Abstract: A tape cartridge that has a clamp force to a block body and that secures a leader tape to a leader block is provided. Nail portions (63a, 64a) formed on the outer surface sides of a pair of leg portions (63, 64) of a clamper (36?) are secured to securing grooves (53, 54) formed on side walls of a assembling concave portion (50) of a block body (40) to secure the block body (40) and the clamper (36?). At this point, with concave grooves (73, 74) and a reinforcement rib (75) formed on an inner surface side of a base portion (60) that composes the clamper (36?) in the elongation direction of the leg portions 63 and 64. Thus, when the clamper (36?) is pushed, it can be prevented from being damaged and a desired clamp force can be obtained.

Abstract: A seatbelt retractor is disclosed having a frame, a spindle, a tread head and a torsion bar. The frame is attached to a structure of a vehicle. The spindle is rotatably supported by the frame. The tread head is matingly coupled to the spindle for relative rotational movement therewith and the tread head is rotationally fixable relative to the frame. The torsion bar has a torsion bar first end fixed to a first spindle end and a torsion bar second end fixed to the tread head and the torsion bar has a protrusion that selectively engages the spindle after the tread head has been fixed and the spindle has rotated a predefined angle ? relative to the fixed tread head.

Abstract: A storage apparatus for decorative and holiday lights. The storage apparatus has a central rod with two disc-shaped ends, with the rod having a plurality of nodules. Each of the ends has a groove for insertion of an end of a string of decorative and holiday lights. The entire string of decorative and holiday lights can be wound around the rod, taking care to separate successive wrappings around the central rod by using the spacing of the nodules.

Abstract: The rewinding machine for the formation of logs (L) of web material (N) wound on a core (A), includes a first winder roller (15) around which the web material (N) is fed, and a second winder roller (17) forming, with the first winder roller, a nip (19) through which the core (A) and the web material (N) pass. A web material-severing device (43) cooperates with the first roller (15). Located upstream of the nip (19), with respect to the direction of movement of the web material (N), is a surface (33) defining, with the roller (15), a channel (39) into which the core (A) is inserted. A conveyor (47; 57; 67) introduces a core into the channel (39). The material-severing device (43) cooperates with the roller (15) along the channel (39) between the region of insertion of a new core and the nip (19).

Abstract: A cable lock alarm spool which attaches to a cable lock alarm to increase the cable storage capacity includes an ovular track, parallel containing walls connected to and surrounding said ovular track, distally positioned lock access channels through said track, and a cable access channel through said track. Cable lock alarm spool can also include a plurality of cable storage slots, located on the outer circumference of said parallel containing walls.

Abstract: A surveillance aircraft recharging system based on energy collection by magnetic induction from the current flowing in a randomly selected alternating current transmission line conductor. The charging energy originates in the magnetic field surrounding the current carrying conductor and is obtained by way of a laminated magnetic circuit surrounding the current carrying conductor and disposable in both an open and transmission line receiving state and a closed and energy collecting state upon command. Latching of the magnetic structure into a condition providing physical suspension stability for the host aircraft as well as an efficient magnetic circuit are provided. Latching of the magnetic structure includes a docking aircraft kinetic energy storage sequence assisting in aircraft deceleration and also providing saved energy useful during an undocking sequence.

Abstract: A takeoff assist device for an air vehicle, such as an unmanned air vehicle is provided. The device features an electric motor and is much less complex and lighter than takeoff assist devices heretofore known. A body member is shaped to fit to a portion of the air vehicle. The body member defines a housing in which the majority of the components are housed, including the electric motor, a motor controller, an electrical power source and a main controller. A propeller is attached to a shaft of the electric motor outside of the housing and rotates with a shaft of the electric motor. In addition, there is a latch mechanism that removeably attaches the body member to the host air vehicle for takeoff, and then is controlled to release from the air vehicle after it is airborne at a desired airspeed and altitude.

