Abstract: A gaming method allows players to predict and place a wager about the future arrival of an elevator car at the floor of a building. If the player's prediction is correct, the player receives a payoff. The method can be played in buildings having one or more elevators. In an embodiment of the invention, a self-service automated gaming machine accommodates making the prediction, placing the wager, and receiving the payoff.

Abstract: A Ba-Gua game tower includes a main disk and at least one secondary disk attached to the bottom of the main disk. The main disk has a disk body with a top face divided into eight divinatory sections respectively designated with a Chinese character. The secondary disk has a secondary disk body with a top face divided into portions respectively designated with a numeral from 1-6 such that there are multiple sets of numerals on the top face of the secondary disk body. A first ball is able to roll on the top face of the disk body and a second ball is able to roll on the top face of the secondary disk body to respectively indicate where a player should look up in a reference book.

Abstract: A Ba-Gua game disk includes a disk having a flat dice area and a Ba-Gua area surrounding the dice area, a transparent enclosure placed on top of the disk and composed of an outer cover enclosing the Ba-Qua area of the disk and an inner cover integrally formed with the outer cover to enclose the dice area so as to separate the dice area from the Ba-Gua area, a dice movably and rotatably received in the dice area to randomly indicate a numeral from one to six and a ball movably received in the Ba-Gua area to be randomly rested on a corresponding one of the sections such that combination of location of the ball and the numeral of the dice represents a meaning.

Abstract: A moving target practice apparatus adapted to be used in the home or easily portable by a user, and increasing the challenge to a user by creating unpredictable and moving targets, including moving target areas disposed on the front of the apparatus comprising a series of apertures that align to create an opening at various intervals in time to receive a projectile and/or a series of moving toppling targets traveling around the apparatus which are automatically resetable to an upright position once hit by a projectile.

Abstract: A slider seal assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a housing, a seal plate moveable relative to the housing and a retaining ring. The housing includes an outer surface, an inner surface, and a recessed opening between the outer surface and the inner surface. The seal plate is received within the recessed opening. The inner surface of the housing includes a curved portion which is curved in an outward direction toward the outer surface.

Abstract: A metal gasket is formed of at least two metal plates forming the metal gasket. Each of the two metal plates has a hole to be sealed. A U-shaped ring having an open side and a closed side is situated between the two metal plates such that the open side faces the hole.

Abstract: A metal laminate cylinder head gasket includes first and second metal plates laminated together. The first metal plate has a combustion hole, and an asymmetrical bead formed around the combustion hole. The asymmetrical bead has a large radius portion with a width (a) at a side of the combustion hole from a top of the bead, a small radius portion with a width (b) at the other side from the top of the bead, and a smallest radius (R). The second metal plate is laminated at a projecting side of the asymmetrical bead. A relationship between (a) and (b) is (a)>(b), the smallest radius (R) is (R)?0.5 mm, and a relationship between the width (a) and the radius (R) is (a)?2(R).

Abstract: A metal gasket includes at least three metal plates including first, second and third metal plates laminated in this order from a top to form the metal gasket. Identification marks are provided on at least second and third metal plates in a position not to overlap with one another, and penetration windows are formed in at least the first and second metal plates. The penetration windows are arranged to see the identification mark therethrough located lower than the metal plate where the penetration window is formed.

Abstract: A keyless chuck having both an automatic locking feature and a manual locking feature. The automatic locking feature provides for automatic locking of the chuck in a tightened state when a predetermined tightening torque has been exceeded. The chuck can be utilized with only the automatic locking feature engaged. If desired, a manual locking feature can also be engaged wherein rotation of the outer sleeve relative to the body is prevented. A retaining feature can be employed to inhibit the movement of the manual locking feature between a locked and unlocked position. The retaining feature thereby avoids accidental engaging or disengaging of the manual locking feature.

