Abstract: Damper, in particular for washing machines with a spin cycle, with a housing having a central longitudinal axis and at least partially encompassing a housing interior by housing walls, a plunger displaceable in the housing along the central longitudinal axis, guided out of the housing and having at least one friction lining recess, fastening elements, arranged on open ends of the housing and the plunger, and at least one friction lining, arranged in the at least one friction lining recess and in frictional contact with opposite housing walls.

Abstract: A blocking device for blocking a suspension strut of a motor vehicle for transportation of the motor vehicle. The suspension strut has a damper device and a helical spring. The helical spring is arranged between two spring plates and embraces at least one axial section of the damper device. The blocking device has a spacer body which is of substantially C-shaped design and can be fitted between the two spring plates to the damper device in a manner embracing an axial section on the latter.

Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor interconnect including, in the order recited: (a) providing a semiconductor wafer; (b) forming bonding pads in a terminal wiring level on the frontside of the wafer; (c) reducing the thickness of the wafer; (d) forming solder bumps on the bonding pads; and (e) dicing the wafer into bumped semiconductor chips.

Abstract: A image forming system that can prevent a toner from coming off while reducing the amount of consumption of a clear toner in binding sheets into a book. An image forming apparatus 100 forms an image on a sheet. A clear coating apparatus 200 forms a clear coating image on the sheet using the clear toner that becomes transparent after fixing. A bookbinding apparatus 600 connected to the image forming apparatus 100 and the clear coating apparatus 200 subjects the sheet to folding process. A job controller 501 and an image controller 502 cause the clear coating apparatus 200 to form the clear toner image at a folding position on the sheet in response to designation of a folding mode in the bookbinding apparatus 600.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing printed products conveyed along a conveying path includes an adjustable positioning device presenting an adjustable guide curve arranged to adjust a position of the printed products along the conveying path.

Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus including: a saddle stitching stapler including a staple driving portion movable in a sheet width direction and a staple clinching portion arranged at a saddle stitching position, and adapted to staple a middle portion of a sheet bundle by causing the staple driving portion to approach the staple clinching portion after the staple driving portion moves to the saddle stitching position; and a side stitching stapler including a staple driving portion and a staple clinching portion pivoted to each other, and adapted to staple an end portion of the sheet bundle by holding the end portion between the staple driving portion and the staple clinching portion after the staple driving portion and the staple clinching portion move to a side stitching position in the sheet width direction, the side stitching stapler and the saddle stitching stapler being aligned in the sheet width direction.

Abstract: An automatic paper feed apparatus includes a paper pickup roller (21), a paper feed roller (31) and a paper separation device (10). The paper separation device is a compound gear consisting of a first paper separation gear (11) and a second paper separation gear (12). The first and second paper separation gears are rotatably and mutually drivably coupled with each other by the engagement between a projection (13) and a protrusion (14) respectively formed thereon. The paper pickup roller and the paper feed roller are respectively actuated to rotate by the second and first paper separation gears through a paper pickup gear mechanism (23) and a paper feed gear mechanism (33, 34) each mounted on a same shaft and engaged therebetween. At the initial stage, the first paper separation gear drives the second paper separation gear to rotate, and thus the paper pickup roller and the paper feed roller are respectively actuated to rotate by the second and first paper separation gears.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: an image forming part; a sheet container that contains sheets fed to the image forming part in a stacked state; a feed roller that feeds the sheet from the sheet container; a separation member in press-contact with the feed roller that separates the sheet at a contact point formed between the feed roller and the separation member; and a press-contact force reducing unit that reduces a press contact force of the separation member to the feed roller while maintaining an approximately constant sheet separating force with the separation member.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus including an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium conveyed from a sheet feeding unit to obtain an image with photographic quality, at least a part of the recording medium has a transparent portion. When an image obtained by reversing an original image is transferred onto the transparent part, sheet-delivery rollers are operable in a direction in which a pressure onto the recording medium is reduced immediately after fixing of the image.

Abstract: The invention provides a bill processor that substantially horizontally delivers bills one by one to an upper space of a stacking unit from a delivery unit, downward strikes and drops the trailing edge of a delivered bill in its delivery direction by impellers, and stacks the bills in the stacking unit. The bill handling machine has a regulating member that engages the leading edge of the bill in its delivery direction, which is delivered to the upper space of the stacking unit from the delivery unit. The regulating member can be changed in position in the delivery direction according to the length of a bill in the delivery direction.

