Abstract: The invention relates to a steering apparatus for a vehicle. It includes a housing with a steering shaft having a longitudinal axis. A first bearing is interposed between the shaft and the housing, permitting rotation of the steering shaft about the axis. There is also a first wedge-shaped member that has a thin end against the first bearing and a means for biasing the first wedge-shaped member against the first bearing to take up play between the shaft and first bearing, and play within the first bearing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle suspension arm supporting structure. A receiving portion 9 is formed integrally on a subframe 5 which is formed of a light metal in such a manner as to extend transversely outwards, and a sheet steel member 15 is connected to the subframe 5 by a bolt or a nut in such a manner as to be situated below the receiving portion 9 of the subframe 5 at a predetermined interval. A base portion 13b of a suspension arm 13 is disposed between the receiving portion 9 of the subframe 5 and the sheet steel member 15, the base portion 13b of the suspension arm 13 is supported on the subframe 5 via a rubber busing joint 14 by a connecting bolt 16 which vertically passes through the receiving portion 9 of the subframe 5 and the sheet steel member 15, and the receiving portion 9 of the subframe 5 is connected to a side member 4 by the connecting bolt 16.

Abstract: A pretensioner (20) for use with a seat belt system, the pretensioner comprising: a straight first tube (22) having a cylindrical wall (22a), a first end (24) and a second end (26), at least one of the first end (24) or the second end (26) having an opening (32); the first tube includes a first opening (38) in the wall (22a) to receive a second tube (50), the second tube (50) having a first end portion (52), a second end portion (56) and a medial portion (54), the medial portion configured to have a circular curvature of radius R1; the second end portion is situated so that its center is collinear with a central axis (64) extending through the center of the first tube (22) and wherein an axis extending through the center of the first end portion is arranged at an acute angle relative to the central axis (64); a pyrotechnic element (40) is provided at one end of the first tube to provide products of combustion to drive a piston (100) down the first tube, the motion of the piston moving a cable (80) in a direct

Abstract: A ski pole strap entry device including a base member having a first side and an opposing second side, and a retainer disposed on the base member for engaging a portion of a ski pole strap. The first side includes an arcuate-shaped surface that is sized and configured to receive a portion of a user's hand, wrist, or both.

Abstract: A device for preventing spray from emerging from the wheels of vehicles comprises a panel (4) that is adapted to be mounted substantially vertically behind a vehicle wheel (3) for receiving on a first side water released by the wheel (3) as it rotates. The panel (4) includes at least one passage (6) which leads from the first side to a rear second side of the panel (4). The or each passage (6) is other than normal to the plane of the panel (4). There is at least one water-collecting pocket (7A, 7B, 7C) along the side of the or each passage (6). In use, air and water enter the or each passage (6) and are separated so that air passes through the or each passage (6) and mixes with ambient air and water collects in the at least one water-collecting pocket (7A, 7B, 7C).

Abstract: The present invention is a book that includes a front cover, a rear cover, a plurality of pages and binding. The binding mechanically couples the front cover, the rear cover and the pages together. Each page has content material that has been rotated ninety degrees so that a very young baby who spends most of his time awake lying on his back can see the content material from a right angle since his view of the content material corresponds to the baby's perspective.

Abstract: Oversized pages are printed and bound on one edge instead of at the center. The printed cover is also bound to the pages at the same edge. The pages are folded in half as a group. The cover has been engineered to have enough space to go around the pages completely including two scored folds which imitate a book spine.

Abstract: A personalized fan certificate having a displayable sports/entertainment/event logo, a team/entertainer/event name, as well as a personalized fan name or affiliation printed on the certificate. The personalized fan certificate allows a fan to have an entertainer/team/event/season/ticket holder status/charity sponsored certification of loyalty, and includes on the certificate the selected logo, decal, or indica of the object of the loyalty, along with text that represents a particular sport, athlete, or entertainer. Each certificate may contain a gold seal with embossed text, and may be printed on certificate paper which in any size. The certificate may in addition contain logos or insignia of larger organizations to which the object of fan loyalty in turn belongs, such as logos of sports leagues, studios, event sponsors or the like.