Abstract: A method and device for effecting automatic centering of an annular workpiece on a rotating surface having a rotational center involves arbitrarily positioning the workpiece on the slowly rotating surface, applying a support for the workpiece by way of spaced apart contact members that individually contact the workpiece and are synchronously movable in a guided reciprocating manner towards and away from the rotational center of the rotating surface. The contact members are gradually retracted away from the rotational center of the rotating surface until the workpiece is unaffected by the contact members during one revolution of the rotating surface so that the workpiece is centered, and the center of the workpiece coincides with the rotational center of the rotating surface. At least one of the contact members is provided with a mechanism for counteracting a friction force acting on the workpiece.

Abstract: An articulated vehicle is provided including a stabilization system configured to resist roll-over of a trailer portion of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle for carrying object can overcome stairs and special geography. Rotators having wheels with of without auxiliary wheel are used. Various combinations of rotators and auxiliary wheel are possible.

Abstract: An inline skate having training wheels and a kit for converting a regular inline skate to one having training wheels. The kit comprises a left inline skate training wheel similar to any of the four regular inline skate wheels and having a centrally disposed aperture therethrough, a right inline skate training wheel similar to any of the four regular inline skate wheels and having a centrally disposed aperture therethrough, an axle, left and right lock nuts and washers to separate the inline skate training wheels from the lock nuts and from the left and right longitudinal frame members that the regular wheels attach to. The axle traverses the apertures and the holes in the frame members to securely hold the right and left inline skate training wheels to the left and right longitudinal frame members, optionally using compression sleeves. An inline skate having training wheels permanently attached is also shown.

Abstract: At least one embodiment of the inventive apparatus may be a convertible suitcase stroller apparatus that comprises a suitcase that is openable at at least one side; a handle assembly that is reconfigurable between a storage configuration and a deployed configuration and that has a handgrip portion and two handle stems, wherein each of said two handle stems has an upper end and wherein said handgrip portion is established substantially between said upper ends; fabric seatback material that is established substantially between said two handle stems when said handle assembly is in said deployed configuration; a child seatbelt that is securable around a child seated directly on said suitcase; and at least two wheels established substantially at a lower portion of said suitcase, wherein a back of said child seated directly on said suitcase is supported against the fabric seatback material, the fabric seatback material is crumpable, and the convertible suitcase stroller apparatus is convertible between: a minimum s

Abstract: A wheelbarrow bumper for a wheelbarrow that has a bumper plate that spans distal ends of a plurality of wheelbarrow handles and a plurality of sleeves that extend in a direction relative to the bumper plate such that the sleeves comprise an angle of orientation that is non-perpendicular relative to the bumper plate. Upon alignment of the plurality of wheelbarrow handles with a corresponding sleeve and coupling of the plurality of wheelbarrow handles to at least one other wheelbarrow element, such as a wheelbarrow stand, tub, or tire, the plurality of sleeves are inhibited from moving in a proximal or distal direction relative to the wheelbarrow.

Abstract: A cart is clamped to a tank for liquid propane gas and has a height which is a minor fraction of the height of the tank. In projections of the cart and the carriage on a plane normal to the longitudinal axis of the tank, no more than a minor fraction of the projection of the cart is located outside the projection of the tank.

Abstract: In one aspect, a vehicle steer axle has a horizontal axle member that has a steering axis male feature integrally formed on an end, wherein a vehicle steering knuckle, which forms a vehicle steering axis female feature, is directly rotatably coupled to the vehicle steer axle. In another aspect, a vehicle steering knuckle has a horizontal steering knuckle member that has a steering axis male feature integrally formed on an end, wherein the vehicle steering knuckle is directly rotatably coupled to a vehicle steer axle, which forms a vehicle steering axis female feature. Neither of these aspects utilize a separable kingpin.