Abstract: In a paper sheet identifying and checking apparatus including a conveying path to convey a bill, a line sensor including a plurality of light sensor elements arranged on the conveying path in a string in a conveying width direction, and an identifying module to identify the paper sheet on the basis of a binary image produced by the line sensor by reading the paper sheet, the direction of arranging the sensor elements is inclined with respect to the conveying width direction of the conveying path.

Abstract: A wager-based domino game is suited for individual play, particularly as presented at a gaming machine. In accordance with the game, a player attempts to play one or more dominos. Various outcomes of game play are defined as losing. A number of outcomes are defined as winning and have associated awards, such as defined by a paytable. In one embodiment, winning outcomes may be awarded in the event a minimum number of dominos are played, or based upon a summed value of all dominos played. Domino-based bonus events offer a player additional winnings. The bonus events may be triggered by particular events of the wager-based domino game.

Abstract: A card feeding device for feeding cards into a card handling device is disclosed. Examples of card handling devices include shufflers, card sorters, card delivery devices and card verification devices. The device includes a card infeed area that supports a stack of cards. The card infeed area has a card support surface. Included in the device is a card removing system that removes cards individually from the bottom of the stack. A pivoting arm presses against a card at the top of the stack. At least one sensor is provided that detects at least one of a position of the arm and a presence of a card in the card infeed area. A method of shuffling cards is also disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing cards to be shuffled into a card infeed area as a stack with a top and bottom and removing cards one-at-a-time from the bottom of the stack and moving the removed cards to a shuffling zone. Cards are then shuffled.

Abstract: A puzzle device with illumination and audible sounds is provided. The device comprises a housing; a body shaped to securely fit over the housing and comprising a plurality of spaced recesses on a top surface, a circuit having a plurality of conducting members formed on upward faces of the recesses, a battery power source, an on/off switch, and a light member and/or audible sound producing member forming a loop together with the power source and the switch; and a plurality of puzzle pieces, each of the puzzle pieces having a shape conformed to that of the respective recess of the body and comprising a contact on the bottom; whereby correct arrangement of the puzzle pieces in the conformed recesses will cause the contacts of the puzzle pieces to contact the conducting members of the recesses to close the circuit so as to activate the audible sound producing member to makes a sound and/or the light member to illuminate.

Abstract: A religious-themed board game is disclosed. Multiple players compete in this Christian-themed game, with the goal of saving as many souls as possible. Souls are saved by supplying the physical needs (food, shelter, etc.) of unreached persons met in the field, and then ministering to them. Such needs are distributed by means of various cards collected by the players as they travel the board. The layout of the board features a peripheral path of consecutive playing spaces wherein each space represents a property or causes an action. Players can purchase properties and build churches. Some spaces on the board mark travel stations, and a player can move from one of these spaces onto a new path that extends into the interior of the game board. The game provides wholesome entertainment and strengthens Christian values. It can be played by all ages and requires no previous knowledge of Christianity or the Bible.

Abstract: In a board game playing method, an offensive play selection card (PSC) having at least one action is selected and a defensive PSC having at least one action is selected. A die is rolled to yield a first value in connection with the offensive PSC. A marker is positioned on a board in response to an action on the offensive PSC corresponding to the first value. The die is rolled to yield a second value in connection with the defensive PSC. The marker is positioned on the board in response to an action on the defensive PSC corresponding to the second value. The foregoing steps of rolling the die and positioning the marker are repeated until a predetermined condition is satisfied.

Abstract: A game board comprising a game board surface having a pattern including three concentric parallelograms arranged so that no side of any parallelogram intersects another parallelogram. A set of four lines originating at the corners of the first parallelogram and terminating at the corners of the third parallelogram to intersect the corners of the second parallelogram and a set of four lines originating between the corners of the first parallelogram, the arrangement of said sets of lines forming a pattern having twenty-four vertices upon said game board and wherein said game board surface allows contact with a game token is disclosed. A game may be played with two or four players in a multitude of ways using twenty game tokens with an object being strategic linear arrangement of the game tokens for removal of the individual's assigned game tokens or those of the opposing players.

Abstract: A method for playing a letter acting game with at least three players. The game may include the following steps; selecting two players to be the letter forming players; selecting a category of a challenge phrase or trivia question by spinning a spinner; selecting a card from at least one card deck and reading the challenge phrase or trivia question from selected category; forming the shape of each letter in the challenge phrase or trivia answer by the letter forming players for observance by the other players, wherein each letter is shaped by combining the body positions of the two letter forming players; guessing the challenge phrase or trivia answer by the other players by sequentially assembling the formed letters; allocating points for successfully guessing the challenge phrase or trivia answer and in bonus play the answers to the challenge phrases.