Abstract: A method of producing a security document or article including a substrate (100), which is transparent at least to visible light, and a diffractive optical microstructure (112). The method includes applying an opacifying layer (102) to at least one surface of the transparent substrate (100). An area of the opacifying layer (102) is exposed to laser radiation (108) to ablate apertures (110) in selected portions of the opacifying layer (102), thereby forming a diffractive optical microstructure (112) on the surface of the substrate (100). The laser radiation may be patterned prior to exposing the opacifying layer (102), for example by passing the radiation through a mask (104). Alternatively, a focussed or collimated laser beam (206) may be directed onto the selected portions of the opacifying layer (102). Laser radiation may be directed onto the opacifying layer (102) either directly, or through the transparent substrate (100).

Abstract: A fluid coupling with a rotating outer collar includes keys or tabs which engage keyways or slots to prevent rotation of the outer collar.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for quickly disconnecting a wetted parts subassembly from a paint spray gun wherein the wetted parts subassembly includes a spray tip, pump cylinder and piston and paint cup components including a pump housing cylinder support carrying the pump cylinder and having a pair of protrusions formed on a pump housing cylinder support, a frame having a pair of slots aligned to receive the protrusions when the pump housing cylinder support is received in the frame, a locking lever pivotably attached to the frame adjacent at least one of the slots and movable between a latched position wherein the pump housing cylinder support is retained to the frame, and an unlatched position wherein the pump housing cylinder support is removable from the frame.

Abstract: A radially expandable multiple tubular member apparatus includes a first tubular member and a second tubular member engaged with the first tubular member forming a joint. A sleeve overlaps and couples the first and second tubular members at the joint.

Abstract: An endform connector having an axial bore through which a fluid is conveyed comprising: a rigid tubular member having a first end, a second end, an annular channel having an inner diameter extending from the first end to the second end through which a fluid is transported, a stem portion extending a fixed distance from the first end, and at least one sealing member extending outward from the stem portion forming a surface having a tapered profile terminating in an outwardly extending rim, which exhibits an ellipsoidal perimeter adapted to be inserted into an inner channel of a fluid transport hose, wherein the endform connector is sealed to a fluid transport hose; and a connector portion on the second end adapted to be coupled with a second fluid conveying structure, and a method for assembling an endform connector to a hose are described.

Abstract: An endform connector having an axial bore through which a fluid is conveyed comprising: a rigid tubular member having a first end, a second end, an annular channel having an inner diameter extending from the first end to the second end through which a fluid is transported, a stem portion extending a fixed distance from the first end, and at least one sealing member extending outward from the stem portion forming a surface having a tapered profile terminating in an outwardly extending rim, which exhibits an asymmetric perimeter adapted to be inserted into an inner channel of a fluid transport hose, wherein the endform connector is sealed to a fluid transport hose; and a connector portion on the second end adapted to be coupled with a second fluid conveying structure, and a method for assembling an endform connector to a hose are described.

Abstract: The female rapid coupling element (A) is adapted to receive a male element (B) by insertion along a longitudinal axis (X-X?). It is equipped with at least one locking member (40), movable on an oblique axis (X27-X?27) and provided with an end (40b) intended to be engaged in a groove (16) of a male element (B). A head (40e) of the member is provided with at least one lug defining a first surface (40h), oriented towards the end (40b) and adapted to receive in sliding contact a corresponding surface (33b) of a first component (33). The sliding plane (P1) between these surfaces (40h, 33b) is inclined at an angle of between around 75° and 105° with respect to the axis (X27-X?27) of translation of the member (40). According to the invention, the head (40e) has two lugs arranged on either side of a rod for connection between the end (40b) and the head.

