Abstract: This invention provides a segmented annular seal (10) the sealing leakage gaps between relatively movable components 14,16 between high and low pressure regions in a gas turbine engine, for example for sealing an engine shaft 16. The seal comprises an annular array of circumferentially spaced and radially movable arcuate seal segments (12) which extend in a continuous end to end relationship in annular housing (14) and project radially from the housing for effecting a seal against an engine shaft (16), rotor or the like. The segments (12) are located in a channel (22) in the housing (14) sized such that the segments (12) are able to follow radial movements of the shaft (16). In order to reduce an axial loading on the segments (12) that ends to cause them to seize a pressure balance region (30) vented to the upstream pressure region is formed on the downstream side of the segments (12).

Abstract: A spherical annular seal member (58) includes: a spherical annular base member (56) defined by a cylindrical inner surface (52), a partially convex spherical surface (56), and end faces (54, 55); and an outer layer (57) formed integrally with the partially convex spherical surface (53) of the spherical annular base member (56). The spherical annular base member (56) includes a reinforcing member (5) made from a compressed metal wire net (4) and a heat-resistant material filling meshes of the metal wire net (4) of the reinforcing member (5), integrated with the reinforcing member (5) in mixed form, and containing expanded graphite and an organic phosphorus compound. The outer layer (56) includes a heat-resistant material constituted by a heat-resistant sheet member (6) containing expanded graphite and an organic phosphorus compound, and a reinforcing member constituted by a metal wire net (4) integrated with the heat-resistant material in mixed formed.

Abstract: A stabilizer assembly unit having a first stabilizer and a sun gearwheel connected non-rotatably to one end of the stabilizer includes at least one rotary drive acting on a planetary gearwheel which meshes with the sun gearwheel. For a vehicle axle having at least two wheels, a separate stabilizer assembly unit according to any of the preceding claims may be provided for each of the wheels. In a chassis assembly unit for a vehicle having a body and a stabilizer assembly unit, the internally geared wheel is connected non-rotatably to the vehicle body.

Abstract: A ski for a snow vehicle includes a ski body, a ski mounting bracket, a keel, a wear bar, and a glide member. The ski body includes a generally horizontal surface that contacts the snow when the ski is in use. The ski mounting bracket is located on a top side of the ski body. The glide member depends from the ski and is mounted at a position lower than the lowest most part of the wear bar.

Abstract: A skag having a rod/elongated rod and rearwardly-angled threaded studs upwardly-extending immovably from the rod. The skag adapted to be connected to the bottom of a snowmobile ski to enhance the steering capabilities the snowmobile ski. The studs being angled with respect to a longitudinal axis of the skag in a direction opposite to that of the forward travel direction of the skag to decrease the shear stress on the weld fixing the stud to the rod and providing a security against installing the skags in the wrong orientation on the bottom of the ski.

Abstract: A wheel assembly and a method of using the wheel assembly are provided. The wheel assembly is attachable to various objects and capable of quickly and easily collapsing or folding to become more compact for more efficient and cost-effective transportation or shipping. It is then capable of being quickly and easily expanded.

Abstract: A skateboard truck with a single kingpin assembly mechanism with a compressible single bushing with a graduated coefficient of compressibility and built-in cam stops. The truck allows for superior rotation of the wheels due to the single kingpin assembly, which presents an improvement over the prior king-pin and bolt, as there is less stress on the moving parts, the danger of wheel-bite is reduced, and a tighter steering angle can be maintained. The axle hanger is reversible to allow a user to change the height of the skateboard deck from the surface. Because it is made from fewer parts, the truck is simpler to construct, take apart and repair, and can be made less expensively than traditional trucks.

Abstract: The invention discloses a utility vehicle, in particular an agricultural tractor, with a steering system having single-wheel-suspended steering wheels, which are mounted on a respective wheel carrier (11). Each wheel carrier (11) may be swivelled about the axis of at least one rigidly connected bolt (18) and is connected via a ball-and-socket joint (9) on the at least one bolt, to a transverse steering element (1) that is articulated to the vehicle body. Associated with the ball-and-socket joint (9) is a steering angle sensor (22) comprising a rotatable input member (23), which is located at least approximately in the extension of the axis of the swivel bolt (18). The rotatable input member (23) is connected to the bolt via an entrainment element (25) that transmits the swivel motion of the bolt in an angularly precise manner to detect the current swivel position of the wheel carrier (11).