Abstract: A method for playing a communication game between game players during an outing, the method including the steps of selecting a packet of game cards identified by a specific letter of the alphabet printed thereon for playing the game, selecting a venue having a name beginning with the selected letter of the alphabet, placing the packet of game cards face down in a stacked pile, and determining which player initiates play of the game, completing alternately by each player an incomplete unique statement printed on each game card with a response including the reasons therefore, listening to the response provided by a speaking game player to the incomplete unique statement printed on the game card, and scribing entries in a journal by a selected player for recording the location and special facts about that outing, the communication game improving communication and understanding between the game players.

Abstract: A magnetic dart game comprises a magnetic target having a graphical representation of a plurality of fish and at least one magnetic dart. A player playing the game attempts to catch said plurality of fish by hitting the fish with the magnetic dart.

Abstract: A sealing device is high quality, reduces malfunctions in forming a sealing section, and improves durability of the sealing section. In the piston member 11, a part of the outer peripheral skirt section 13 is made as a stepped section to form a part having a smaller diameter (thinner wall) than the end section of the outer peripheral skirt section 13 in the side of the multiple disc clutch 4 in the axial direction, and the end section of the elastomeric member 7 forming the sealing lip 71 is fixed to the stepped section.

Abstract: To effectively suppress occurrence of rusting on the axial end face of a housing such as the outer race, to which the sealing device is fitted, so that deterioration of a fixedly fitted part and the slide movement wear of a seal lip due to rust can be prevented, the sealing device comprises an end face rust-preventive seal part 9 to prevent the adhesion of moisture as external foreign matters to an axial end face 21a of a housing 21 such as a bearing outer race, so as to prevent occurrence of rusting on the axial end face 21a, and the end face rust-preventive seal part 9 seals moisture by covering the axial end face 21a of the housing 21 by its component, or by extending the component in a hood shape on the outer peripheral side of the axial end face 21a of the housing 21.

Abstract: A U-packing is fitted externally in a seal grove of a piston of a fluid pressure single acting cylinder to maintain fluid tightness between a bottom side and a rod side of the cylinder. The U-packing has an open side facing the bottom side, and a return hole that allows communication between the open side and a non-open side. The U-packing is movable within the seal groove so that when a working fluid pressure on the bottom side is higher than a working fluid pressure on the rod side, the return hole is closed by structure of the seal groove, and when the working fluid pressure on the rod side is higher than the working fluid pressure on the bottom side, the return hole is opened. Working fluid leaked from the bottom side into the rod side can thus be returned to the bottom side of the cylinder.

Abstract: In a fuel injection valve (1) having a nozzle body (31) with a nozzle hole (35) at its tip that is opened and closed by a nozzle needle (32) housed in the nozzle body (31), the area of contact between the nozzle needle (32) and a seat (31A) on the nozzle body (31) is provided with a coating layer (Y) to reduce the frictional resistance with the nozzle body (31). When the nozzle needle (32) seats on the seat (31A), between the time from when the tip of the nozzle needle (32) contacts the seat (31A) to when it is pressed against the seat (31A), the nozzle needle (32) slides on the surface of the nozzle body (31) with low frictional resistance. As a result, wear on the seat (31A) when the nozzle needle (32) is seated to open the valve can be kept down.

Abstract: An improved support apparatus for use in machining operations on centre lathes, milling, drilling and associated metalworking equipment found in engineering workshops. The support apparatus supports internally a component that is being worked on to prevent the component from being distorted by the gripping or clamping forces exerted by a chuck or clamping device. The support apparatus is capable of accommodating variations in component size, holding different shaped cross sections, and of being held by differing shapes of existing fixtures.

Abstract: A suspension system dampens motion between two components of a vehicle, such as the wheels and the chassis. An assembly of a cylinder and a piston is connected to both components. The piston defines first and second chambers in the cylinder and has a shaft with an end surface exposed to pressure within a third chamber of the cylinder. A first accumulator is connected to the first chamber by a first accumulator valve and a second accumulator valve connects a second accumulator to the second chamber. A damping valve alternately connects the third chamber to either the second chamber or a fluid tank wherein that connection defines the stiffness of the suspension system and is made in response to force acting on the suspension system. A load leveling circuit also is described.

