Abstract: An electric vehicle seat storage structure for moving a seat between a seating position and a storage position is provided. The seat storage structure includes a frame having an axle positioned along a rear portion of the cushion and having a seat gear mounted to the axle. An actuator is provided for moving the seat between a seating position and a storage position. The actuator has an output gear positioned about an output shaft that is defined along the longitudinal axis of the actuator. The actuator is mounted within a portion of the frame, such that the output gear and the seat gear are meshed thereto, and such that the axis of the actuator is substantially parallel to the axle of the seat storage frame. Wherein when the seat is moved between the seating position and the storage position, the actuator is moved therewith.

Abstract: A decklid linkage mechanism allows movement of a decklid relative to a body of an automotive vehicle. The decklid linkage mechanism includes a frame, an actuator and a linkage mechanism. The frame supports at least a portion of the decklid. The frame is pivotally coupled to the body for movement of the frame and decklid together between a closed position concealing a storage space in the vehicle and a first open position allowing access to the storage space from a first end of the storage space. The decklid is coupled to the frame for movement of the decklid between the closed position and a second open position allowing access to the storage space from a second end of the storage space opposite the first end. The actuator drives the decklid between the closed position and the first open position. The linkage mechanism includes an overcenter arrangement that locks the decklid in the closed position.

Abstract: The invention provides a fairing assembly (10) for a motorcycle (12) including an aerodynamic shield (11) and a mounting arrangement for mounting the shield (11) on a motorcycle (12). The shield (11) is operable between a stowed condition and an operative condition. In the operative condition, the shield (11) is positioned to reduce aerodynamic drag on a front wheel (13) of a motorcycle (12), such that, in use, the drag on the front wheel (13) is smaller when the shield (11) is in its operative condition than when the shield (11) is in its stowed position. The invention also extends to a motorcycle (12) having such an aerodynamic shield (11) mounted adjacent a front wheel (13) of the motorcycle (12). The invention further extends to a method of improving the aerodynamic characteristics of a motorcycle (12).

Abstract: The invention is a dynamic flow diverter for a vehicle having a windshield. The flow diverter has a deflector which comprises a sphere or some portion of a sphere or a cone, such as about half of a sphere with a flat top that is substantially parallel to a planar top surface of a base. The base includes a bottom surface with an adhesive or a magnet that holds the diverter to the vehicle for the after market version. In OEM version, the diverter may permanently secured to the vehicle. In both cases, a link holds the deflector in a spaced relation to the vehicle at an optimal distance and location to deflect air away from the windshield so as to cause energy savings and to make the vehicle more responsive.

Abstract: The invention concerns a fixture, in particular for a sun visor used in a vehicle, comprising a coating element provided with a stop member or a base body, which are arranged along an axial element, said axial element including a positioning member for moving the stop member from a mounting position to a fitting position. The fixture when installed can be locked by means of the stop member on the fitting body.

Abstract: A trailer for a motorcycle is provided. In one embodiment, the trailer comprises an aerodynamic body with an undercarriage and hitch arm with a mount for a spare tire under the body, and a mounting rack in front of the body for mounting a removable container. The body comprises an openable top hatch extending from one side of the body to the other to enable access to the storage interior of the body.

Abstract: A vehicle roof assembly includes a roof having rear and front roof elements relative to the direction of forward vehicle travel. The roof elements are movable between closed and opened positions of the roof. The assembly further includes a roof kinematic system having first and second guide rod systems located on opposite sides of the roof for movably connecting the roof to a vehicle body to move the roof between its closed and opened positions. Each guide rod system includes a guide rod. The guide rods are articulately connectable at respective ends to the front roof element and the vehicle body. The two guide rods with their respective pairs of articulated joints form a common four-bar kinematic linkage. Alternatively, the first guide rod system may be a two-bar kinematic linkage and the second guide rod system may be a four-bar kinematic linkage.

Abstract: A user-operated system for interactive vehicle door opening and closing. The system detects vehicle position (gravity) and external force (such as wind) and provides an assistive force in effortlessly opening or closing the door. In some embodiments, the system provides a fail safe mode of operation in case of power failure and/or limit stops to minimize or prevent damage to external objects in the event the door is inadvertently brought into contact with the external object.