Abstract: A trailer slider system includes a body rail that slides longitudinally relative to a suspension frame side rail. One of the rails includes holes that provide multiple suspension positions. The trailer slider system also includes a pin connection assembly having a pin that is arranged to extend into one of the holes in a locked position and retract out of the hole in an unlocked position. A cam is coupled for movement with the pin connection assembly. A tube is coupled with the cam to rotate as the pin moves between the locked and unlocked positions. A pneumatic actuator is coupled with the tube for selectively rotating the tube to move the cam which in turn moves the pin, between the locked and unlocked positions.

Abstract: A drive system (3) for a human powered vehicle. The drive system (3) includes at least one input member (31), a transmission system (21) arranged to convert movement of the input member (31) to rotation of an output member (83), and a lock mechanism (123) including at least one drive member (133) for selectively locking a drive wheel (11,13) to rotation of the output member (83) for rotation therewith. The drive member is arranged for movement from a first operational position in which the drive wheel is not locked to the output member to a second operational position in which the drive wheel is locked to the output member, and back to the first operational position, under the control of a user of the vehicle. The drive system allows the user to choose between propelling the vehicle using the drive system or disengaging the drive system from the drive wheel and propelling the vehicle by some other means, for example by wheel rims.

Abstract: A bottom bracket assembly for a bicycle is provided. The bottom bracket assembly may comprise a left bearing, bottom bracket shell and a right bearing. The bottom bracket shell may be threadless and have beveled surfaces for mounting the left and right bearings onto the bottom bracket assembly. A spindle is inserted through the bottom bracket shell. Thereafter, the left and right bearings are preloaded to align the central axis of the spindle to the crankarm rotating axis such that the spindle or left and right crankarms do not wobble and yet do not bind when rotated.

Abstract: A front fork includes two first leg units between which a crown is connected. One of the two leg units includes a sleeve fixedly inserted in the inner tube and a battery case is received in the sleeve. The battery case is connected with a positioning member which is fixed to a lower end of the sleeve with a spring set biased between the lower end of the battery case and the positioning member. A photoelectric module is connected to a top end of the battery case and powered by the batteries in the battery case. The photoelectric module is activated to light up or generates light beam during nights.

Abstract: A foldable bicycle is disclosed.

Abstract: A training wheel assembly for standard bicycles comprises training wheels connected by resilient legs to a dynamic compression fitting. The wheels project generally rearwardly and outwardly apart from the bicycle rear. Adjustable mounting brackets enable wheel height to be varied. The dynamic compression fitting comprises an adjustable flange section mounted to the bicycle frame within the standard trapezoidal void to the rear of the crank sleeve. A pair of yoke segments can be slidably adjusted to accommodate varying dimensions. An intermediate flexing section resiliently coupled beneath the flange section receives ends of the legs and establishes an up and down pivot. A damper section connected beneath the intermediate section comprises a rigid, tubular sleeve that slidably receives a tubular cap. A resilient grommet coaxially confined between the sleeve and the cap is compressed by an elongated through bolt coaxially penetrating the compression fitting. The bolt establishes a radial pivot.

Abstract: A fifth wheel hitch lube plate includes a support plate moldably coupled to a cover. By way of example, the support plate is a metallic plate with a number of openings and/or cavities. Some of the openings are configured to receive fasteners while other openings, referred to as cover locking cavities, are configured to cooperate with the cover during the molding operation to mechanically lock or couple the cover to the support plate. The cover locking cavities include an upper, narrow passage that is in communication with a lower, larger cavity. At least a portion of the cover is supported by a top surface of the support plate.