Abstract: An axially sealing system connectable by screwing, for connecting fluid-passed conduits, is disclosed, wherein the system has a uniform sealing effect over wide temperature ranges, and wherein a reliability, an ease of assembly, and an adaptability to various operating conditions of the system are maximized, and an amount of materials and a cost of production thereof are minimized.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coupling of the sort comprising at least one clamping jaw (11) adapted to be mounted on a first element (2) to couple the latter to a second element (3) by clamping the second element (3) against the first element (2), the clamping or releasing of the second element (3) resulting from a translational movement following an axis (34), while the disengagement or capture of this second element is due to a rotational movement of the clamping jaw (11) about the same axis (34), the clamping jaw comprising a bore (18) having a threaded part (19) forming a nut (13) in which is engaged an actuation bolt (12) defining said axis (34) and able to drive the clamping jaw (11) in translation following the latter, characterized in that the torque limitation means (25, 28) able to engage the actuation bolt (12) and the clamping jaw (11), by means of the bore (18) of this clamping jaw (11), allow the transmission of the rotational movement of the actuation bolt (12) directly to the clamping jaw (11) a

Abstract: A method for forming a duct interconnect generally includes providing a digital model of a first duct structure and a second duct structure, the first duct structure including a first duct section having a passage for conveying a substance and an interconnect component moveably and captively coupled to the duct section. The second duct structure includes a second duct structure and a second interconnect component. The process includes forming, via a direct manufacturing procedure (e.g., stereolithography), a physical model of the first duct and second structures in accordance with the digital models, wherein the interconnect component has a locked and unlocked state, and wherein the unlocked state corresponds to a predetermined compressive force between the first duct structure and a second duct structure.

Abstract: The method for creating energy sources for a vehicle drive system includes burning an air fuel mixture in an internal combustion engine and discharging the burned air fuel mixture through an exhaust system of the vehicle. Steam is created utilizing heat of the exhaust system. The steam is passed through a generator, which supplies mechanical or electrical power to an appropriate drive system of the vehicle. Hydrogen can be created utilizing the steam and a catalyst substrate. Wind turbines mounted to the vehicle can also supply electricity to the vehicle as air passes through the turbines due to movement of the vehicle.

Abstract: A system for generating electricity from fluid currents having one or more trolleys that move along a closed-loop track as a result of the action of fluid currents on one or more blades attached to each trolley. Spacing between trolleys is preferably maintained by a spacing ring to which the trolleys are attached. Optionally, one or more blades made be attached to the spacing ring. The trolleys are supported and guided either by wheels or magnetic levitation. Electrical energy is preferably created by the movement of magnets in an electrical ring attached to the trolleys with respect to a conductor connected to the track.

Abstract: A wind turbine 36 has a back-to-back AC/DC/AC power electronic converter chain in which the grid side converter 48 is connected in series with DFIG stator windings 64. The machine side converter 56 is fed from the rotor windings 54 of the DFIG 44. Series connection of the grid side converter 48 enables voltage sag ride-through capability via control of the stator flux. In the event of a grid voltage sag, the series converter allows for a controlled response in the stator flux and electromagnetic shaft torque, protects the machine side converter and enables continued power delivery to the grid.

Abstract: In order to increase the power generated by a windmill by 10 to 20 times, you will have to increase the number of wheel by 10 to 20 times on both sides of the post. The wheels will be welded to the same shaft that turns to generate power. The wheels and the shaft will be similar to an air turbine.

Abstract: A spring activated energy transducer is provided. The energy transducer of the current invention generates alternating current (A/C) electricity from abundant external natural forces. The energy transducer is comprised of an upper part and a lower part. The upper part is comprised of a housing, a helix metal spring, a first circular board, a second circular board, pluralities of permanent magnets embedded to the second circular board, a third circular board with pluralities of permanent magnets facing the permanent magnets embedded in the second circular board with same magnetic pole, an upper metal shaft welded to the third circular board, four arc-shaped springs welded to the third circular board, and four wheel sets rotatably attached to one end of the spring.

Abstract: A linear generator which generates electric energy by reciprocal movement of magnets with inductive coils is provided. The linear generator has a plurality of elongate inductive coils, a plurality of magnets inserted into the respective inductive coils and slidable between two opposing ends of the inductive coils, a pulley assembly connected to top ends of the magnets, and an elevating motor generating and applying a lifting force to the magnets through the pulley assembly. The pulley assembly is operative to provide 1:N mechanical advantage, where N is preferably an even integer larger than 1. The pulley assembly is connected to the magnets by a plurality of rigid cables, rods, or strings, and a cable connected to the elevating motor is reeved through the pulley assembly, so as to exert a lifting force to the magnets via the pulleys.