Abstract: Strut for a vehicle which is interposed between a suspension and a semi-axis of the vehicle, and which is provided with a central body, and a passing housing which is obtained through the central body along a longitudinal axis (A) in order to house a rolling contact bearing which is interposed between the strut itself and the semi-axis; a coupling device being foreseen between the rolling contact bearing and the passing housing, and being defined by two connecting outlines which are obtained around the rolling contact bearing and, respectively, inside the passing housing with a shape which is complementary in relation to each other, and presenting a radius (R) of angularly variable dimensions with continuity on a plane which is transverse to the longitudinal axis (A), and at least one respective convex portion in relation to the longitudinal axis (A).

Abstract: A suspension system (10) for a vehicle for suspending a wheel (1) is disclosed. The suspension system (10) includes a motor (12) for driving the wheel of the vehicle; a first suspension (22) for supporting the wheel (1) of the vehicle with respect to the vehicle body; a second suspension (30) for elastically supporting the motor (12) with respect to the vehicle body; and a power transferring mechanism (14) for transferring power from the motor (12) to the wheel (1) while permitting relative movement of the motor (12) with respect to the wheel (1).

Abstract: A retractable step for use with a vehicle comprises a stepping member having a stepping deck, a first arm and a second arm. The first arm has a first end pivotally attached to the vehicle, and a second end pivotally attached to the stepping member. The second arm also has a first end pivotally attached to the vehicle, and a second end pivotally attached to the stepping member.

Abstract: A manually retractable side step assembly for a vehicle includes a rotatable step having a latch mechanism and a spring system that work in concert to rotate the step from a stowed position to a deployed position. In a stowed position, the step is in line with the running board of the vehicle. However, depressing a release button automatically rotates the step 180°, thus exposing an enlarged step area for providing ease of access to a roof rack on a minivan, SUV, or sport wagon, or if used with a pick-up truck, ease of access to a toolbox that is located in the rear of the truck.

Abstract: A drive system for use with a bicycle includes first and second gears arranged so that the second gear is rotatably driven responsive to the first gear. A freewheel is operatively coupled to the second gear, and a drive sprocket is operatively coupled to the freewheel. The freewheel causes the drive sprocket to be rotatably driven only when the first gear is driven in either the first direction or the second direction. A driven sprocket may be mounted coaxially and in driving relationship with a wheel of the bicycle. A chain may be used for linking the drive sprocket and the driven sprocket. First and second levers extend from a support bar, which is coaxially mounted to the first gear. Reciprocal movement of the first and second levers causes the first gear to rotate, and correspondingly causes the second gear to rotate, thereby effecting rotation in the drive sprocket and the driven sprocket.

Abstract: A front fork for a bicycle includes an upright tube and two arms all of which are made of fiber reinforced material. The two arms extend substantially parallel from a bottom of the upright tube. The two arms each have two inner tubes abutted together and an outer tube sleeved onto the two inner tubes. The abutted portions of the two inner tubes form a rib which is parallel to a plane where the two arms are disposed. Thus, the front fork has strong structure and light weight.

Abstract: A bicycle frame has a front frame, a lower bracket assembly, an upper bracket assembly, a rear frame and a shock absorber. The front frame has a head tube, a down tube, a bottom bracket shell and seat tube. The lower bracket assembly is connected pivotally to the bottom bracket shell and has a lower connecting bracket. The upper bracket assembly is connected pivotally to the seat tube and has two upper connecting brackets. The rear frame is connected pivotally to the upper connecting brackets and the lower connecting bracket of the upper and lower bracket assemblies and has an upper fork, a lower fork and two dropouts. The shock absorber is mounted pivotally between the upper connecting brackets and the lower connecting bracket.

