Abstract: A motorcycle foot peg is comprised of a shaft connected to a bracket via a pin and a cotter pin, a platform, an outer and inner latch, a spring, and a screw. A platform swivels on the shaft. The spring biases the outer latch to be held substantially perpendicular to the inner latch, and swivels on the shaft. When mounted to a motorcycle frame, the foot peg enables a motorcycle rider to fixedly engage their feet into the foot peg via fore and aft cleats on the bottom of their motorcycle boots. To release from the foot peg, the rider twists their boots past a certain angle. The platform pivots to expose either side of the platform and make proper contact between the bottom of the boot and the platform. Platform teeth give grip between the boot and the platform when rider is not engaged to the foot peg. A shaft leg prevents the foot peg from pivoting up and back relative to the motorcycle frame. A first cleat is mounted towards the front of a motorcycle boot and a second cleat rearward from the first.

Abstract: A system for towing a light-weight utility vehicle is provided. The system includes a tow arm connectable to a distal portion of a towing vehicle. The system additionally includes a tow mode mechanism connectable to a distal portion of a towed vehicle and connectable with the tow arm. The tow mode mechanism automatically places the towed vehicle in a tow mode when the towing vehicle begins to tow the towed vehicle.

Abstract: The maximum security/maximum versatility ball mount assembly provides an assembly for securing a ball mount or other accessory shank to a receiver hitch on automotive vehicles, tractors, ATVs, and other vehicles equipped with a receiver-type hitch. As the shank of a hitch accessory or implement is inserted into a receiver, dual retractable hitch pins automatically engage the receiver when the pins align with the two hitch-pin apertures in the receiver tube, thereby securing the ball mount/accessory's shank to the vehicle's receiver. A shank end cap shields the hitch pin assembly's internal components from dirt and/or rust particles, and the end cap also serves as an innovative and useful alignment aid when inserting the shank into a vehicle's receiver.

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 stroller includes at least one mechanisms integrated into the stroller configured to be coupled to another stroller.

Abstract: An airbag apparatus for a vehicle with three seat-rows includes a vehicle airbag having first and second sections independent from each other extending in the longitudinal direction. The second section includes a first chamber, a second chamber and one gas inlet for supply gas to the second section. The first and second chambers are separated from each other in the longitudinal direction with a space therebetween except upper ends thereof through which the first and second chambers directly communicate with each other. The first section, first chamber and second chamber extend continuously along an upper portion of a sidewall of the vehicle and are located at portions corresponding to the three seat-rows of the vehicle to protect the passengers in the three seat-rows, respectively.

Abstract: A curtain airbag system includes a sail panel. The sail panel may be attached with an inflatable curtain of the curtain airbag system.

Abstract: An airbag with a venting assembly. An airbag can include a panel with at least one vent opening and a valve sheet with at least one vent opening and at least one tear tab. The panel and valve sheet can be arranged so that the vent openings of the panel and the vent openings of the valve sheet are configured to align with one another for a period of time during deployment of the airbag. The tear tabs can be configured to break during deployment of the airbag.

Abstract: An airbag for a vehicle passenger restraint system includes at least one airbag chamber that can be filled with gas and has at least one outflow device through which gas can escape from the airbag chamber. The outflow device includes a tubular extension defined on a wall of the at least one airbag chamber that provides an outflow opening of the at least one airbag chamber. The airbag includes at least a first airbag chamber and a second airbag chamber. The tubular extension is defined on the first airbag chamber and extends into the second airbag chamber. When the airbag is triggered, the second airbag chamber is filled with gas solely by the tubular extension. The tubular extension bends over in the second airbag chamber when no gas is flowing through it to constitute a valve and allow gas to flow only in the direction of the second airbag chamber.

Abstract: A rollover inhibitor to help prevent towed vehicles from rolling over while being towed in high winds. The device features a rotatable elongated member having a wheel on a distal end which engages to a frame mount adapted to engage the frame structure of towed vehicles such as mobile homes. When tipped by the wind, the wheel engaged to the member will prevent over rotation of the trailer around its axis and thereby inhibit the potential for rolling over. The wheel is spaced a distance from the road surface so as to only contact it if the trailer tips past a predetermined point.