Abstract: A door hinge for a motor vehicle has a column console that can be arranged on a door frame and a door console that can be attached to a vehicle door, wherein the door console and the column console are connected together as counterpieces at two bearing points arranged spaced from each other in a pin-jointed manner and separable for disassembly.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided with a front end, a rear end, and at least one fan element for controlling a flow of air toward and from the rear end of the vehicle, so as to minimize turbulence and any resulting aerodynamic drag behind the vehicle. The fan element may be coupled to a weighted flywheel for storing kinetic energy and driving the fan element during low vehicle speeds or stops.

Abstract: A roll-formed one-piece vehicle bed member has a plurality of ribs and valleys extending longitudinally along the bed member in sidewardly adjacent, parallel relation. The bed member terminates at front and rear edges wherein preferably along the rear edge of the bed member, rib channels are formed centrally along the end portion of each rib for direct contacting engagement with a rear sill to provide an improved connection therebetween.

Abstract: An improved structural reinforcer is provided, some embodiments comprising expansible material disposed on a carrier, the carrier having a plurality of chambers arranged longitudinally, with locking slots and shutoffs that lock a portion of the expansible material to the carrier, and a channel that permits the flow of liquids within a structural member in which the structural reinforcer is disposed.

Abstract: In response to an applied force, a speaker system is configured to deploy from a confined area so as to function as a pelvis pusher. Additionally, portions of the speaker system are configured to collapse upon the application of the force so as to absorb the force.

Abstract: An ergonomic operator compartment access system may be deployed on a machine having an operator compartment. The ergonomic operator compartment access system may include a door to the operator compartment having an open position and a closed position and an actuator connected to the door for moving the operator compartment from a closed position to the open position. Additionally, the ergonomic operator compartment access system may include a plurality of vertically separated steps disposed on the machine beneath the door, and an operator input unit attached to the machine. The operator input unit may be disposed beneath the door and adjacent the plurality of vertically separated steps. The operator input unit may be configured to receive an input and cause the actuator to move the door from the closed position to the open position.

Abstract: The present invention aims at providing a vehicle body front-part structure which can efficiently disperse an impact load acting on the front part of a vehicle. In the vehicle body front-part structure in accordance with the present invention, a portion 6a of a radiator support supporting an upper part of a radiator arranged in the front part of a vehicle 2 is connected to a skeleton 9 of the vehicle body by a pair of first radiator support supporting members 4 which support it from both sides in the vehicle width direction, and second radiator support supporting members 11, 12 which are arranged on the inner side of the pair of first radiator support supporting members 4 in the vehicle width direction and support it from the backside.

Abstract: A cover (11) with a glass pane (14) for a motor vehicle roof, in which, first, a combination film (10) with a shatter prevention film and electrical function elements (22, 24, 26, 28, 30) integrated into the combination film. The combination film is securely attached to a side of the pane, e.g., the side facing the vehicle interior. Furthermore, the electrical function elements are provided at various points and comprise different types of electrical function elements having different functions, e.g., an electroluminescent element and at least one of solar cells, an LCD, an SPD and an EC area.

Abstract: A foldable, height-adjustable, and slantable seating device and method of unfolding, adjusting the height, adjusting the slant, and folding the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a foldable, height-adjustable, and slantable seating device includes: a seat portion; a back portion; a seat frame; a back frame comprising two rear legs; a rear horizontal cross member; two front legs; a front horizontal cross member; two linkage mechanisms; and four leg inserts. In another embodiment, a method of utilizing a seating device that is foldable, slantable, and adjustable in height includes: unfolding; adjusting the height; adjusting the slant; and folding a seating device.

