are systems to purge the ballast water to facilitate the recovery of both individual submersible power plants and a group of many submersible power plants.

Abstract: A mixing apparatus for mixing first salinity fluid with a second salinity fluid, the mixing apparatus comprises a down tube having a side wall, an open upper end and an open lower end, and a plurality of apertures selectively located in the side wall of the down tube. At least some of the apertures have an arm with an opening therein about the aperture to facilitate inflow of fluid to the down tube through the openings. A fluid inlet and a fluid outlet are provided at the open upper end and open lower end respectively of the down tube so that the first salinity fluid in use enters the down tube through the fluid inlet and the apertures and is discharged therefrom through the fluid outlet.

Abstract: The invention concerns a vertical-axis wind turbine comprising a central rotary tower whereto are fixed substantially vertical blades, said blades capable of rotating and moving radially relative to the central tower, the movement of each blade being independently controlled based on the conditions to which it is constantly subjected so as to optimize the overall performance of the wind turbine.

Abstract: The present invention teaches an energy generator comprising a generally flat and partially flexible traffic surface on which pedestrians and traffic may pass. Underneath the traffic surface, a plurality of dynamo cells each have a dynamo therein, each dynamo having two electricity generating elements (magnets, coils, etc) and an operative electrical connection to an electrical load such as a battery, capacitor, light, an electrical network or the like. A first electrical generating element in each dynamo may be disposed so that it moves downward when weight from traffic is applied to the traffic surface, while a second electricity generating element remains stationary supported. by the bottom surface of the energy generator. A spring and bottom support may urge the first (moving) element back upwards when the imposed force is released.

Abstract: A latch assembly includes a chassis and a rotatable claw-type latch bolt moveably mounted on the chassis. The latch bolt has a closed position for retaining a striker and an open position for releasing the striker. The latch bolt is provided with a latch abutment remote from a center of rotation. The latch assembly further includes a pawl rotatable about a pawl axis and having an engaged position for holding the latch bolt in the closed position and a disengaged position that allows the latch bolt to move to the open position. The latch assembly includes an eccentric arrangement defining a first axis and the pawl axis remote from the first axis. The latch assembly also includes a reset lever rotatably fixed to the eccentric arrangement for mutual rotation with the eccentric arrangement about the first axis. The latch assembly includes a biasing lever configured to transmit a biasing force to the reset lever at a position remote from the first axis and to the latch bolt via the latch abutment.

Abstract: A bumper system for a vehicle comprising a stamped metal component and a second polymeric component fixedly attached to form a beam with particular localized energy absorber characteristics. The metal component is formed from a sheet and has a thickness in a width direction along a majority of the length when in a vehicle-mounted position. The second polymeric component engages a face of the first component and is rigidly attached to the first component in at least several locations along the length to form a structural beam with the first component. The second polymeric component has sufficient structure to form an integral part of the structural beam and interconnected walls extending in the width direction to form energy-absorbing cells at centered and corner locations configured to crush and absorb energy upon a vehicle impact.

Abstract: The present invention provides a handle or shroud for carrying or manipulating portable gas cylinders and gas cylinder valves for the administration of medical gases, such as oxygen. The shroud of the present invention provides improved safety and versatility to the handling process of such cylinders and valves. In one embodiment, the handle or shroud allows an individual to lift the cylinder, valve and shroud from about 26? off the ground or floor with the wrist turned up.

Abstract: A trim assembly is disclosed. The trim assembly includes a vehicular trim panel and a portion mounted to the vehicular trim panel that is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position relative the vehicular trim panel. The portion is defined to include a shape-changing polymer. The assembly also includes an energy transfer device that provides energy to the shape-changing polymer to cause movement of the portion between the stowed position and the deployed position. A method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A sauna which is convertible into a storage space when not in use as a sauna. The sauna is provided with a bench that is movable between a use configuration and a stowed configuration wherein the bench in stored within the sauna. The sauna has a hanging rod that is used to run electrical wiring from one wall of the sauna to another in addition to being useable to hang items. The sauna is provided with a door that automatically ventilates the interior of the sauna. The sauna can be installed in a recreational vehicle or mobile home.

Abstract: A pickup truck cargo box includes a cargo floor and a panel being movably mounted with respect to the cargo floor. The panel is movable between a stowed position and an upright position, in which the panel extends higher into a cargo area to form a compartment within the cargo area. The panel prevents the shifting of cargo during transport when upright, and is stowable to maximize the uninterrupted cargo area available.

Abstract: A disclosed interior material structure for a vehicle including an interior material made of a conductive portion and non-conductive portions covering the conductive portion includes a grounding unit (103) configured to electrically connect the conductive portion and a vehicle body. The grounding unit includes an interior material side terminal (201), a vehicle body side terminal (202), and a conductive wire (204). The interior material side terminal has a projecting member configured to bite into the interior material and then to be locked with the bite of the interior material in contact with the conductive portion. The vehicle body side terminal is configured to be attached to the vehicle body such that the vehicle body side terminal is electrically connected to the vehicle body. The conductive wire is configured to electrically connect the interior material side terminal and the vehicle body side terminal.

Abstract: Seat support assembly for use in a small utility vehicle. The seat support assembly can be removably attached to a frame to allow assembly of small utility vehicles of varying configurations. Components of the seat support assembly can have various support features thereon to support other components of the small utility vehicle. The seat support assembly can be removably attached to the structural members of the frame with threaded fasteners, such as bolts.

Abstract: An apparatus for covering a windshield of an automobile and affixing the apparatus to the windshield by fastening with the side view mirror comprising: a panel and a fastener, the panel comprising a substantially planar member with a bottom side and a top side, a left edge and a right edge, the bottom side facing the windshield and the top side facing away from the windshield, the panel having a size to cover most or all of the surface area of a windshield, the panel further comprising at least two holes, a first hole located near the left edge and a second hole located near the right edge; the fasteners affixed to the panel; the fasteners having a length to wrap around the side view mirror thereby affixing the apparatus with the automobile.

Abstract: An interlock assembly is provided for a vehicle having a body with a selectively openable slidable door and a selectively openable fuel filler door mounted thereto. The fuel filler door is operatively connected with the interlock assembly. The interlock assembly includes a bracket member and a bell crank member pivotably mounted with respect to the bracket member. A pin is slidably disposed with respect to the bracket member and is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The bell crank member is operable to urge the pin into the extended position when the fuel filler door is open and the retracted position when the fuel filler door is closed. The pin operates to engage a bore defined by the slidable door when in the extended position to substantially lock the slidable door. Preferably, the interlock assembly is mounted with respect to a rear jamb formed by the body.