Abstract: A hitch assembly used in towing vehicles or other machines includes a first portion configured to be mounted on a towing vehicle and a second portion configured to be attached to a towed vehicle. At least one of the first portion and the second portion is configured to slidably move relative to the other of the first portion and the second portion vertically in both the upward direction and the downward direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a quick and easily released hitch pin (1) used for securing the coupling of a trailer or similar implement onto a trailer hitch. The hitch pin (1) comprises a guide member (4), pin member (2) and handle. Linkage means (5) provided in the pin member (2) connecting the guide member (4) and the handle (3), allows for the handle (3) to coordinately move the guide member (4) between a first position, where the handle (3) and guide member (4) are substantially aligned with the pin member (2), and a second position where the handle (3) and guide member (4) form an angle to the pin member (2). When the handle (3) and guide member (4) are in the first position, the hitch pin (1) can be easily inserted through a hitch orifice. Once positioned in the hitch orifice, the handle (3) can be physically, or by the force of gravity, moved to the second position to limit lateral movement of the hitch pin (1) through the hitch orifice.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment of the present invention an airbag device is provided. The airbag device comprises an airbag having at least one chamber, which can be filled with gas by a gas generator, and a ventilation opening in fluid communication with the chamber. The ventilation opening is sealed by an airbag section, which is detachably mounted to a fastening member, and is configured as an insertion opening for the gas generator.

Abstract: A passive restraint system for a vehicle is disclosed that may include a bolster having a first surface fixed with respect to a structural component of the vehicle and a second surface forming a portion of interior trim of the vehicle; and an inflator for expanding the bolster and moving the inner surface of the bolster toward a passenger compartment of the vehicle, upon activation of the passive restraint system.

Abstract: A seating state of an occupant including a presence, absence, and posture of the occupant is accurately determined. The device includes a seat belt provided with marks whose image is to be taken, an imaging portion that takes an image of the marks provided on the seat belt, and a seating state determining portion that determines the seating state of the occupant based on the image of the marks taken by the imaging portion.

Abstract: A handle for rotating an input shaft of a landing gear defines an elongated slot, and a rod extends through a hole in the input shaft and through the slot so that the rod is slidable within the slot in its elongated direction between a disengaged position and an engaged position. Preferably, the handle defines a non-circular opening for receiving and engaging therewithin a non-circular outer portion of the input shaft in the engaged position. Preferably, the slot includes first and second sections, and a lug is connected to the rod and fits within the first section of the slot and not within the second section so that the lug when in the first section locks the rod in the engaged position. The lug is preferably spring biased into the first section to automatically lock the rod when the handle is pivoted from a stowed position to an operational position.

Abstract: A hollow extruded frame formed by extruding a light alloy. The frame is formed from a peripheral wall part which, in a cross-section perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the frame, has a short axis and a long axis. A plurality of confluent parts positioned so as to be symmetrical with respect to the short axis is formed on an inner side of the peripheral wall part or on the peripheral wall part. Three wall parts extend radially at equal angles of 120° from the confluent parts.

Abstract: A restraint system for a removable vehicle seat is attached to the vehicle seat. A restraint tower associated with the restraint system transfers energy generated during vehicle impact.

Abstract: A storage system for retaining mementoes and for reminding a user of specific dates and methods of using the system are disclosed. The system includes a book portion, which includes multiple sets of adjoining pages, where one of the pages includes a compartment, such as an envelope, and the other page is initially substantially blank, and a storage container.

Abstract: A book cover (10) having a spine (26) and end covers (32) on either side of the spine (26) wherein the spine and end covers (32) are all formed from a single, folded blank (12) and the end covers (32) comprise at least two adhered layers of the folded blank.

Abstract: A writing mat comprises a writing surface which may be magnetically secured to a ferrous metallic surface of a vehicle and may be left in said secured position while the vehicle is in motion. Preferably, that vehicle surface is a generally horizontal surface so that the writing mat is held and used substantially horizontally. Said writing mat may have disposed, upon its upper surface, an engaging and retaining means for securing papers thereon, and a recessed area for placement and containment of small items. Preferred embodiments are flexible, for generally matching the contour of the vehicle surface upon which it is placed and for easier removal by “peeling” or otherwise pulling the mat off of the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a simple and reliable security element into a document, which can be recognized without special equipment. This aim is achieved with a paper or paper-like document with a surface, the surface being provided at least in a partial area with a background layer, wherein at least part of the surface of the document is provided with a security element comprising a series of protuberant structures spaced at regular interval. The protuberant structure creates a relief than can be easily recognized while rubbing the document. Contrarily to watermarks or other stamps, the fact that the structure is spaced at regular interval allows the user to better detect it over random structures. Regular interval does not mean that the space between each protuberant structure is equal. Regular means that each structure has a similar width and each space between the structures has also a similar width.