Abstract: A snowboard having a contoured bottom surface wherein a raised profile near the center of the bottom surface defines a pair of parallel, longitudinal channels through which snow is directed toward the tail end of the snowboard. Inboard from the tail end, aligned with at least one of the channels, an aperture is located that allows snow to be ejected vertically, forming a plume or rooster tail of snow as the rider passes over the snow.

Abstract: A lightweight, strong, sturdy, and versatile evacuation sled is disclosed. The body of the sled may be manufactured from a single piece of material, stored flat, and folded into its functioning configuration. When folded, the sled has one or more straps that help hold it in its folded configuration and allow maneuvering or carrying the sled. The sled may be readily towed with a towing harness and may be moved down an incline, such as stairs, by means of a rope and belay device. The sled has a low coefficient of friction and is lightweight, allowing the sled to be readily moved and handled without requiring the assistance of multiple people. Additional sleds with foam inserts may be provided to carry equipment such as for life support. The sled may also provide surge capacity for facilities like hospitals, as the sled is designed to be inexpensive and essentially disposable.

Abstract: A storage device for transporting equipment includes a housing having a base end, a pair of retractable wheels, and a foot operated actuator for retracting and extending the wheels from the housing. The housing defines at least one compartment for storing the equipment. The housing has a handle at an upper end thereof, an open front defining an opening into the housing, and a door for selectively closing the open front. The actuator is coupled to a lower end of the housing towards its base end. Actuation of the actuator displaces the wheels between retracted and extended positions while the housing is resting on its base end. A user while grasping the handle depresses a foot pedal component of the actuator to extend the wheels against the resiliently biased return force of a spring. A manually operated latch releases the wheels to their retracted position urged by the spring.

Abstract: A rolling infant car seat is comprised of an infant car seat, a handle, at least one wheel and a secondary handle. The infant car seat has a curved bottom surface for rocking the seat. The handle is pivotally attached to the seat and is adapted to have a plurality of locked positions. Wheels are positioned along the curved bottom surface between the floor contact area and the foot end of the seat. The wheels are shaped and positioned to allow the seat to be rocked and to allow the seat to be propelled by rolling on the wheels. The secondary handle extends from the handle and may be pivoted such that a user grasping the secondary handle may lift the bottom surface of the seat off of the floor while maintaining contact between the wheels and the floor.

Abstract: A mobile safety compliance apparatus comprising a shell with a plurality of open compartments closed by doors, a self-contained water supply system and a waste water collection system. The water supply system provides drinking water, tepid hand washing water, and water for a stowable eyewash hingedly attached to the shell. The waste water collection system collects water from the eyewash and a sink mounted in a recessed area of the shell. Doors are removable and have features to facilitate alternative uses such as a stretcher or a freestanding table. A stowable seat and table are hingedly attached to the shell. The apparatus includes an electrical system with battery backup for powering lights, water heating and refrigeration devices, and electronic communication equipment that may be mounted on the shell. The apparatus includes wheels to facilitate its movement and anchor points to secure it to the ground.

Abstract: A skateboard apparatus wherein an attached front wheel rotatable to predetermined limits through use of a stop mechanism assists the user in determining the direction of the skateboard. One or more rear wheels connected to, and whose location is adjustable on, said skateboard rotates unidirectionally frontward or backward, and a brake system attached to the underside of said platform may be used to retard the speed of said skateboard.

Abstract: A suspension that has particular application for a front axle of a heavy vehicle includes suspension arms that are better able to withstand increased brake torques that are expected to soon be mandated in heavy vehicles. In one embodiment, the suspension includes a plurality of arms pivotally connected to a vehicle frame, and rigidly secured to an axle. By utilizing the plurality of arms, simple spring elements are better able to withstand the increased brake torques.

Abstract: A vehicle step assembly uses hinged pedestals and attitude links to position step stringers and an attached step beam in a generally horizontal and elevated deployed position, while permitting a space-saving tucked-in stowed position.

Abstract: A wheelchair includes a frame, a seat and apparatus for moving the seat between lowered and raised positions, the apparatus comprising a translating mechanism having a first end and a second end. The translating mechanism is attached to the frame and the seat is attached to the second end of the translating mechanism, and the translating mechanism generates a translational movement of the seat that is forwards and upwards with respect to the frame. The apparatus further comprises assist means, wherein the said assist means generates a force component substantially parallel to the direction of translation of the said seat, to move the seat from the lowered to the raised position.