Abstract: The present invention provides an engine-driven synchronous power generator that selects the operation state with respect to the load of the power generator by controlling the revolution. The electronic governor 4 includes a target revolution determining unit 10 including a storage 101 for providing a constant target engine revolution irrespective of the load current, and a map 102 for providing the target engine revolution corresponding to the load. The target revolution corresponding to the revolution of no-load operation and loaded operation is set in the map 102. The storage 101 or the map 102 is selected by operating a switch 9. A governor motor 14 is controlled so that the actual engine revolution calculated in an engine revolution calculator 7 converges to the target revolution. An automotive voltage regulator (AVR) 15 for controlling the output voltage of the power generator 1 constant irrespective of the load is provided.

Abstract: A bearing pin (1) for locking pieces (2, 21, 22), in particular a motor vehicle door lock (3), in which the locking pieces (2, 21, 22) are at least partially rotationally mounted on the bearing pin (1) forming a bearing axis (L), comprising a carrier plate (4) which is made of a shape-retaining material, in particular metal, and which supports at least one locking piece (2, 21, 22), and from which a clip-shaped form (41) is formed in essentially the axial direction of the bearing axis (L) with the bearing pin (1) being formed by means of plastic extrusion coating (5) about the clip-shaped form (41).

Abstract: A motor vehicle bumper that has enhanced energy absorption characteristics and that includes one or more unique geometry configurations that extend “softer” energy absorbing surfaces forward in the system while nesting more “rigid” energy absorbing surfaces more rearward only to come into effect when higher energy impacts are observed. The dual energy absorption may be achieved using a number of configurations and/or methods or a combination of several. In one or more embodiments, the wall thickness of the material used in the component or components may be varied, materials having different stiffness properties may be used, and/or geometries of different depth and section stiffness may be alternated across the bumper system.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a vehicle door protection system is provided. The system includes a compressible pad having memory, wherein the compressible pad defines a first opening there through, a user-removable tether having a first end looped through the first opening, and an anchor is slidably coupled to the tether so that the tether length between the anchor and the compressible pad is user adjustable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a golf disc retriever attached to an elongating handle having a substantially U-shaped rigid frame with space between adjacent upper and lower legs of the U-shaped frame to allow the passage of the rimmed edge of a golf disc into the confines thereof and to be captured, by its rimmed edge, with a movable upward acting, spring actuated rigid plate member attached to the lower leg by a integral hinge, so as to retrieve golf discs from relatively inaccessible places which include water hazards, tree hazards and the like.

Abstract: A resilient clip-on handle for mounting on propane bottles includes a unitary resilient sheet including a base member and backing member mounted contiguous to each other so as to be de-formable to a position substantially orthogonally relative to each other. The backing member fits through an opening in a valve protecting collar on a propane bottle. The backing member is sized and shaped so that, when deformed, it may be mounted to lie flush along the underside of a rigid flange extending outwardly from the collar above the opening in the collar. When so deformed, the base and backing members form a common edge therebetween in an interior corner between the base member and backing member. The interior corner snugs against the seam between the flange and the collar. A distal end of the base member, when mounted on the flange, is coextensive with the distal end of the flange.

Abstract: A bag grip includes a movable jaw for securing handles of plastic or other bags therein. A battery powered light is contained within the body of the grip for use at night or other times when artificial light is required. The grip is molded from a conventional durable plastic and will allow the user to easily, manually transport multiple shopping or other bags having handles. A shoulder strap is attached to the body for additional convenience while carrying heavy loads.

Abstract: A bag grip includes a movable jaw for securing handles of plastic or other bags therein. A battery powered light is contained within the body of the grip for use at night or other times when artificial light is required. The grip is molded from a conventional durable plastic and will allow the user to easily, manually transport multiple shopping or other bags having handles. A shoulder strap is attached to the body for additional convenience while carrying heavy loads.