Abstract: A lift chair includes: a base; a seat; a backrest; at least one ottoman; a lift-reclining mechanism attached to the base and to the seat; a backrest reclining mechanism coupled with the lift-reclining mechanism and attached to the seat, the backrest and the ottoman; a lift power unit attached to the base and to the lift-reclining mechanism; and a backrest reclining power unit attached to the base and to the backrest reclining mechanism. The lift-reclining mechanism is configured to move the chair between an upright position, in which the seat is generally horizontally disposed and positioned above the base at a first height and at a first pitch angle that is positive relative to horizontal, the backrest is generally upright, and the ottoman is positioned below the seat, and a lifted position, in which the seat is raised to a second height that is higher than the first height and at a second pitch angle that is negative relative to horizontal.

Abstract: A seating assembly is made up of both fixed and positionable components. The assembly in a first position provides in a back-to-back relation respective oppositely facing seats. In a second position the assembly provides a substantially horizontal lounge a portion of which is withdrawn from a stored position below the seats. The lounge when withdrawn includes the sitting surface portion of a selected one of the oppositely facing seats as part of the lounge and when stored utilizes such sitting surface portion as part of the selected seat.

Abstract: A seat assembly of a body-building machine comprises a seat portion having a cushion and a seat tube combined to a lower side of the cushion; a retaining seat having a hollow portion at a lower side thereof; the hollow portion having a plurality of embedding grooves; each embedding groove having an inclined lower lateral surface so that an inner space of each embedding groove having a larger upper space and a small lower space; each retaining seat having a roller installed therein; an adjusting tube installed within the hollow portion of the retaining seat; an outer side of the adjusting tube having a plurality of slots; the number and arrangement of the penetrating slots being corresponding to those of the embedding grooves of the retaining seat; and a stop being installed at an upper side of the adjusting tube and resisting against an upper side of the retaining seat.

Abstract: A stand tube assembled device; comprising: a seat rod portion; the seat rod portion having at least one sliding groove; the sliding groove being engaged with a front clamp portion and a rear clamp portion; each of the front clamp portion and rear clamp portion having at least one slot for receiving a stud at a lower side of a cushion. The seat rod portion has two inclined sliding grooves. Each of the front clamp portion and rear clamp portion has a left clamp unit and a right clamp unit which are installed at two sides of the seat rod portion. Each of the left clamp unit and right clamp unit has an inner clamp block and an outer clamp block; the inner clamp block is engaged to the outer clamp block so as to form the slot.

Abstract: A portable, easily assembled and disassembled three-legged stool or stool kit includes a seat with a quick-release leg-fastening assembly, three legs having keyhole slots to engage with the quick-release leg-fastening assembly, and a substantially planar leg bracket oriented below and parallel with the seat that has three symmetrically-oriented elongated slots to receive and orient the legs. At least one of the legs has multiple, spaced-apart sets of opposing grooves for supporting a removable, cantilevered platform such as a footrest or a drink holder. When assembled, the legs are oriented in a structurally strong and rigid fashion to support the seat.

Abstract: Detachable upholstery for use and application in the context of furniture, and furniture adapted to receive detachable upholstery. Furniture components having a frame comprising at least one piece of upholstery fabric, and means securely engaged with the frame of the furniture component for temporarily and securely engaging the upholstery fabric to the frame of the furniture component.

Abstract: A child car seat cover is disclosed. This device provides an easily removable, cleanable and adjustable cover for a child car seat that restricts the passage of food, dirt and liquids to the car seat material. The device is comprised of multiple layers of fabric, strap covers, strap openings and strap closures, and has waterproof backing.

Abstract: A back support device is disclosed that comprises a lumbar portion having a surface for supporting a lumbar region of a body, a thoracic portion having a surface for supporting a thoracic region of a body, and a connecting member for connecting the lumbar portion and the thoracic portion and for aligning the lumbar portion and the thoracic portion, simultaneously, with a cervical portion housing a surface to support the cervical spine and the connecting member of the thoracic portion to simultaneously sort the body in a recline position.