Abstract: An aircraft incorporates a lift system for guiding a lift cabin. The lift cabin 21 is capable of servicing several decks in the aircraft. A guiding structure is mounted inside the aircraft fuselage 1 by mounting it to the floor and deck structures, while allowing for strains between the floor and the deck in the vertical direction. The lift cabin is capable of travelling down to the ground if a door in the underside of the fuselage is provided. The lift cabin is arranged on the guiding structure using a bogie truck mounted on the lift cabin, and the bogie truck may be actively connected with profile rails of the guiding structure via roll blocks. The part of the bogie truck carrying the roll blocks or other guiding element may remain within the fuselage, when the cabin is positioned on the ground.

Abstract: A cable management device includes a clamping mechanism (110) suitable for attachment to a surface. The clamping mechanism comprises an annular portion (111) having an outside surface (114), an inside surface (115) that forms a perimeter of a cavity (118) interior to the annular portion, a first terminus (116), and a second terminus (117) disposed opposite the first terminus. The first terminus and the second terminus define a gap (151) between them. In one embodiment, the cable management device further comprises a membrane (120, 220) attached to the clamping mechanism at the inside surface, where the membrane contains a first opening (121). In the same or another embodiment, the cable management device further comprises a slot (140) in the annular portion of the clamping mechanism. Both the membrane and the slot enhance the cable management features of the cable management device.

Abstract: A device is for releasably mounting a bundle of bags on a wall. The device has a wall-mounted suspension fitting. One rear major surface of the bag bundle is connected to a sheet which is parallel with said bundle and which is adapted for releasably co-action with the fitting. The bags are releasably connected to said sheet at there respective opening regions. The sheet has an opening midway of its width and the fitting has upwardly directed clip-finger that includes in an upper portion of its side facing towards the wall a projection that can be received in the opening in the sheet. The projection has two vertically separated oblique surfaces which are mutually convergent in a direction towards said wall for co-action with the upper and lower edges of the sheet opening.

Abstract: A collapsible device for holding a bag with integrated handles open for the purpose of filling the bag.

Abstract: An electronic device and an adjustment mechanism thereof. The electronic device includes a housing, an adjusting member, a lifting assembly, and a driving assembly. The adjusting member is moveably connected to the housing. The lifting assembly connects the adjusting member and the housing to move the adjusting member with respect to the housing. The driving assembly connects the lifting assembly and the housing to drive the lifting assembly to move the adjusting member. Thus, the housing is adjusted.

Abstract: A fixation member, made of a single piece of elastic material, used for mounting an object to a frame, and in particular for mounting an automotive lamp in a reflector housing, includes a first portion and a second portion interconnected by first spring means. The first portion comprise first catch means for engaging with a frame to which the fixation member is to be fixed after the first portion is pushed towards the second portion, while the first spring means pushes the second portion against the frame. The first portion furthermore comprises second catch means for engaging with corresponding catch means of the second portion when the first portion is pushed further towards said second portion against an increasing force of the first spring means, whereby the catch means retracts and thereby disengages from the frame. The second portion is provided with second spring means for abutting against the frame thereby pushing the second portion in a direction away from the frame.

Abstract: A mount for attaching a flat screen display panel is disclosed in which a wall bracket is attached to a support surface, a panel bracket is secured to a display panel, and the two brackets then cooperate to securely affix the display panel to the support surface while allowing subsequent lateral and pivotal adjustment.

Abstract: A seat sliding device comprises a lower rail fixed at a stationary part and extending in a seat longitudinal direction, an upper rail fixed at a seat and slidably guided by the lower rail, a lock mechanism for locking and unlocking a slidable movement of the upper rail to the lower rail in order to adjust a position of the seat relative to the stationary part, the lock mechanism being attached at the upper rail, and a memory mechanism for returning the seat, which has moved to a forefront seat position from an occupant's seated position during a walk-in operation, to the occupant's seated position, the memory mechanism having a memory rail positioned at a distance from at least one of the lower rail and the upper rail and a memory slide configured to be fixed to the memory rail and to be slidably movable relative to the memory rail.