Abstract: A method of forming a trim panel is provided comprising molding an interior panel substrate including a main body portion, a lock portion molded as a portion of the interior panel substrate and having a locking element, a first living hinge positioned between the lock portion and the main body portion, a lock engagement portion, and a second living hinge positioned between the lock engagement portion and the main line portion. The method molds an exterior cover stock, including a belt line skin portion, onto an outer surface of the interior panel substrate. The lock portion is rotated about the first living hinge to trap the belt line skin portion between the lock portion and the lock engagement portion in order to create a mechanical skin lock. The lock engagement portion is then rotated about the second living hinge towards an inner surface of the interior panel substrate.

Abstract: A cargo support apparatus for a truck bed includes a forward support assembly capable of being at least partially stowed within the front wall of the truck bed and a rear support assembly capable of being at least partially stowed within the tailgate. The forward and rear support assemblies include respective horizontal support members for supporting cargo above the truck bed. The forward and rear support assemblies may be capable of assuming stowed and deployed configurations independently of each other. The support assemblies can include telescoping members for elevating the horizontal support members. Raised stop members may be included to prevent cargo from sliding from the horizontal members.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for operably coupling a vehicle cab to a vehicle. The system includes a damping mount configured to at least partially inhibit transmission of shocks and vibrations from the vehicle to the vehicle cab. The system further includes a mounting stud configured to operably couple the damping mount to one of the vehicle and the vehicle cab. The system further includes at least one stop member configured to limit at least one of load on the mounting stud and separation of the vehicle cab from the vehicle. The system further includes at least one fastener configured to operably couple the at least one stop member and the damping mount to the other of the vehicle and the vehicle cab.

Abstract: A glove box is provided comprising an instrument panel substrate and a door panel rotatably mounted thereto. A push button assembly includes a latch element movable between a door panel engagement position and a door panel release position. The assembly farther includes a push button element including a button activation surface having a button height and a button width. The push button is in communication with the latch element to move it into the door panel release position. A rigid button housing is included having a rigid perimeter surrounding the button activation surface. The button height is insufficient to allow knee intrusion activation.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus which extends a rear box on a truck. A pair of opposing supplemental sidewalls perpendicularly extend from opposing lateral side edges on the truck tailgate. Thus, when the tailgate is opened, the interior surface of the tailgate becomes a planar extension of the truck bed, which in turn extends the length of the truck bed. At the same time the opposing supplemental sidewalls extend the length of the rear box opposing sidewalls. A supplemental tailgate folds into a superposed position over the interior surface of the tailgate when the tail gate is closed. When the tailgate is opened, the supplemental tailgate opens into a ramp and then is folded to perpendicularly extend from a rear edge of the tailgate to form a supplemental tail gate. Thus, the overall length and volume of the rear box is extended.

Abstract: A walk-in device for a vehicle seat in which the vehicle seat provided with a lifting mechanism is moved forward in conjunction with the forward folding of a seatback.

Abstract: A window assembly having photochromatic properties is described. The window assembly includes a substrate being adjacent to a coating. A photochromatic film is located between the substrate and the coating, whereby the photochromatic film darkens when the window assembly is exposed to ultraviolet light.

Abstract: A retractable canopy system for a light-weight utility vehicle is provided. The system comprises a mounting frame that includes a pair of legs. An upper portion of each leg can be frictionally retained between a pair of corresponding vehicle roof support side struts. Distal ends of each mounting frame leg can be fixedly connected to a fixed structure of the vehicle. At least one deployment frame can be pivotally connected to the mounting frame legs and a canopy can be attached to the mounting frame and the deployment frame. Thus, the canopy can be transitioned between a stowed position and a deployed position by moving the deployment frame.

Abstract: A shield that comes in a web and which is easily cut and customized to the desired shape and size to protect any particular part of the vehicle. The shield can be multilayered to protect the finish of the vehicle from nicks as well as from UV rays.

Abstract: This arrangement relates to an operating and control means for a shade arrangement, especially for a vehicle roof with a transparent roof surface, the shade arrangement comprising at least one shade with a shade roller and a shade fabric which can be unrolled therefrom by means of an electric actuator against the forms of a return spring assigned to the shade roller, and the shade roller with entrainment of the shade fabric being movable in side guide rails in order to move the shade surface formed by the unrolled shade fabric. As claimed in the invention, the operating means for this shade arrangement comprises a first switch arrangement (56) for setting the size of the shading surface formed by the shade fabric by taking up and unrolling the shade fabric, and a second switch arrangement (58) for moving the shading surface as a whole without changing its size.