Abstract: The methods and apparatus taught herein provide an elongated spine support member integrated into or attached to a chair for providing improved back support. According to one embodiment of a chair, the chair comprises a seat, back and elongated spine support member. The back includes inner and outer sections. The inner section is spaced inwardly from opposite sides of the back and extends generally vertically through a substantial portion of the height of the back. The outer section extends along opposite sides of the inner section. The elongated spine support member is generally vertically extending and forms a part of the inner section of the back. The elongated spine support member is configured to engage and support at least two of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar regions of the vertebral column of a person seated in the chair.

Abstract: A pair of parallel moving surfaces, such as may be used for construction of an adjustable height table or seat are connected by a plurality of pantographs or “lazy tongs” mechanisms, each driven from a differentially threaded control rod. By suitable gearing connections among them, the pantographs are caused to operate in concert, and thus to keep the surfaces parallel as the distance between them is continuously varied. By appropriate mounting of the pantograph ends, the mechanisms are allowed to fold closer together at the minimum separation distance, thereby further minimizing this separation. The use of a set of springs assists in expansion from this minimized separation situation. The overall result is a simply operated mechanism for the continuous separation adjustment of a pair of parallel moving surfaces, together with the maximization of the range of separation adjustment between the two surfaces, concomitant with a minimization of the size and weight of the overall apparatus.

Abstract: An electric vehicle seat storage structure for moving a seat between a seating position and a storage position is provided. The seat storage structure includes a frame having an axle positioned along a rear portion of the cushion and having a seat gear mounted to the axle. An actuator is provided for moving the seat between a seating position and a storage position. The actuator has an output gear positioned about an output shaft that is defined along the longitudinal axis of the actuator. The actuator is mounted within a portion of the frame, such that the output gear and the seat gear are meshed thereto, and such that the axis of the actuator is substantially parallel to the axle of the seat storage frame. Wherein when the seat is moved between the seating position and the storage position, the actuator is moved therewith.

Abstract: The invention relates to a backrest unit for a motor vehicle seat, in particular a rear seat comprising a backrest and support connected thereto. A guide rail is arranges on the rear surface of the backrest on an x-z plane. A slide is movably mounted on the guide rail and is lockable therein in different positions. When a control device associated with the slide is actuated, it brings the slide from a normally locking position into a released position. A support comprises a near end which is hinged on the slide and a distant end which is fixable to a bodywork part.

Abstract: An armrest for motor vehicles, especially a center armrest, is provided that includes an upper part and a lower part. These two parts of the armrest are connected to each other by two articulation arrangements. Each of the articulation arrangements has two degrees of freedom, namely a rotational axis and a translational axis. In addition, locking devices are associated with each articulation arrangement, in order to lock the articulation arrangement in arbitrary translational positions.

Abstract: An aircraft passenger seat configured in accordance with an embodiment of the invention utilizes composite materials to achieve significant weight savings relative to conventional seat designs. The seat includes one or more lightweight composite support legs, a lightweight composite seat pan, and a lightweight composite seat back structure. The support legs are coupled to the seat pan, which is in turn coupled to the seat back structure. The support legs utilize composite frame elements that are formed as continuous compression molded composite extrusions. The seat pan includes composite fore and aft cross beams that are also formed as continuous compression molded composite extrusions. The aft cross beam includes a rear flange that serves as a flexible “hinge” for the seat back structure. The seat can leverage producible and relatively inexpensive composite manufacturing techniques such that the seat can be economically produced for use as an economy class seat.

Abstract: A back board having a main wall region and two lateral wall regions is securely attached to a rear side of a seat back. In such combination of seat back and back bord, two presser elements, fixed to the rear side of seat back, are respectively in pressing contact with: one pressure receiving belt element extended between the main wall region of the back board and one of the two lateral wall regions of the back board; and another pressure receiving belt element extended between the main wall region of back board and another of the two lateral wall regions of back board. Thus, those two lateral wall regions of back board are resiliently bent or curved inwardly of the back board to close contact with respective two lateral sides of the seat back. The back board can be formed from a thin elastic material for light-weight purpose.

Abstract: A guest lap bar locking assembly for releasably positioning a lap bar within a water ride at an entertainment park includes a lap bar locking assembly that is dimensioned and configured to provide continuously variable position locking of the lap bar.