Abstract: A bicycle sprocket structure installs three pairs of embedding grooves at the periphery of an axle bushing of an axle base for installing brackets and latch members, and a plurality of latching points for latching the latch members are separated by 60 degrees. With the ratchets disposed on an internal side of the sprocket axle hole, the ratchet can be latched and linked with a pair of latch members in the shortest time, when a pedal is stepped clockwise to drive the sprocket to rotate clockwise after an idle run, so as to reduce the intermittent time and provide a smoother operation. Meanwhile, the number of latch members is increased, such that when the sprocket is latched and linked with the axle base, the remaining latch members constitute a multi-point contact support to enhance the stability of the operation and avoid damages to the related component due to a stress.

Abstract: A bicycle attachment comprises a pair of spaced rotatable wheels for engaging with a support surface, a connecting portion extending between and secured to the wheels, and a securing portion hinged relative to the connecting portion such that the securing portion is able to pivot relative to the connecting portion. The securing portion is adapted to be secured relative to a fork of a bicycle such that swiveling the fork relative to a frame of the bicycle also swivels the wheels and the connecting portion relative to the frame, and such that pivoting the securing portion relative to the connecting portion also pivots the fork relative to the connecting portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a motorcycle (1), which is equipped with a weapon (70), as well as with a front and rear wheel (5, 6) or a front ski and a rear-located track mat. The motorcycle (1) comprises a chassis member (2), a front frame (3, 4), a handlebar (9), pivoting means (10, 30, 33) fitted between the handlebar (9) and the front wheel (6) or ski. By the pivoting means (10, 30, 33) the turning motions of the handlebar (9) are transmissible to the front wheel (6) or ski. The pivoting means (10, 30, 33) are provided with suspension elements (40) for the weapon (70), by which the weapon (70) is connected to the pivoting means (10, 30, 33) for directing it by the handlebar (9).

Abstract: A footrest includes a tube, a pin and a detent. The tube includes an insert, a skid-proof section formed together with the insert, a tunnel defined therein and an aperture defined in the insert so that the aperture is in communication with the tunnel. The pin includes a recess defined therein between a slope and an upright wall. The detent is positioned in the aperture and the recess. The pin is movable in the tunnel between a first position where the slope pushes the detent so that the detent sticks from the aperture and a second position where the detent retreats in the aperture and the recess so that insert and the detent can be inserted through an aperture defined in a prong of a rear fork of a motorcycle or bicycle.

Abstract: An apparatus and system are disclosed for an expandable trailer. The apparatus, in one embodiment, is an expandable trailer that lengthens from a compact position to one of a plurality of extended positions. The trailer may comprise an axle assembly to mount a plurality of wheels, a frame having a front and a back, and an extension mechanism configured to lengthen the frame from a compact position to one of a plurality of extended positions, such that the front extends a front distance from the axle assembly and the back extends a rear distance from the axle assembly. The extension mechanism further maintains a proportionally greater front distance than the rear distance. As a result, the expandable trailer provides a properly distributed load-bearing area, with respect to the axle assembly, in the compact position as well as the various extended positions.

Abstract: A foldable electrical wheelchair having speed and braking controls operable by an accompanying person. An H-shaped chassis supports the drive wheels, a motor unit, a shock absorber, an adjustable footrest, and a battery, and provides a low center of gravity. Arms are connected to the chassis which support the seat, back, armrests, and controls selectively in an operable, locked position, while enabling the wheelchair to be folded for storage or transportation in the trunk or body of a motor vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a foldable wheeled cart system and a removable cloth bag. The wheeled cart system consists of a lightweight frame assembly and a detachable cloth bag that is secured to the frame assembly using, for example, Velcro strips positioned on the handles of the cloth bag. When the bag is removed from the frame assembly, the user may utilize the bag to transport goods independent of the frame assembly. The wheeled cart system may be folded for easy transport and storage. The present invention provides for improved control and maneuverability for a child user and avoids the dangers associated with conventional child shopping carts. In particular, the push handle and multidirectional front wheels allow even very small children such as toddlers to safely participate in the shopping experience with a feeling of independence.

Abstract: An airbag module comprises a gas generator provided with an electrical connection and an airbag provided with a gas generator opening. The gas generator opening is used to introduce the gas from the gas generator into the airbag and can be sealed with at least one fabric element. The gas generator and the electrical connection are arranged in the region of the gas generator opening. The at least one fabric element is arranged and embodied in such a way that the gas generator opening is sealed by the at least one fabric element during and/or following the airbag deployment in the region of the gas generator and/or the on the electrical connection.