Abstract: The boat trailer includes segmented bunk board covers, with the segments being of different lengths so that they can be combined to cover different lengths of bunk boards. The bearing surfaces of the bunk board covers include a series of oppositely sloped lifting edges that tend to lift the facing surface of the boat hull so that when the boat is tilted on the trailer, the lowermost surface of the boat hull tends to apply more weight to one of the bunk boards, so that the lower surface tends to be lifted by its bunk board.

Abstract: A trailer assembly for transporting recreational vehicles generally includes a base portion having a set of wheels, a holding assembly supported by the base portion and including a first support suitable for holding a first recreational vehicle and a second support adjacent the first support and suitable for holding a second recreational vehicle. The trailer assembly further includes a movement mechanism effective to move the first support and the second support from a launch position to a stow position. The launch position is a position which facilitates launching and loading of recreational vehicles with respect to the trailer assembly and the stow position is a position which is more space-saving than the launch position and facilitates loading of the full trailer assembly into a toy hauler or other limited cargo space.

Abstract: A deactivation arrangement for a vehicle park assist system is provided. The deactivation arrangement includes a trailer hitch receiver affixed to the vehicle and arranged to receive a trailer hitch. A switch assembly is provided that is associated with the vehicle park assist system and includes a switch arranged to engage the trailer hitch when the trailer hitch is inserted into the trailer hitch receiver. The switch assembly is arranged to deactivate the vehicle park assist system when the trailer hitch is inserted into the trailer hitch receiver and engages the switch.

Abstract: An improved trailer theft-thwarting coupling dock to prevent unauthorized coupling and hauling of the trailer coupling dock includes a coupling dock body, a upper mechanism, a lower mechanism and a lock assembly. The upper mechanism has a upper handle fastening to the lock assembly. Through locking and unlocking of the lock assembly, unauthorized opening of the upper mechanism can be prevented. Thereby the trailer coupling dock cannot be coupled and hauled unless authorized, and an improved theft-thwarting effect can be achieved for the trailer.

Abstract: A stroller comprises a stroller frame, and a child seat positioned on the stroller frame and having a seat back, a seat bottom, and a seat bight. The stroller frame includes a cup holder forward of the seat bight. The stroller can further include a child barrier, such as a child tray or a child arm bar, movably coupled to the stroller frame such that the cup holder remains stationary relative to the stroller frame while the child barrier moves relative to the stroller frame. The child tray can also be movably coupled to the cup holder and releasably coupled to the stroller frame.

Abstract: An airbag cushion having a novel seam structure including either a tri-stitch fold-over seam structure or a double-stitch fold-over seam structure. The novel seam structure allows airbag cushions to be manufactured by using low tenacity yarns, preferably in the range of between about 40 cN/tex and about 65 cN/tex.

Abstract: An airbag device for use with a vehicle door having a window, the airbag device comprising: an inflatable cushion having a predetermined shape, the predetermined shape being configured to have a periphery larger than the periphery of the window of the door when the inflatable cushion is inflated; a backing plate for mounting the inflatable cushion in a desired location, the backing plate providing a reaction surface for a portion of the inflatable cushion as it is being inflated; an inflator for providing an inflation output to the inflatable cushion; and a conduit for providing fluid communication between the inflator and the inflatable cushion, the conduit having a diffuser portion disposed within the inflatable cushion, the diffuser portion having a plurality of diffuser openings for allowing the inflation output to be received within the inflatable cushion, wherein inflation of the inflatable cushion by the inflator will cause portions of the inflatable cushion to overlap the periphery of the window openi

Abstract: A dual-type gas generator for inflating air bags is provided in which a first igniter structure having a first combustion chamber accommodating a first gas generating material and a second igniter structure having a second combustion chamber accommodating a second gas generating material both exhaust, when activated, to exhaust gas to a common filter chamber. When the igniter structures are intended to be activated separately and with a time lag, gas generated in the first chamber often flows into the second chamber and may ignite the second gas generating material. This malfunction can be prevented by various flame-transferring preventing structures that preclude direct flow of gas from the first chamber into the second chamber through the common filter chamber.