Abstract: An entertainment apparatus for at least one guest, includes a vehicle, at least one guest support located on the vehicle and a lap bar assembly. The lap bar assembly may include at least one lap bar that is located proximal to the at least one support and that is configured to releasably position at least one guest. The lap bar assembly may also include at least one lap bar locking assembly that may be configured to releasably lock the lap bar and may further include at least one actuator. The at least one actuator may be configured to remotely actuate the at least one lap bar locking assembly to enable movement of the lap bar.

Abstract: A closure bar for a chair of a chair lift includes regions having an increased non-slip capability in order to prevent people from slipping out of the chair. At least a region of the closure bar pointing downwards when in a closed position has the higher non-slip capability. A chair of a chair lift having the closure bar is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a forward motion speed control system for a self-propelled concrete saw, a self-propelled concrete saw equipped with a forward motion speed control system and a method of controlling the forward motion speed of a concrete saw during a cutting or scoring operation. In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the forward motion speed control system senses and monitors the speed of a power plant transmitting rotational energy to a saw blade and adjusts the forward motion speed of the self-propelled concrete saw to maximize the forward motion speed of the self-propelled concrete saw while maintaining the speed of the power plant in a peak operational range.

Abstract: Methods and systems for facilitating weight placement on a vehicle wheel assembly that includes a tire and a wheel are provided. The method includes determining an imbalance characteristic associated with a plane of the vehicle wheel, determining a correction weight placement position associated with the determined imbalance characteristic, and directing a line of visible light at the determined weight placement position.

Abstract: A flexible axle for motor vehicle has a cross-member (1) connecting two longitudinal arms (2), wherein said cross-member (1) has a closed cross-section, and said cross-member has, at least in a central zone, a substantially trapezoid cross-section (11).

Abstract: A self-contained axle module for a vehicle having a support structure is provided. The self-contained axle includes a housing removably coupled to the support structure and an output shaft extending from the housing. An electric motor is coupled to the housing and drives the output shaft. Two wheel end assemblies coupled to the output shaft, and an independent suspension assembly is coupled between each wheel end assembly and the housing, so that the independent suspension assemblies and the wheel end assemblies and the electric motor and the housing are removable from the vehicle as a unit by detaching the housing from the support structure.

Abstract: A device for supplying pressure to an actuation unit of a vehicle brake system, in particular to a vehicle brake system of the ‘brake-by-wire’ type, comprising a pneumatic motor-and-pump assembly with a pump and a motor driving the pump, wherein the motor-and-pump assembly is controlled by an electronic control unit depending on a pressure level or pressure difference in a pneumatic brake booster of the actuation unit, with the pressure level in a chamber or a difference in pressure between two chambers of the brake booster being detected by means of a sensor. In order to maintain the availability of the service brake function as high as possible and to obtain a maximum possible redundancy, the control unit, used to control the motor-and-pump assembly comprises a logic module and a power module, which are arranged separately of each other.

Abstract: A brake control device includes a control unit that determines a driver's braking request to have occurred when a brake-on determination condition is satisfied and determines the driver's braking request to have been cancelled when a brake-off determination condition is satisfied.

Abstract: An electric autobrake interlock system for an aircraft includes an autobrake power interlock mechanism that prevents inadvertent (uncommanded) application of brakes. The autobrake power interlock removes operating power from the brake actuators whenever the autobrake actuation data does not indicate a legitimate autobrake application condition. The interlock processing occurs in parallel with the autobrake command processing such that even if an inadvertent autobrake command is generated, the brake actuators will be unable to act upon the inadvertent autobrake command. In this regard, the brake actuators are unable to apply brakes automatically unless the following two actions happen concurrently: the operating power is provided to enable the electric brake actuators and autobrake actuation control is commanded in response to the legitimate autobrake application condition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a brake force generator for a vehicle hydraulic brake system comprising a force input element that is connectable or connected to a brake pedal, a master cylinder, in which a primary piston is displaceably guided, wherein the primary piston with the master cylinder delimits a primary pressure chamber for generating a hydraulic brake pressure, and an actuating-force generating device for exerting an actuating force on the primary piston, wherein the actuating-force generating device comprises a control valve and a chamber arrangement, wherein the chamber arrangement is formed by a vacuum chamber and a working chamber, which is separated from the vacuum chamber by a movable wall and fluidically connectable by the control valve, and wherein the control valve comprises a control sleeve, which is displaceable relative to a valve element in accordance with a pedal actuation to achieve a pressure difference between the working chamber and the vacuum chamber that determines the actuat