Abstract: A tool kit structure including a tool kit having a bottom box and an upper cover. One side of the upper cover is formed with a recessed section. Two lateral sides of the recessed section are respectively formed with two longitudinally extending lugs opposite to each other. A hanging block is connected with a bottom of the recessed section. The hanging block is conveniently closable/openable. The hanging block is formed with a hanging hole for hanging the tool kit for exhibition. The top of the upper cover is formed with a turning depression near the side of the upper cover. After the hanging block is closed into the recessed section, the turning depression serves as a turning space for a user to easily turn the hanging block. By means of the hanging block, the tool kit can be horizontally placed or vertically hung.

Abstract: A form is disclosed for cooking items, such as pancakes, in a specified shape. The form may include a sidewall defining the specified shape. One or more handles may be attached to the sidewall to facilitate handling of the form. The handles may be configured to be folded and to reduce the amount of heat conducted through them. The form may be constructed by cutting an aluminum alloy material into strips. Holes may be formed in the ends of the strips and the strips may be heated for a specified time to soften them for being formed in the desired shape. The ends of the strips may be joined together using fasteners through the holes. Forms constructed in this manner may reduce the sticking of material to the forms, and the forms may be durable to last for repeated use over a long period of time.

Abstract: The invention includes a bi-directional air release valve for the tank system of a motor vehicle having an inlet opening, an outlet opening, a valve seat placed between the openings, and a closure element. In a closed position the closure element blocks the flow communication between the inlet and outlet openings and in its opened position releases the blockage. The closure element is activated by a motor such that it may be adjusted to bring about optional intervening positions.

Abstract: A motor-operated valve assembly has a housing, a motor, a driving force transmission means and a valve member. The housing has a fluid passage therein. The motor is installed in the housing. The driving force transmission means has an output rotor rotatably supported by the housing and transmits a driving force of the motor to the output rotor. The valve member is supported by the housing between the motor and the output rotor to be slidable in an axial direction thereof and engaged with the output rotor so that the output rotor slides the valve member to open and close the fluid passage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a motorized pulley (1) with a cylindrical cable connector (10) comprising a cylindrical drum (5) that is mounted rotatably about a shaft (11) and is configured for being fixedly mounted on supporting means, said cylindrical drum (5) delimiting an interior space intended for receiving an electric motor (20) for producing a rotating movement of the drum about the shaft (11), and wherein said shaft comprises a cylindrical recess (9) configured at an end of the shaft (11) for receiving the cylindrical cable connector (10) that is electrically coupled to said electric motor (20). Hereby a motorized pulley is accomplished that has a cable connector able to allow for tolerances deriving from the manufacture of the individual parts and mounting tolerances in the motorized pulley with the cable connector.

Abstract: A hoist assembly for use with an elevating device, such as a ladder, comprises a base structured for mounting the hoist assembly to the ladder or other elevating device. The hoist assembly includes a spool which is disposed in a normally secured orientation relative to the base, and includes an elongated member, such as a rope, wire, line, etc. attached thereto and movable therewith. A release mechanism is provided to permit the spool to be at least temporarily released from its normally secured orientation, thereby allowing the spool and the elongated member affixed thereto to move relative to the base, for example, in a rotating manner. The release mechanism includes a cogwheel having one or more cogs structured to engage a release plate structured to retain the spool in its normally secured orientation relative to the base.

Abstract: A heavy duty wheeled vehicle for an industrial environment is electrically driven by one or more switched reluctance motor traction drive system connected to the wheels. The switched reluctance motors are powered by an electrical generator that is driven by an engine, such as a diesel engine, which may run at a substantially constant RPM. A digital control system provides operator displays and controls power conversion from the generator, as well as providing maintenance and control functions for the switched reluctance motors. A heavy-duty hoisting apparatus electrically drives a hoisting mechanism using an SR motor, providing power for lifting a load. The heavy-duty hoisting apparatus may include an engine and generator or provide power to the SR motor from an external source.