Abstract: A gas generator, includes, a cylindrical housing including a seamless peripheral wall extending in an axial direction thereof between a first end and a second end, and including a gas discharge port; a first protruding portion provided in the peripheral wall of the cylindrical housing between the first end and the second end, such that the first protruding portion projects inwardly into an interior of the cylindrical housing; a first rupturable member attached to the first protruding portion such that the interior of the cylindrical housing is divided axially into a pressurized gas accommodating space in the first end from an ignition device accommodating space in the second end; a pressurized gas charged in the pressurized gas accommodating space; and an ignition device provided within the ignition device accommodating space.

Abstract: An air-bag is provided with a controllable vent, for example a tube, which is normally maintained in a closed condition by being retained by a clamp. The clamp is opened in response to a signal from a sensor. The clamp may be opened when it is desired for the air-bag to have a “soft” inflation, thus permitting a relatively high rate of flow of gas exiting from the air-bag.

Abstract: An airbag comprising a bag (11) that can be inflated with the gas provided by a gas generator when the vehicle experiences a collision, with a venting device (13) comprising first a first gas discharge opening (15) and a sealing member (17) thereof intended to break due to the effect of the pressure inside the inflatable bag (11), and second a part (19) with a second opening (21) of a smaller surface area than the first opening (15), which is fixed to the inside portion of the inflatable bag (11) and of the sealing member (17), acting as an airbag venting area once the sealing member (17) of the first opening (15) breaks.

Abstract: An inflator having at least first and second gas outputs and configured to generate gas. The inflator releases the gas through the first gas output with a fist gas flow rats and to release the gas through the second gas output with a second gas flow rate different from the first gas flow rate.

Abstract: An airbag apparatus includes an airbag, an inflator, and an accumulator. The airbag is configured to be stored in a vehicle before inflation. The inflator is configured to provide gas for inflating the airbag. The accumulator is in fluid communication with the airbag and the inflator. The accumulator includes a chamber for at least temporarily storing gas after the inflator provides gas. The accumulator also includes a flow-control mechanism configured to permit gas to flow into the chamber at a first rate and to flow out of the chamber at a slower second rate.

Abstract: A vehicular steering column system includes an outer column and an inner column which fits slidably in the outer column, whereby a relative position between the inner column and the outer column is adjusted by expanding and contracting the diameter of an inner circumferential surface of the outer column. An iron bush is provided between the inner circumferential surface of the outer column and an outer circumferential surface of the inner column in such a manner as to fit in or on at least the inner circumferential surface of the outer column or the outer circumferential surface of the inner column.

Abstract: An inspection device in accordance with the present invention is configured so that a light source used for irradiating light, and a reflection-type prism that irradiates the light from the light source to a hologram provided on an inspection target that is placed downward and that diffracts light rays in different directions that are reflected from the hologram upward in the same or substantially the same direction are housed in a case. With such an arrangement, it becomes possible to provide an inspection device that can positively conduct an inspection process for identifying the genuineness of an inspection target having a hologram quickly, and is also advantageous in costs.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is a vehicle door latch, which in its standard design contains a locking mechanism (1, 2) consisting mainly of a catch (1) and pawl (2). In addition, a blocking element (17) for a locking lever (18) is provided, in which the blocking element (17) prevents, when the catch (1) is open, that the locking lever (18) takes up its locking position. According to the invention, the blocking element (17) is a non-slam lock (17) controlled by the catch (1), which with the locking lever (18) in unlocking position, engages into a recess (20) of the locking levers (18) in order to block it.

Abstract: A latch mechanism includes a latch plate and a latching element attached to the latch plate. A pawl engages the latching element at an interface. Applying a force to the pawl releases the latch mechanism. The latch mechanism also includes an enclosure for enclosing a portion of the latching mechanism.

Abstract: A bumper beam arrangement comprises a bumper beam fastened in two crash boxes (12,13). The crash boxes are vertically higher than the bumper beam, and the bumper beam is fastened vertically off set in the crash boxes. The portions of the crash boxes that are not covered by the bumper beam extend forwards to the front end of the bumper beam profile.