Abstract: A vehicle chassis includes a front chassis with a rear inverted-U-shaped member, a rear chassis, and a locking mechanism on the rear chassis for locking the inverted-U-shaped member to secure the front and the rear chassises together; the locking mechanism includes a housing with a gap, a pivotal locking piece next to one side of the gap, and a pivotal detaining piece next to other side of the gap; the locking piece will be automatically pivoted to a locking position to detain the inverted-U-shaped member when the inverted-U-shaped member is passed into the gap; the locking and the detaining pieces are subjected to first and second elastic return forces respectively; the first elastic return force biases the locking piece towards a non-locking position; the second elastic force biases the detaining piece such that the detaining piece will engage the locking piece when the inverted-U-shaped member is passed into the gap.

Abstract: A vehicle chassis that incorporates the engine structure, transaxle structure and a backbone structure provided as a unitary structure onto which other components of a vehicle, such as suspension, steering, body and crash absorbers may be attached. The backbone structure is a closed tubular structure in which a relatively rigid drive shaft can be supported for rotational power delivery between the engine and the transaxle. Several variations of the basic chassis embodiment are disclosed to accommodate rear wheel drive, front wheel drive, four wheel drive, as well as internal combustion, electrical and hybrid powered vehicles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a suspension strut top mounting (1) in a body structure of a motor vehicle. The suspension strut top mounting (1) consists of two half-shells (2, 3) which are connected together in a rigid manner on the outer edge thereof (4, 5) and form a cavity (4) therebetween and are placed on top of each other in the support region (7) of the suspension strut top mounting (8). The suspension strut top mounting (1) is integrated into the body structure as a connecting node for adjacent hollow profiles (10, 12) of the body structure such that it reinforces and delivers a positive contribution to the crash behavior of the vehicle structure.

Abstract: Gliding board that includes an upper sub-assembly, a lower sub-assembly, and an intermediate core, the upper sub-assembly including a first longitudinal opening, the lower sub-assembly including a second longitudinal opening, and the intermediate core including a third longitudinal opening, each of the first, second, and third longitudinal openings being positioned at the rear end of the gliding board, the gliding board further including a rigidifying element that is inserted simultaneously in the first, second, and third longitudinal openings. The rigidifying element can have a planar, bulging, or convex lower surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting a layout of loose elements of a draft scrapbooking page includes a flat work surface dimensioned to receive thereon a scrapbooking page and an overlay. The overlay is magnetically cohered to the work surface when the overlay is placed over the work surface in covering disposition to a scrapbooking page, including scrapbooking elements loosely placed on such scrapbooking page, located between the overlay and the work surface. The improvement is characterized in that the apparatus includes, under the work surface, an array of magnets, and the overlay comprises a thin and pliable metallic rubber sheet, the overlay thereby cohering to the work surface due to magnetic force of attraction between the magnets of the array and the thin and pliable metallic rubber sheet. The array includes magnets arranged in a concentric elliptical pattern including, for example, a concentric circular pattern or a concentric non-circular pattern.

Abstract: A personal recording page and document marker is provided by an audio-electronic module having a housing. A spring clip on the housing is adopted to attach the module to the cover of a book, report, or document. The module contains a recording/playback unit connected to a microphone/speaker exposed on a face of the housing. The recording/playback unit is activated by record and play buttons recessed in a face of the housing which operate switches connected to the recording and playback unit. A battery pack or compartment holds batteries which power the recording/playback unit.

Abstract: A pocket device for papers or the like includes a major panel and a pocket panel attached to the inner surface of the major panel to define a pocket between the major panel and the pocket panel. The pocket panel has a secured edge along which the pocket panel is attached to the major panel. The pocket panel also has a free edge along which the pocket panel is unattached to the major panel so that the free edge is moveable away from the major panel to allow one or more papers to be inserted into the pocket. The free edge of the pocket panel is disposed next to the secured edge and extends transversely of the secured edge. The pocket panel has a stress relief area for reducing and minimizing tearing of the pocket panel. The stress relief area located along the free edge proximate to the secured edge.