Abstract: A carbonating apparatus includes an elongated carbonation chamber defining a longitudinal axis and having an inlet end and an outlet end. A manifold assembly is provided at the inlet end of the carbonation chamber. The manifold assembly includes a manifold body having an outlet end connected to the inlet end of the carbonation chamber and an inlet end. A liquid passage and a carbon dioxide passage extend in a direction between the inlet and outlet ends of the manifold body in communication with the inlet end of the carbonation chamber. At least one check valve is disposed inside the liquid passage within the manifold body. At least one check valve is disposed inside the carbon dioxide passage within the manifold body.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly bearing with hydraulic damping, especially for supporting engines and/or gearboxes in motor vehicles. Said bearing comprises a working chamber (10) and a compensation chamber (20) which respectively have partially elastically deformable walls (30, 40) and are separated by a dividing wall (50), but interconnected by means of a damping channel (60) through which a fluid is guided, in addition to another passage opening (14) which can be variably adjusted from outside. According to the invention, a decoupling device for insulating high-frequency, low-amplitude vibrations is provided in the dividing wall (50), the other passage opening (14) being arranged upstream or downstream of said decoupling device.

Abstract: A method of making a curved compression spring comprising the steps of: providing a monolithic preform having first and second end portions with a curved mid-portion therebetween, with the preform being formed from an elastomer which is free of spring-like characteristics, and with the preform having an initial predetermined length defined by a longitudinal distance between first and second end portions, and wherein the elastomer from which the preform is formed has a molecular structure along with a ratio of plastic strain to elastic strain greater than 1.5 to 1; and, working the preform so as to orient the molecular structure of the elastomer in at least one direction while transmuting the preform into a compression spring.

Abstract: There is provided a sheet processing apparatus that is capable of allowing a decrease in the speed at which sheets are discharged to a stacking device even if sheets are conveyed into the sheet processing apparatus at short time intervals, or capable of eliminating the necessity of using an aligning device that can perform each alignment at a high speed, or capable of reducing the number of times of operations to be performed by the aligning device, and an image forming apparatus that is provided with the sheet processing apparatus. A plurality of sheets being conveyed is superposed. The sheets conveyed from the sheet superposing device are stacked. The sheets stacked in the stacking device are aligned. A sheet superposing device superposes a plurality of sheets being conveyed. A stacking device stacks thereon the sheets conveyed from said sheet superposing device are stacked. An aligning device aligns the sheets stacked in said stacking device.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus to reverse a sheet, includes a branched conveyance path branched from a connection point between an entry and conveyance path and a reversal and conveyance path provided downstream of the entry and conveyance path. When a sheet conveyor feeds the sheet from the entry and conveyance path into the reversal and conveyance path, a controller controls a gate member to be opened on the basis of a detection result of a sensor to detect the sheet until a leading edge of the sheet passes the gate member, switches the gate member to be closed before a trailing edge of the sheet reaches the gate member, subsequently switches a sheet reversing and conveying member to rotate reversely after the trailing edge of the sheet passes the gate member, thereby feeding the sheet into the branched conveyance path.

Abstract: A spiral slot stacker has a two-part stripper 2 for stripping out sheet material from a stacker wheel 1. The two parts 2a, 2b of the stripper are movable. A first part 2a of the stripper is moved out of the stacker wheel together with the last bank note 100 to be stacked in such a way, that only the last bank note is stripped out and the next bank note 101 remains in the stacker wheel. The second part 2b of the stripper at this stage rotates along with the stacker wheel and will not be locked in the strip-out position until the spiral slot stacker is prepared for stacking a next bank-note stack. The bank notes, in the meanwhile supplied to the stacker wheel, are stripped out from the stacker wheel by the second part 2b of the stripper, while the first part 2a of the stripper is moved back to the strip-out position. By this method a collision of the first part of the stripper with the bank notes located in the stacker wheel is prevented.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of, and an apparatus for, stabilizing and positioning sheet like articles (16), in particular printed products. In order to prevent the products from buckling and fanning out, the position of an edge (20) of the product (16) counter to and/or in the conveying direction (F) is delimited by a respective trailing and/or leading delimiting element (24, 26), a receiving means (27) for the edge (20) being formed between a respective leading delimiting element (24) and a delimiting element (26) which follows the latter in the conveying direction (F). By virtue of at least one further delimiting element (28) being moved into the conveying stream (54) upstream of, or in, the starting region (S1) of a stabilizing portion (S) of the conveying section (11), the position of the edge (20) in and/or counter to the conveying direction (F) is localized such that the edge (20) passes only into the receiving means (27) and not into the intermediate region (29) between two receiving means (27).