Abstract: A deflector for reducing the ingestion of snow and/or other debris in one of the sprocket wheel and the idler wheel area of a vehicle equipped with endless tracks is provided. The deflector generally comprises a rigid plate associated with the vehicle and positioned near the sprocket wheel or the idler wheel thereof, and a resilient pad having an upper portion coupled with the rigid plate and a lower portion freely extending from the upper portion and extending toward the inner surface of the track to limit the ingestion of snow and/or other debris in the sprocket wheel or idler wheel area of the vehicle during its operation. The lower portion of the resilient pad is generally provided with reinforcing elements which allow the resilient pad to be essentially rigid in the direction of ingestion yet pivotable in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A power distribution system for a vehicle is provided. The power distribution system includes a network incorporating at least one load. At least a first and a second power source are connected to the network. The first power source is located and connected proximal to the load and the second power source is located distal from the load. A generator may be connected to the network distally from the first and second loads and configured to supply power to at least one of the first and second loads. The generator may be configured such that power is supplied selectively when power from at least one of the first and second power sources is less than respectively required by the first and second loads. The first and second power sources may be configured to be regenerated by the generator. The network may include more highly power-rated components in areas configured for higher power transmission and more lowly power-rated components in areas configured for lower power transmission.

Abstract: A combination expandable outlet and surge protector apparatus includes a plurality of outlet plugs which are separately moveable and are protected by a water impervious sheathing attached to each plug and at least one surge protector circuit. The apparatus can either be engaged with the wall outlet or as a extension type outlet. The preferred embodiment includes an on/off switch and an indicator lamp that is illuminated when the plurality of outlets are energized.

Abstract: A apparatus and method of operating a power converter circuit is provided. The method selectively couples control signals to at least one output driver stage of a plurality of output driver stages of the power converter circuit to obtain a desired output at a select output port of the plurality of output ports. Wherein each output driver stage has a defined current drive capacity that is output to the select output port in response to the control signals.

Abstract: Low-potential side power supply lines and high-potential side power supply lines of n internal components making up a semiconductor device are sequentially connected in series between a ground voltage GND and a power supply VD. Voltage of a value obtained by adding values of predetermined operating voltage of the components is supplied as power supply for the entire device such that a differential voltage between the low-potential side and high-potential side wiring lines of each component is the predetermined operating voltage. Electric current flowing through the semiconductor device is reduced to 1/n, enabling reduction of voltage drop in the wiring lines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for providing power management to sensing nodes in a sensor network. A system may include a plurality of sensing nodes, each sensing node connected through a power management device to an external power source, such as a powered node of another network, for managing power from the external power source to the sensing node. Beneficially, a plurality of power management devices allow for a sensor network of fixed or mobile wireless sensing nodes or sensor gateways to make use of power from an external source such as an another network e.g. an existing emergency lighting system or other similar powered building system. Thus for example, a sensor or group of sensing nodes and their associated power management devices may be integral with or co-located in proximity to powered nodes of these other networks.

Abstract: A plasma power supply controller jointly monitors a plurality of plasma power supply devices of one or more electrical loads. The controller includes at least one signal input, at least one signal output connected to at least one first logic switching device configured to actuate a first power interrupter of at least one of the plasma power supply devices, and a safety switching device. The at least one signal input is configured to receive indication signals of at least one indication device. The safety switching device is configured to detect a state or a state change of at least one of the indication devices and to interrupt the current supply of at least one of the plasma power supply devices using the first logic switching device upon a detection of a predetermined state or upon a detection of a state change of at least one of the indication devices.