Abstract: A system for generating secure documents includes a station for generating a plain document and a security image generator that generates a security image. The security image is then incorporated into the plain document. Each security image consists of a plurality of secure elements, each secure element being defined by two sets of parallel lines. Each secure element defines an alphanumeric character or other unique image that is visible under certain conditions, i.e., when inspected through a viewer. The technique can also be used to provide security images on a web page as a means of indicating that the web page is genuine.

Abstract: A conduit body assembly includes a conduit body having a layer of lubrication material thereon to aid in pulling wires therethrough. The conduit body includes an elongate side wall, an open upper end and a conduit body interior. At least one hub is in communication with said body interior for passage of wires therethrough. A layer of lubrication material having a low coefficient of friction is adhered to at least on portion of the surface of the body interior.

Abstract: An improved clamping fixture for bouncing apparatus to clamp two ends of a resilient stem of a bouncing apparatus includes two coupling members and two anchor members. The two coupling members are made from plastics and have respectively a first latch member and a second latch member to form a clamping space, and anchor bosses on two outer sides pivotally engageable with the anchor members. The two coupling members have coupling forces to clamp the two ends of the resilient stem, and the two anchor members are coupled on the upper end and lower end of the bouncing apparatus. The resilient stem can be positioned securely at two ends of the bouncing apparatus to facilitate bouncing operation without being scraped, damaged or fractured. Durability is greater.

Abstract: A flam floor pump having universal joint unit includes a cylinder defining a through hole on an end thereof; an universal joint unit including a shaft received in the through hole of the cylinder, a joint having a first end connecting to the shaft and a second end, a pipe forming a connecting portion extending therefrom and mounted in the second end of the joint. The joint drives the shaft to turn in the through hole of the cylinder and pivots to various positions with the connecting portion, and hence the universal joint unit could pivot to any position as requirement of users.

Abstract: This variable-angle tubular connection comprises a first tubular section (4) which comprises a flange ring (10), a second tubular section (6) which comprises an end flange (12) and clamping means (8) of the flange ring (10) against the end flange (12). The clamping means (8) comprise at least one linking segment (22), suitable for being applied against the flange ring (10), and components (24) for clamping the linking segment (22) against the flange ring. The end flange (12) comprises traversing recesses (20) through which the clamping components extend. The end flange is fixed to the second tubular section (6). Application to the sealed junction of tubing elements.

Abstract: A flexible, semi-rigid connector is provided. The connector comprises a sleeve with two openings on opposing ends and is made up of a plurality of ridges having interlocking crimped elements spaced. The crimped elements allow for the sleeve to be twisted and moved laterally to create a variety of lengths and angles in order to correctly connect the dryer vent and the exhaust vent.

Abstract: A fluid adapter for connection between a valve and a tube having a single lumen includes a housing having a tab. The tab is releasably connected over a secondary port of the valve. The tab is configured to occlude the secondary port to prevent a user from toggling the secondary port. The housing is configured to be releasably connected to the valve.

Abstract: A threaded coupler includes a plurality of circumferentially distributed internally threaded segments arranged to create a bore for inserting an externally threaded member. A casing surrounds the threaded segments. The casing includes a first inclined surface of revolution extending at an acute angle to an axis of the coupler. A spring resiliently urges the segments radially inward to the axis of the coupler. Each of the plurality of segments includes an inclined surface which defines a second inclined surface of revolution co-acting with the first inclined surface of revolution of the casing.

Abstract: A modified API Buttress threaded casing connection is disclosed for use in drilling oil and gas wells in lieu of using conventional drill pipe. The coupling threads only are multiple tapered yet can be mated with standard API Buttress pin threads having a single taper. The coupling is also shortened to permit abutment of the mating pins at the center of the coupling and can be further enhanced with an integral, sacrificial wear sleeve on one end of the coupling.