Abstract: A card game apparatus includes a deck of game cards that includes a plurality of sets of suited cards. The set of suited cards includes 5 suits. Sets of bonus point cards are included. The deck is placed face down in a random order an in a loose pile. One game card is drawn by each of the players in turn from the loose pile so that each player has a personal set of cards. The players follow the directions on the game cards. The directions include positioning the suited cards face up in the personal set of cards and attempting to form suited runs of 5 of the suited cards. The bonus point cards are also placed face up in the personal set of cards. A player having a required number of points in their personal set of cards wins the game.

Abstract: A pulser ring and a second seal ring are separately formed. When a multipolar magnetic rotor of the pulser ring is bonded to an outer circumferential face of an outer cylindrical portion of an annular core portion, the multipolar magnetic rotor is opposed to a magnetic sensor in the radial direction. Due to the above structure, the multipolar magnetic rotor can be strongly supported by an outer cylindrical portion of the annular core portion. Therefore, even when a rotary centrifugal force is given to the multipolar magnetic rotor, it can not be swung in the radial direction. Accordingly, an interval of the multipolar magnetic rotor and the magnetic sensor in the radial direction, which are opposed to each other, can be maintained constant irrespective of an intensity of the centrifugal force.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a method of making a sealing product, by a) selecting an a sealing material of an optimum film, mat or multi-well plate surface material for a specific sealing application; b) treating the sealing material; and c) directly coating the sealing material with an adhesive in a pattern format using Gravure, screen, rotary screen, flexographic, pad printing or dry transfer techniques. The present invention is further drawn to a sealing product made using the aforementioned method.

Abstract: A runner assembly housing a blade for an ice skateboard and rotatably connected to a truck assembly mounted to a bottom board surface thereof has an elastic biasing cord connecting a an elongate body housing a blade to the truck assembly or the skateboard for biasing the body towards a neutral position in which the blade is substantially parallel to the bottom board surface of the ice skateboard and faces away therefrom. The runner assembly has through openings defining body channels on opposing body ends of the body and through which the biasing cord extends when connected to the body ends, the biasing cord having protrusions for holding the biasing cord in the body channels. The biasing cords are releasably snappably connectable to the body ends by snappingly introducing the biasing cord into the body channels through open neck sections extending into the body channels.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided a steering damper (10) in which the interior of a cylinder (12) is divided into two oil chambers (A), (B) by a piston (14) which slides in the cylinder (12) as a steering operation takes place, an oil hole (15) is formed in the piston (14) for providing a communication between the two oil chambers (A), (B) and a bypass passageway (16) is provided for allowing oil in one (A or B) of the oil chambers to flow into the other oil chamber (B or A) by bypassing the oil hole (15), the motorcycle steering damper being characterized in that a subsidiary chamber (17) is defined at an intermediate position along the length of the bypass passageway (16), and in that a check ball (18) is provided in the subsidiary chamber (17).

Abstract: A stabilizer bar assembly for a vehicle suspension system is disclosed. The stabilizer bar assembly has a stabilizer bar that is provided with an annular ring. The annular ring is either formed as an upset or assembled to the stabilizer bar. A bushing having a groove on its inner diameter is assembled to the stabilizer bar at the annular ring that centers the stabilizer bar against transverse displacement. A second bushing is secured to the stabilizer bar at a location spaced from the annular ring. The first and second bushings secure the stabilizer bar to right and left frame rails. The annular ring may have a square, tapered or spherical cross-section.