Abstract: A new type of airbag cover and method for making the same is described herein. The airbag cover will generally have an insert that includes one or more logos, indicia, symbols, trademarks, etc. that denote the vehicle manufacturer. A base will then be molded around this insert. The base and the insert are made of the same (or substantially the same) materials. However, the color used for the insert will differ from the color used for the base. The fact that different colors are used means that the indicia on the insert will be visually appealing and “eye-catching” to the consumer. Once the base is molded to the insert, these two features will chemically bond together. The indicia and the base material may be chemically and/or mechanically bonded together. Generally, this bonding is accomplished such that there is a continuous fit between the insert and the base.

Abstract: A side airbag apparatus includes an inflator and an airbag. Gas discharged from the inflator inflates and deploys the airbag in a space between a vehicle door and an occupant seated on a front seat in a passenger compartment. The airbag has a tether that limits the thickness of the airbag when the airbag is inflated and deployed. The airbag has a pair of inner surfaces that face each other along the direction of the thickness. The tether bridges the inner surfaces of the airbag. A vehicle exterior joint portion, which couples the tether to the inner surface of the airbag located close to an inner surface of the body side portion, is located closer to a center of the airbag than a vehicle interior joint portion, which couples the tether to the inner surface of the airbag located far from the inner surface of the body side portion.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) helps protect an occupant (14) of a vehicle (12). The apparatus (10) includes an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (22) inflatable between a steering wheel (30) of the vehicle (12) and the vehicle occupant (14). A housing (26) helps support the protection device (22) on the steering wheel (30). A cover (40) helps conceal the protection device (22) in a stored condition on the steering wheel (30). The housing (40) includes a retainer element (132) that extends from a side wall (124) of the housing. The retainer element (132) includes a base portion (232) and a head portion (234). The cover (40) includes a retainer aperture (230) through which the head portion (234) is extendable to help secure the cover to the housing (26). The head portion (234) has a dimension that is greater than a diameter of the retainer aperture (230).

Abstract: An airbag assembly is provided including an instrument panel substrate with an outer display surface and a panel opening formed therein. A door panel is positioned over the panel opening. A chute element is positioned behind and mounted to the instrument panel substrate. It includes an upper chute mating surface mounted to the instrument panel substrate, a chute chamber orientated coincident with the panel opening, and a plurality of chute sidewalls. A living hinge assembly includes a hinge sidewall portion slidably engaged to one of the chute sidewalls, a hinge door portion attached to the hinge sidewall portion by a living hinge portion allowing them to relatively rotate. The hinge door portion is mounted to the door panel. An airbag module is mounted to the chute element and deploys upward through the chute chamber. The living hinge assembly slides upward during deployment to clear the outer display surface.

Abstract: The airbag apparatus includes an airbag folded and housed in a housing. The airbag includes an outer bag constituting an outer wall of the airbag and an inner bag disposed inside the outer bag. The inner bag includes an outlet port supplying inflation gas into the outer bag and an arm inflatable into a tapered bag contour. The arm holds down a peripheral defected region of the outer bag defected from the housing onto a top plane of a ring of a steering wheel all the while that the inner bag remains completely inflated at the operation of the airbag apparatus.

Abstract: Vehicular air bags formed from multilayer composites. The multilayer composites include a polymeric film and at least one tear resistant fabric attached to the polymeric film, and more particularly include a polymeric film, an open mesh, tear resistant fabric attached to the film and a fabric layer attached to the open mesh, tear resistant fabric. Air bags formed therefrom have low base weight, low elongation and high tear propagation resistance, protecting vehicle occupants from injury during and after air bag deployment.

Abstract: An impact energy absorbing knee bolster system is basically provided with a load input part and a deformation accepting structure. The load input part is arranged to contact a passenger's knee during a collision. The deformation accepting structure is located between a load input part and a vehicle structural member to deform in response to an impact load imparted by the passenger's knee during a collision. The deformation accepting structure includes a plurality of collapsing parts forming wedge-shaped spaces between each of the collapsing parts and the load input part. Each of the collapsing parts has an inflection point with a longitudinal position between a forward end and a rearward end with the longitudinal positions of the inflection points being different for an upper one of the collapsing parts than for a lower one of the collapsing parts.