Abstract: A connecting device between two tubes for defining a play place for pets, comprises: a female retainer, a male retainer and a quick connect and release locking clamp. The female retainer includes a concave portion and two protruding shafts. The male retainer is pivotally connected with the female retainer and includes a clamping portion. The quick connect and release locking clamp is pivotally connected with the male retainer and includes two grooves. The clamping portion engages in the concave portion, and the two grooves are engaged with the two protruding shafts, so that the two tubes are connected to define a play place for pets.

Abstract: Method for operating a wind turbine comprising a drive train driving one or more electrical generators (23, 31) that supply power to an electric grid (11), by which, in events that can create a load inversion in the gearbox (17), a drive train dump load (5) is activated for ensuring that the drive train torque has a constant direction, avoiding the impact of backlashes in the gearbox (17), said dump load (5) consisting of power absorbed by one or several means chosen among means specifically dedicated to the absorption of said dump load (5) and means present at the wind turbine for other purposes. The invention also refers to a wind turbine for implementing said method.

Abstract: A hybrid system using a wind-power generator and a battery energy storage system includes a unit to set a system constant output value, a unit to control power generated from the wind-power generator, a unit to gradually change an output target value between an output constant operation and a regulation control operation, and a control unit to secure a charged ampere-hour of a battery in the output constant operation.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for improved power generation through movement of water retrofitting existing hydroelectric dams with draft tube inserts and tailrace walls to increase water velocity for production of power using hydrokinetic turbines installed in the tailrace. By initial design or by draft tube inserts and tailrace walls, increased and streamlined water flow leads to higher efficiencies of the hydrokinetic turbine, thus more efficiently converting available kinetic energy of the water into usable energy.

Abstract: A charging device for an internal combustion engine and an associated battery for supplying electric power to a component driven by the engine. A generator is driven the engine to generate electric power to be supplied as charging current to the battery. A charge controller controls the value of the charging current supplied to the battery according to the operating state of the engine after a certain phase, of positive voltage waveform of the generated electric power and adjusts the phase in response to the speed of said internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A control apparatus controls power generation of an electric generator and communicates with an external control apparatus. The control apparatus includes: a control circuit that controls the power generation of the electric generator according to a command signal transmitted from the external control apparatus; means for reseting the control circuit; and means for informing the external control apparatus of a power generation condition of the electric generator by transmitting a condition signal, the condition signal indicating both the power generation condition of the electric generator and information on whether a reset of the control circuit is made by the reseting means. With such a configuration, when the control circuit is reset due to, for example, noises, the control apparatus can reliably inform the external control apparatus of the reset of the control circuit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for controlling a hybrid energy system including at least an energy source having a maximum energy output and an energy storage device. The method includes determining a first amount of energy indicative of an amount of energy associated with the current operating condition of the energy source and determining a second amount of energy indicative of energy associated with the energy storage device. The method also includes estimating a third amount of energy indicative of a difference between the first amount of energy and the maximum energy output. The method further includes controlling the energy source as a function of the second and third amounts of energy.

Abstract: An improved latch incorporating adjustable backset and cylinder latch bolt assemblies, working in cooperation with a door handle, mounting rods and spindle. The backset latch includes novel configured inner and outer casing parts through which extend the mounting rods and spindle, and which sandwich therebetween an actuating plate and follower plate arrangement. The cylinder latch bolt further includes a novel subassembly including a bolt mounted in spring biasing fashion via a stem portion extending therefrom and interengaging the actuating plate to selectively retract the bolt into a cylinder shaped and interiorly open body.

Abstract: A combined automatic latch and deadbolt assembly includes a latch; a deadbolt configured to selectively assume a first and a second configuration, the deadbolt defining a deadbolt feature; a first mechanical coupling coupled to the latch, and a second mechanical coupling that coupled the latch to the deadbolt. The second mechanical coupling may be configured such that movement of the latch causes the first mechanical coupling to move and engage the second mechanical coupling with the deadbolt feature to selectively cause a) the deadbolt to assume the first configuration, and b) cause the deadbolt to assume the second configuration.