Abstract: The present invention in one embodiment provides a door structure that includes a door shell having an exterior panel and an interior panel; an anti-intrusion beam positioned between the interior panel and the exterior panel of the door shell; a hinge end casting positioned at a first end of the door shell connected to a first end of the anti-intrusion beam through the interior panel; a lock end casting positioned at a second end of the door shell connected to a second end of the anti-intrusion beam through the interior panel; and a door hardware module mounted to the exterior face of the interior panel.

Abstract: A sliding door system for a vehicle with a vehicle body having a door opening and a sliding door (3), comprises a guide rail (1) which can be mounted at or in the vehicle body in the proximity of the door opening, a guide element (2) which is displaceable along the guide rail (1) and which is connected to the sliding door (3) by way of a holding arm (5), a line receiving means (15) of pivotably interconnected members (16) for receiving and guiding electric lines (20) from a connection on the vehicle body to a connection at the sliding door (3), wherein the line receiving means (15) is guided in a guide device. In order to provide such a sliding door system which has a space-saving structure and which is suitable for the subsequent installation of a line receiving means (15) for the energy supply for the sliding door (3) it is proposed that the guide device for the line receiving means (15) is integrated into the guide rail (1) for the guide element (2) of the sliding door (3).

Abstract: A wind deflector and screened ventilation system with cigarette egress passageway is designed to releasably attach to a vehicle door. The device includes a deflector, screen, and cigarette egress passageway. The deflector has a deflector attachment portion and a wind deflection portion. The wind deflection portion includes a wind deflection portion proximal edge projection distance. The deflector attachment portion releasably attaches the deflector to the vehicle door, while the wind deflection portion deflects wind. The screen has a screen attachment portion and a screen ventilation portion. The screen ventilation portion includes a screen ventilation portion proximal edge projection distance. The screen attachment portion releasably attaches the screen to the deflector. A cigarette egress passageway is formed in the screen to permit a cigarette to pass from a screen ventilation portion interior surface to a screen ventilation portion exterior surface.

Abstract: An exterior vehicle door is guided in a sliding manner in guide rails. At least one guide rail is provided which is mounted fixedly on the vehicle body and which includes a first section extending diagonally to the door plane and a second section extending approximately parallel to the door plane. A door guide rail is arranged on the vehicle door in the region of its lower edge. The body-mounted door rail is arranged in the region of an upper edge of the vehicle door.

Abstract: A wing door opening/closing apparatus including a link mechanism and a spring for swinging up a wing door 1. This wing door opening/closing apparatus is made up by plural wing door opening/closing devices A and B. The disparity of the moments generated by one wing door opening/closing device A in the plural wing door opening/closing devices A and B is compensated by a moment generated by the other wing door opening/closing device B.

Abstract: A motor vehicle chassis for a motor vehicle with a longitudinal support beam and with a crashbox introduced into the longitudinal supporting beam, in that state when it is separated from the longitudinal supporting beam, is narrower than two opposing walls of the longitudinal supporting beam. By virtue of this the crashbox can be simply inserted into the longitudinal supporting beam. After assembly the lateral shell parts of the crashbox are pre-tensioned against the walls of the longitudinal supporting beam. By virtue of this the crashbox) is firmly joined with the longitudinal supporting beam.

Abstract: A motor vehicle chassis for a motor vehicle has an adapter element to join an aluminum crashbox to a longitudinal supporting beam. To accommodate one end of the crashbox the adapter element has a pot-shaped design and introduced into the longitudinal supporting beam. Due to this the motor vehicle chassis is particularly simple to construct.

Abstract: An object is to enhance the sound absorbing functions of an interior member, and furthermore, to increase ease of assemblv of the interior member, and the interior member for the cab is integrally formed so as to have a laminated structure where a sound absorbing material is contained between an outer layer material and a foundation body panel, or inside a foundation body panel. In addition, such an interior member is formed in accordance with a reaction injection molding method.