Abstract: A security object has a substrate (1) carrying a first motif (6) and mutually aligned thereto a second motif (7). The first motif (6) is formed by a volume hologram (8) and visible under a given viewing condition only. The second motif (7) can e.g. be a dye, a surface hologram, a perforation or any other non-variable or optically variable device. The first and the second motif (6, 7) combine to form a third motif, e.g. a legible text.

Abstract: The invention relates to an open locking ring (14) comprising a screw lock which is used to connect pipes comprising end flanges or to fix covers to containers or the like. Said screw lock comprises a clamping screw which extends in the peripheral direction and is embodied as a double spindle (1), the ends of said clamping screw being provided with counter rotating threads (2, 3). Said threads (2, 3) engage in threaded plates (6, 10) with a right-handed inner thread (7) or a left-handed inner thread (11), the threaded plates (6, 10) being pivotably mounted in bearing blocks (15) connected to the ends of the clamping ring (14). The ends (13) of the clamping ring (14) are pulled together or pushed away from each other by actuating the double spindle (1). To this end, the double spindle (1) is provided with a central part (4) embodied as a hexagon such that a simple fork spanner (23) can be used to open or close the screw lock.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting and sealing connections made between male and female cylindrical metallic dryer vent pipes is described. An elongated cylindrical clamping apparatus having a longitudinal opening through the surface thereof permitting the apparatus to be opened to encircle joined pipe members, and including clamping straps and optionally a rubbery sealing material disposed inside of the clamping apparatus to provide an improved gas seal permits the connection to be firmly held together without using rivets or screws. For pipe connections where an elbow is involved, two elongated cylindrical clamping devices may be used, and additional screw-type straps may be employed to connect the two devices with one or more straps being disposed over the heal of the elbow, and at least two straps crisscrossed over the throat of the elbow for added stability.

Abstract: A tubular handling apparatus comprising a slotted member having a plurality of elongated slots each extending in a direction, a recessed member slidably coupled to the slotted member and having a plurality of recesses each tapered in the direction from a shallow end to a deep end, and a plurality of rolling members each retained between one of the recesses and one of the slots, wherein each rolling member partially extends through the adjacent slot when located in the shallow end of the recess, and wherein each rolling member retracts within an outer perimeter of the slotted member when located in a deep end of the recess. The apparatus may further comprise a plurality of biasing elements each biasing a corresponding one of the rolling members towards the shallow end of the corresponding recess.

Abstract: A connection arrangement for a tube is provided. The invention connection arrangement comprises a device configured to communicate fluid from an inlet to an outlet wherein the device includes at least one fitting having a plurality of protrusions extending therefrom. The connection arrangement further includes a polymer coated tube comprising aluminum material coupled with the fitting of the device, and the tube is configured to communicate matter with the device. The tube has an outer surface, an inner surface, at least one open end, a center passageway, a longitudinal axis extending through the center passageway, and a polymer coating. When mated together, the protrusions of the fitting create a tight seal and connection between the fitting and the tube.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ferrules for use in fittings of the type that are used for gripping a body, such as a tube end. More particularly, the invention provides ferrules manufactured from hollow stock, such as welded hollow stock and processes for making such ferrules.