Abstract: A hidden fastening structure applied to an electronic device is provided, which comprises a actuator and a fastener controlled by the actuator, wherein the fastener is rotatably disposed on the electronic device. When the actuator is pushed by external forces in the horizontal direction, the fastener is driven to rotate about the electronic device, thereby providing a hidden position accommodated within the electronic device or a fastening position outside the electronic device.

Abstract: A two-way fastening structure for a tablet PC comprises a mainframe, a cover body, a pusher, and a fastener. The mainframe has a fastening groove, and a magnetic element is provided adjacent to the fastening groove. The cover body has a bottom wall and a top wall opposite to the bottom wall. The bottom wall and the top wall respectively have a first opening and a second opening corresponding to the fastening groove. The pusher is slidably disposed within the cover body corresponding to the first opening and the second opening. The pusher is provided with an elastic element at one end, such that the pusher has a first position and a second position. When the cover body is turned to cover the mainframe, the magnetic element attracts the fastener, such that the fastener protrudes from the first opening or the second opening, and thereby snapping in the fastening groove.

Abstract: A latch for a window sash includes a fixed plate and a latch head slidably coupled to the fixed plate. The latch head is symmetrically spring loaded to minimize rotation when the latch head translates. When the latch head retracts toward the fixed plates, hooks from the latch head engage notches on the fixed plate to lock the latch head in a retracted position. This releases the latch head from a strike so the window sash can be opened. The latch further includes a plunger centrally received in the fixed plate and the latch head. When the plunger retracts toward the fixed plate, sloped shoulders from the plunger disengages the hooks of the latch head from the notches on the fixed plate. This releases the latch head to engage the strike so the window sash is locked.

Abstract: A magnetic latch assembly includes a first body, a second body, and a magnetic block and a magnetic latch. The magnetic block is movably disposed on the first body; therefore, it can be selectively moved close to or far away a first opening of the first body. The magnetic latch is disposed on the second body corresponding to a second opening of the second body. In addition, two ends of the magnetic latch form a hook portion and a tip portion, respectively. When the first body is close up against the second body and the magnetic block is moved close to the first opening, the magnetic block and the tip portion repel each other due to magnetic force so as to drive the magnetic latch rotating, so that the hook portion is moved and passing through the second opening and the first opening and hooked against the first body.

Abstract: A latch assembly includes a mounting member having opposite first and second terminal end portions spaced apart in a longitudinal direction and an actuator coupled to the mounting member. One or more extension members having a terminal end portion are secured to one of the terminal end portions of the mounting member. One or more latch devices are coupled to the extension member at a location longitudinally spaced from the terminal end portion of the extension member. The latch device is operable between a latched and unlatched position. The latch device is operatively coupled to the actuator and is moveable between the latched and unlatched positions as the actuator is operated between a first and second position. A latch device includes a housing and a guide member adjustably moveable relative to the housing in a first direction. The guide member has an opening extending along a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

Abstract: A clamp mechanism clamping an electronic device and connecting an object to the electronic device is disclosed. The mechanism includes a first clamping element, a second clamping element slidably joined to the first clamping element in a joint position to adjust the second clamping element apart from the first clamping element to a clamp distance, a latching element inserted into the joint position to maintain the first clamping element apart from the second clamping element at the clamp distance, and a connecting element joined to the second clamping element and connected to the object.

Abstract: A bracket for attaching and aligning a forward-looking radar (FLR) having a front face is disclosed according to one embodiment. The bracket includes a bracket frame having an attachment feature for attaching the FLR to the bracket frame. The bracket also includes a first mounting feature extending from the bracket frame for coupling the bracket face and the first mounting surface of the conveyance to define a first mounting surface angle. The bracket also includes a bracket member extending from the bracket frame. The bracket member includes an end portion disposed proximate to the bracket face and a distal end portion, which includes a second mounting feature for coupling the bracket member and the second mounting surface thereby defining a second mounting surface angle and aligning the FLR front face to an alignment angle.