Abstract: An active roll stabilization system of a vehicle having an axle with at least two wheels, wherein the axle is provided with a roll stabilizer that is actuated by means of a hydraulic device. The hydraulic device is actuated and controlled by at least one pressure control valve with a preselected pressure level by a pressure supply device, such as a pump. In order to reduce the costs for producing such an active roll stabilization system, the pressure control valve is pilot-operated by a pressure control pilot valve.

Abstract: A skid steer vehicle has a chassis with four drive wheels suspended from the chassis that are damped by four damping cylinders. An electronic controller varies the damping of the cylinders in an automatic mode, based on certain operational parameters of the vehicle, and in a manual mode in response to operator selection of a desired degree of suspension damping.

Abstract: A retractable running board assembly is mounted to the frame of a vehicle. The running board is selectively extendable between a retracted position, which is close to the vehicle's frame, a lower, laterally-outward extended position that facilitates easy entrance into and exit from the vehicle and a roof-access position, higher and outward from the entrance position. A selectively-operable driving mechanism actuates a link to extend and retract the running board. When the driving mechanism is not operated, each link resists actuation and holds the running board in a fixed position relative to the frame.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ski binding that retains a boot to a ski in at least two independent operational states. One embodiment of a ski binding includes a toe receiving member and a releasable system. The toe receiving member is configured to engage the toe portion of the boot. The releasable system is configured to couple the toe receiving member to the ski in at least two independent operational states. A first state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is allowed to freely rotate with respect to the ski. The first state is particularly useful in minimizing the necessary energy output for uphill travel. A second state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is locked with respect to the ski. The second state is particularly useful in high performance downhill travel. The releasable system further includes an engagement mechanism and a switching mechanism.

Abstract: Ski binding heel unit includes lateral release cams and a vector decoupler mechanism that provide lateral shear release of the heel of a ski boot from a ski. The ski binding heel unit includes an independent vertical heel release mechanism, independent lateral release mechanism and a forward pressure compensator. The lateral release cams have laterally outwardly flaring contact points. The vector decoupler mechanism restricts heel unit lateral rotation and translation to a control path. The shape of the lateral release cams dictates the control path. The vector decoupler mechanism redirects the non-lateral forces without effecting the vertical heel release, lateral heel release or forward pressure compensator. The lateral release cams and vector decoupler mechanism avert non-lateral, benign loads from the lateral heel release, and avert non-vertical, benign loads from the vertical heel release thereby reducing the incidence of inadvertent pre-release of a boot from a ski.

Abstract: A modular inflatable restraint apparatus includes an elongated housing defining an open channel, a manifold tube, an air bladder inflator and an inflatable air bladder all positioned within the open channel of the housing when the air bladder is deflated. The air bladder is secured to the manifold tube with an open end of the manifold tube in fluid communication with an interior portion of the air bladder and with an inflation end of the inflator. An elongated cover is mounted to the housing to cover the open channel with the manifold tube, deflated air bladder and inflator positioned therein. The inflator is responsive to an activation signal to inflate the air bladder, and at least a portion of the cover is configured to move away from the open channel to allow deployment of the air bladder from the open channel when the inflator inflates the air bladder.

Abstract: Curtain-shaped bag bodies 26, 27 are expanded and developed inside a vehicle room on windows of a vehicle. The bag bodies 26, 27 are expanded and developed by a plurality of inflaters 26, 27, and the plurality of inflaters 26, 27 are arranged in the same interior material being well organized.

Abstract: An airbag includes a first panel adjacent to an occupant and a second panel opposite to the occupant; the airbag being capable of deploying above a vehicle occupant's head. The first and second panels are joined together. The airbag includes, between the first panel and the second panel, a main chamber for deploying above the head of the occupant with gas supplied from an inflator; and subchambers for deploying so as to bend the head of the occupant forward with the gas from the inflator.