Abstract: In a carburetor mounting structure, a stud bolt is implanted in a carburetor mounting portion, a screw hole is provided in the carburetor mounting portion, first and second mounting flanges include first bolt holes through which the stud bolt passes, and second bolt holes into which a tap bolt is screwed, and the first bolt hole of the first mounting flange is formed into a notched shape so as to allow the stud bolt to be inserted into the first bolt hole from an outside of the first mounting flange. Thus, it is possible to provide a carburetor mounting structure wherein mounting of a carburetor by a stud bolt is possible even if only a small space exists outward of an outer end of the stud bolt.

Abstract: A wind turbine generator includes at least one rotating member, at least one stationary member, and a clearance gap control system. The stationary member is positioned such that a clearance gap is defined between a portion of the rotating member and a portion of the stationary member. The clearance gap is configured to facilitate transmitting a controllable magnetic flux therethrough. The control system includes at least one clearance gap measurement assembly, at least one power converter, and at least one controller. The controller is coupled in electronic data communication with the assembly and the converter and is configured to modulate a dimension of the gap by modulating the flux.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device to measure reliably and accurately a set of data needed to test, operate and monitor the performance of turbines. The invention proposes to determine the performance parameters of a turbine applicable to its entire operating envelope and for a condition when it is producing net output power, by merely measuring its characteristic performance parameters only in the mode of no net output-power production. In the method the performance response of a turbine under no-load conditions and/or no-speed conditions is measured when subject to known values of input for flow, head, hydraulic energy and fluid properties. From this the condition and the performance of the turbine can be determined. Furthermore it is possible to determine best efficiency point for operating the turbine from the recorded no-load and no-speed characteristic.

Abstract: The device based on basic principles of mechanical and hydraulic engineering, entirely built in metal on ground platforms or floating platforms, which function is to transform the mechanical energy from water movements and turbulences in seas, lakes and rivers into electric energy, independently from tides. The power plant system, that transforms mechanical energy into electric energy, uses in its operation floating buoys (1), crowbars (3) fitted on the steady axis (4) hold on the pilaster (5). This format consists on the crow-bars support point connected to the, by knee action, toothed arms (7). The toothed arms function is to give continuity in the movement made by the buoys in its descendent movement. The toothed arms are connected to the ratchets (8), hold on the spinning axis (9), pilaster (10), that is connected to a wheel (15) to give balance in the movement made by the spinning axis (9).

Abstract: A method and apparatus of assembling a rotary machine includes providing at least one component. The component is at least one of a rotating member and a stationary member. The method and apparatus also includes coupling the component to a monocoque nacelle structure. The monocoque nacelle structure includes an outer shell that extends over at least a portion of the component.

Abstract: An energy harvester is provided for converting an input force into electrical energy and also allowing for energy to be stored and then released at a later time. The energy harvester includes a receiver, energy collector, converter, and holder, and operates in three stages. The receiver receives the input force and the energy collector is moved by the receiver with an input displacement. The energy collector is then held in a catch position. The input force changes direction, and the energy collector is released by the holder and moves with an output displacement that is different from the input displacement. The converter generates electrical energy from the motion created.

Abstract: An energy harvester is provided for converting an input force into electrical energy and also allowing for energy to be stored and then released at a later time. The energy harvester includes a receiver, energy collector, converter, and holder, and operates in three stages. The receiver receives the input force and the energy collector is moved by the receiver with an input displacement. The energy collector is then held in a catch position. The input force changes direction, and the energy collector is released by the holder and moves with an output displacement that is different from the input displacement. The converter generates electrical energy from the motion created.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for power-assisted opening/closing of an openable panel in a motor vehicle, comprising: a latch (9) for disengaging/engaging a striker; a pawl (10) able to lock the latch (9) in at least one locked position and release said latch (9); a first kinematic chain (3) for power-assisted closing, of which one end is connected to a motor (1) and the other to said latch (9); and a second kinematic chain (4) for power-assisted opening, of which one end is connected to said motor (1) and the other to said pawl (10); which device is characterized in that said motor (1) comprises a through shaft (2), of which one end forms a driving connection with said first kinematic chain (3) and the other a driving connection with the second kinematic chain (4).