Abstract: A trailer-mounted crash impact attenuator is disclosed for attachment to a host vehicle, which comprises an anti-rotational attachment system having an internal support tube and a plurality of external support tubes. The internal support tube has a connector on a front end thereof for attachment to a suitable receptacle on the host vehicle, and the plurality of external support tubes each have an anti-rotation support pad on a front end thereof. At least one of the internal support tube and the plurality of external support tubes is comprised of a telescoping construction. A backup frame is disposed on a rear end of the attachment system, and a crash attenuator unit is disposed on an axle and pair of wheels for mobility. When the crash attenuator is impacted by an errant vehicle, the anti-rotational attachment system is actuated to prevent the trailer mounted crash impact attenuator from rotating relative to the host vehicle.

Abstract: A pet waste retrieval and storage system and associated method ensures sanitary collection, and subsequent storage in accompanying sealed plastic bags, without any waste material coming into direct contact with the user, device components, or other unintended surroundings. A pet waste retrieval and storage system includes a container of sufficient volume, an accompanying lid, lid attachment lanyard, with associated non-corrosive installation hardware, a fabric cover with fastening means for attachment to the container's outer surface diameter, and an elastic leash connecting lanyard.

Abstract: Tongs for handling food. The tongs comprise a pair of tong members pivotally connected together and biased away from each other to define an opening angle therebetween. The tongs also comprise an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the opening angle to a desired opening angle in a range of opening angles. The adjustment mechanism may comprise a manually operable actuator rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the tongs for adjusting the opening angle to a desired opening angle in the range of opening angles. Each of the tong members comprises a handle portion and a food-handling portion. The food-handling portion of each of the tong members may have a removable element.

Abstract: A snow shovel with an internal rod probe including of a connection part disposed to one edge of the shovel; one end of an extension sleeve is movably coupled to the connection portion of the shovel; a movable ice chisel is provided to another end of the extension sleeve; a foldable rod probe is received in the extension sleeve; the rod probe is comprised of multiple pipes and has a cable penetrating therein; and one end of each tube has an smaller outer diameter smaller than that of the other end so to facilitate rigid connection of those tubes when the rod probe is removed out of the extension sleeve.

Abstract: A handheld gripping device provides a user with a point of stability in maneuvering in various indoor situations. In one aspect, the device includes a handle portion, a base from which the handle portion extends, one or more suction elements positioned relative to the base, and a cam driven mechanism coupled with each suction element and with the base. The cam driven mechanism selectively draws the respective suction element towards and away from the base.

Abstract: A console (10) for a vehicle includes a body (12) having a back panel (14), the body defining at least one storage compartment (22). A support assembly (40) is secured to a back panel (14) of the body (12) and is configured for attaching the body to a seat back (38). A hinge assembly (58) is secured to the support assembly (40) and configured for enabling rotation of the body (12) from a first position against the seat back (38) to a second position aligned with a seat armrest (70).

Abstract: A multi-functional cargo lid for a vehicle is provided that functions as a floor for a main storage area, a lid for a storage well, and as an elevated shelf. The cargo lid includes a first panel pivotally connected to a cargo lining behind a rear seat of the vehicle and a second panel pivotally connected to the first panel. When the cargo lid is in a first configuration the first and second panels are substantially horizontal and are flush with a floor of the vehicle. When the cargo lid is in a second configuration the first panel is substantially vertical and the second panel is elevated above the floor but remains substantially horizontal. A side latching device that pivots from each rear sidewall of the vehicle is adapted to receive and horizontally secure the second panel thereby securing the cargo lid in the second configuration.

Abstract: A security system is provided for a truck having at least one cargo door. The system emits an audible alarm when a cargo door is open and a driver or other person working on the truck goes beyond a defined distance, generally the immediate vicinity, from the truck exposing cargo to possible theft. In a truck having more than one cargo door an alarm is sounded if more than one door is open simultaneously. If an attempt is made to start the engine with a door open, the system sounds an alarm in the cab and ignition is prevented. The system includes sensing means to detect if cargo doors are opened or closed, control logic circuitry and a clock, a RF signal receiver, an ignition cut-off, an audible alarm and a battery to independently power the security system, all of which are situated on the truck. The system also includes portable a portable RF transmitter carried by a person normally doing work on the truck. The control circuit processes signals from a sensor indicating if a cargo door is opened or closed.