Abstract: A bumper apparatus for a vehicle is provided. The bumper apparatus includes a bumper and a spring comprising a flexible ribbon of material. The spring has a first connector portion coupled to the bumper and a second connector portion adapted to couple to the vehicle. The spring also has a curvy portion coupled to the first and second connector portions. The bumper apparatus further includes a stop engaging the spring to hold the spring in a partially flexed state to preload the spring.

Abstract: An improved tweezers, particularly adapted for grasping small parts, has a first arm and a second flexible arm joined together at first ends to form a pair of tweezer jaws at second ends. A flexing of the flexible arm is accommodated as by incorporation of an arcuate portion of the first arm such that, when the arm is flexed by the application of a force, the jaw end of the flexible arm is displaced from jaw end of the first arm to open the tweezer jaws. When the force is removed, the flexible jaw returns to a rest position to apply a gripping force to an object between the jaws.

Abstract: A center console has an armrest that is hinged to provide access to a storage bin, and in addition has a compartment for an electronic device such a cellular phone, MP3 player or a handheld GPS navigation unit. The compartment preferably has a pivoted cover that closes to conceal the device from sight. A cradle attached to the cover holds the device when the cover is open so that it is in a convenient position for use by a vehicle occupant. The armrest may be slid forward relative to the center console to position the device close to the radio, in the field of vision of the driver, and permitting connection of the device to the radio or to an external outlet if desired. A finger recess may be provided in the armrest to permit cables to pass from the interior of the compartment to the exterior of the compartment.

Abstract: A cargo barricade for retaining oversized cargo within a truck bed includes a base component having front and rear sections which are secured to the front and rear surfaces of a tailgate respectively. The front and rear sections each include a male dovetail fastener to which a plurality of intermediate sections can be slidably mounted. A header is mounted on upper ends of the intermediate sections and a fastening strap is secured about the assembly to unitarily secure it to the tailgate.

Abstract: A cargo bed management system for dividing or extending a bed of a motor vehicle. The cargo bed management system includes a main panel having a length approximately equal to a width of the bed, and a pair of side panels hingedly connected to the main panel so that the side panels may rotate relative to the main panel from a stowed position where the side panels are directed toward the main panel to an extended position where the side panels extend outward from the main panel. At least one bumper is affixed to an end of each of the side panels that are hingedly connected to the main panel such that the bumper increases a length of the main panel when said the panels are in the stowed position. The bumpers compress to secure the main panel and the side panels to the bed.

Abstract: A vehicle seat lifting unit is provided with a slider and a lift arm assembly that are driven by a drive unit to move a seat with a seat holder between an initial position inside the vehicle occupant compartment and a displaced position outside the vehicle occupant compartment that is lower than the initial position. The lift arm assembly has a pair of arms that cooperate with the slider and the seat holder to form a linkage mechanism. The drive unit moves the slider along the predetermined path between an advance position and a retreat position and causes the first and second arms of the lift arm assembly to selectively swing from backwardly tilted positions to forwardly tilted positions, which in turn selectively shifts the seat between the initial position and the displaced position outside the vehicle occupant compartment that is lower than the initial position.

Abstract: A tandem sun visor and display are combined for providing shading and transparent driving prompt image in a vehicle to the operator in control. The sun visor comprises an opaque and elongated sun visor member horizontally mounted about two pivot axes above the operator in the vehicle to block the direct sunlight from the upper front or upper side of the operator, a transparent LCD display that doubles as an electronic sun visor and a swivel mount for pivotally positioning the LCD display in front of the vehicle driver. The shade can be tuned so that the operator can see the environment as well as GPS map, messages or vehicle operational data.

Abstract: A relatively lightweight tarping system for use with trailers or other open top containers includes first and second spaced frame members and an elongated flexible member such as a cable or chain connected to and extending therebetween. A tarpaulin may be mounted thereon so that the frame members, flexible member and tarpaulin are pivotable between a covered position atop the open top container and an uncovered position. A four-bar linkage is preferably used in combination with a rotational drive mechanism to provide various advantages in rotating the tarpaulin assembly between the covered and uncovered positions. A width adjustment mechanism is provided to provide usage with trailers or other open top containers of different widths. An improved seal is provided between the tarpaulin and container.