Abstract: Enhanced airbag modules and associated methods are provided. An airbag module according to the invention may have a cushion with an inflatable protection zone and a flexible venting tube coupled to the inflatable protection zone. A closure mechanism may be used to compress the flexible venting tube against an anchoring member, such as a housing of the airbag module or a vehicle feature, until venting through the flexible venting tube is needed. The closure mechanism may then be actuated, for example, by igniting a pyrotechnic within a specially designed bolt of the closure mechanism. The bolt may, for example, have a bore with a pyrotechnic initiator molded-in-place within the bore. The bolt may fracture to open the closure mechanism, thereby permitting inflation gas to flow out of the inflatable protection zone via the flexible venting tube.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an airbag cushion which exhibits a low amount of seam usage (in order to attach at least two fabric panels or portions of a panel together) in correlation to an overall high amount of available inflation airspace within the cushion itself. These correlated elements are now combined for the first time in what is defined as an effective seam usage index (being the quotient of the length of overall seams on the cushions and the available inflation airspace volume). The inventive cushion must have at least one substantially straight seam and must possess an effective seam usage factor of less than about 0.11. A cushion exhibiting such a low seam usage factor and also comprising an integrated looped pocket for the disposition of an inflator can is also provided as well as an overall vehicle restraint system comprising the inventive airbag cushion.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward an vehicle airbag construction that reduces the incidence of an unrestrained passenger engaging the A-pillar during a high-speed crash. The present invention is also directed toward an airbag structure that reduces the risk of a restrained passenger's hands contacting the instrument panel. In accordance with the present invention, an airbag is formed so as to take on a generally hourglass shape when inflated. Thus, the inflated airbag of the present invention has a greater width dimension at the upper and lower ends thereof than at the middle. The enlarged width dimension at the airbag upper end prevents or minimizes contact between the passenger's head and the vehicle A-pillar. The enlarged width at the airbag lower end prevents or minimizes contact between the passenger's hands and the vehicle instrument panel.

Abstract: Knee support element for motor vehicles for absorbing energy in a knee region in case of a crash of the vehicle, including a first deformation element for absorbing energy upon impact of the knees in a first impact zone and a second deformation element for absorbing energy upon impact of the knees in a second impact zone, where the first deformation element is linked to the second deformation element in order to deform the second deformation element and thereby limit the resistance of the second deformation element against deformation, upon impact on the first impact zone.

Abstract: A soft resilient comfort cushion and method for promoting the use of a safety belt by a pregnant woman, said comfort cushion comprising: a resilient soft elongated cushion having tapered end portions, a length which is sufficient to span a groin region of said pregnant woman below a fetal abdominal bulge, a width which is near or about the width of said safety belt and a thickness which is sufficient to prevent discomfort to a pregnant woman by preventing the pressure and rubbing of the safety belt on the groin and lower abdominal regions of the pregnant woman. In a first embodiment of the invention, the soft resilient cushion has a cellular polymer core, a cover for enclosing the core and a pair of straps for attaching the comfort cushion to a restraint system belt. In a second embodiment, the comfort cushion is an inflatable cushion with a pair of straps for attaching the comfort cushion to a restraint system belt. In a third embodiment, the comfort cushion is an integral part of a restraint system belt.

Abstract: A restraint system and method is adaptive to the size of the occupant, and adapts both pretensioning and load limitation characteristics to the occupant. The adaptive restraint system generally includes a retractor, a belt anchorage pretensioner, and a retractor pretensioner. The system is operable in at least a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, both the belt anchorage pretensioner and the retractor pretensioner are activated when the occupant is estimated to be above a predetermined size, thereby providing a first load limitation characteristic. In the second mode, only the belt anchorage pretensioner is activated when the occupant is estimated to be at or below the predetermined size, thereby providing a second load limitation characteristic.

Abstract: A running gear support assembly for supporting a portable machine. The running gear support assembly includes a pair of wheel hubs, an axle beam supported between the pair of wheel hubs, and at least one support bracket. The support bracket is coupled to the axle beam and configured to support the portable machine. Substantially the entire weight of the portable machine is supported by the axle beam.