Abstract: A load-controlled actuating arrangement utilizes a control loop that includes at least one position measuring system, a control unit and at least one measuring system of an electric motor or at least one pressure sensor of a pressure circuit. The signals of the measuring system of the electric motor or of the pressure sensor are transmittable to the control unit and the motion of the convertible top is adjustable by the control unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a convertible vehicle (1) provided with a moveable roof (2) which comprises a flexible roof covering in at least certain areas (4), said flexible roof covering being retained by a partial section of the outer edge thereof (6) via at least one retaining strip (11) on at least one frame part (7;8) of a roof stand (3). The retaining strip (11) extends in an essentially parallel manner in relation to the frame part (7;8) of the roof stand (3) when in a connecting position and is retained thereon. The invention is characterised in that that the retaining strip (11) can be connected to the frame part (7;8) due to displacement thereof using a displacement component (15) extending parallel to the extension thereof.

Abstract: A trim system configured to be received by a vehicle door substrate is provided. Some embodiments of the trim system include a locator and a feature. The feature is moveable relative to the locator after the locator is assembled with the substrate. Some embodiments of the trim system include a first and second feature. The second feature is moveable relative to the first feature after the first feature is assembled with the substrate.

Abstract: A wind deflector (10) for a motor vehicle roof (2) with a roof opening (4) which can be closed by means of a movable cover (6), is located along the front edge of the roof opening (4) and can be moved between an inactive position which is retracted into the outside contour of the roof and a raised operating position, the effective area exposed to the incident flow of the head wind being formed from an air-permeable net (12). The net (12) which forms the effective area is made of several sections of different fabric density which are located next to one another. The net (12) can be a one-piece fabric with several sections of different fabric density made by means of a corresponding weaving technique, so that the net (12) does not have any seams or other connecting sites between the individual sections.

Abstract: A vehicle fender panel mounting structure is provided in which good protection capability may be obtained for pedestrians, even when the break line portion between the hood and the fender panel is disposed offset in the vehicle width direction further inside than the vehicle body side structural member that is the corresponding mount for the fender panel. In a body in which a break line portion, of the front fender panel and a hood, is disposed offset further to the inside in the vehicle width direction than an apron upper member, an impact absorption bracket, made up from an upper bracket and a lower bracket, is disposed in a cantilever supported state, and by rotational deformation in a direction, an outside second angled portion contacts an upright wall portion, and after that time, bending deformation occurs in a successive manner, originating at a bent portion, from an inside second angled portion toward an outside second angled portion.

Abstract: A structural reinforcement system is provided for an automotive vehicle. In another aspect of the present invention, a structural beam is employed which extends in a cross-vehicle direction spaced above a vehicle floor. A further aspect of the present invention provides a cross-vehicle reinforcement beam inside another structural member. Yet another aspect of the present invention uses a structural reinforcement system in a convertible roof vehicle.

Abstract: A rear support pillar is configured by combining plural plate members extending in the longitudinal direction of the support pillar to define a closed section. An end face of one of plate members adjacent to each other in the closed section is abutted against an inner surface of the other plate member and in this state the abutted portion of the plate members is fillet-welded throughout the overall length of each plate member.

Abstract: A structural seat system is provided for an automotive vehicle. In another aspect of the present invention, a structural beam is employed which extends in a cross-vehicle direction spaced above a vehicle floor. A further aspect of the present invention provides a passenger seat with a recessed configuration. Yet another aspect of the present invention uses a structural reinforcement and seat system in a convertible roof vehicle.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a hollow reinforcing beam (1) for the cockpit of a vehicle. This beam (1) constitutes a member through which air originating from a heating, ventilation and/or air conditioning system flows, and for this purpose comprises at least one air intake opening (21) and a plurality of outlet openings (23, 24, 26, 27, 29) for discharging the admitted air. This beam (1) is made up of an integral body stretching longitudinally in a constant direction which at its ends comprises windows (8, 9) for the longitudinal introduction of members for the selective distribution of the air admitted into the beam (1), and which is equipped at its ends with tips (12, 13) for reinforcing the beam (1) and fixing it to the cockpit of the vehicle.