Abstract: A divided driver device (5) for a mechanical face seal for non-rotatable assembly on a rotary component and for the transmission of a torque to a seal ring (2) held in non-rotatable manner on the driver device. The driver device (5) is divided in at least a single radial plane so as to form sections in the form of segments of a circle that are adapted to be clamped together to form a ring shape and furthermore, it is axially sub-divided into a divided retaining ring (14) for retaining the seal ring (2) and a divided mounting ring (16) for non-rotatable mounting to the rotary component. The rings (14, 16) are coupled together for rotation in common, as indicted by (24).

Abstract: An active wheel suspension for suspending a wheel assembly from a sprung body of a wheeled vehicle, and adapted to permit a center of the wheel assembly to move relative to the sprung body through a jounce and rebound travel and defining a wheel center locus path relative to the body, the suspension including an actuator connected to both the wheel assembly and the sprung body and adapted to apply an active control force between the body and wheel assembly to move the wheel assembly. The wheel suspension is configured such that a tangent to the wheel center locus path is inclined rearward with respect to vertical with the wheel center at nominal ride height.

Abstract: An active roll control system includes a stabilizer bar, a stabilizer link having a screw gear formed therein, a rack movably connected to the outside of the stabilizer link, and an electric motor connected to the stabilizer link. The rack has a mating screw gear formed in the inner surface thereof to correspond to a screw gear of the stabilizer link.

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 steering device for decreasing a turning radius of a pallet jack includes a ground engaging member connected to a support member of the pallet jack between a main wheel and an extensible wheel. The load supporting member of the pallet jack is positionable between a raised position and a lowered position. A first turning radius of the pallet jack is defined by the distance between the main wheel and the extensible wheel. While the extensible wheel engages the ground when the support frame is positioned towards the raised position, positioning the support member towards the lowered position engages the ground engageable member with the ground causing the extensible wheel to disengage the ground. The main wheel and the ground engageable member then define a second turning radius which is less than the first turning radius.

Abstract: A base tool caddy for janitorial cleaning supplies is disclosed. The tool caddy has an inner circular element which can be in the shape of a cylinder. This inner circular element fits around the base of a standard commercial trash barrel. The inner circular element has an inwardly disposed lip that is designed to fit between the bottom of a commercial trash barrel and the top of the trash barrel's standard commercial wheeled dolly thereby securing the tool caddy to the trash barrel, dolly combination. The inner circular element has one or more outwardly disposed compartments designed to hold janitorial tools and supplies. These outwardly disposed compartments may be configured to serve as a bumper, thereby protecting walls and other surfaces from being marked by the trash barrel. The outwardly disposed compartments may incorporate a stabilizing edge to prevent the trash barrel from rolling when laid on its side.

Abstract: A rear suspension for a vehicle such as a bicycle or motorcycle that includes a frame, a swinging arm integral with the frame carrying the axle of a drive wheel hub and a shock absorber whose ends are secured to the frame and to the swinging arm, the swinging arm being secured to said frame by at least two articulation means so that the swinging arm pivots about an “instantaneous centre of rotation” that is movable when the hub is displaced on either side of its reference position corresponding to the position of the hub axle when the vehicle is in a static equilibrium position, characterized in that the instantaneous centre of rotation is displaced upwards along a parabolic path, the asymptote of which is oriented towards the rear free end of the swinging arm carrying the axle of the hub when said hub is displaced above its reference position.

Abstract: A wheelchair swing away system for providing a wheelchair operator multiple joystick control locations. The wheelchair swing away system includes a first mounting rod attached to a wheel chair by a mounting bracket, a second mounting rod rotatably connected to the first mounting rod through a first pivot pin and a control mount rotatably connected to the second mounting rod through a second pivot pin. The mounting bracket attaches to existing structure of the wheelchair and allows the first mounting rod to slide and rotate within the mounting bracket. The second mounting rod is comprised of a second rod that is rotatably connected to a first rod, with the rods fixed together by a fastener when a desired orientation is obtained.

Abstract: There is disclosed a snowboard binding which is equipped with a single strap which acts as a collar for the boot and which is hinged at one side on the base of the binding and at the opposite side it is fastened to a triangularly-shaped fastening system which, in turn, is secured to the base of the binding.

Abstract: A shopping trolley, which includes a holder for holding articles of shopping, and a wheeled undercarriage connected to the holder. The undercarriage is operable between an erected condition, in which the undercarriage supports the holder at a working height above the ground on wheels, and a collapsed compact condition, for loading of the trolley into a boot of a passenger sedan so that the holder provides a boot organizer. In one embodiment of the invention, the undercarriage comprises a pair of telescopically extendable curved legs, which have wheels mounted thereon. A vehicle, which has a securing arrangement in its boot specifically for securing the collapsible shopping trolley in a stable condition in the boot, when the undercarriage of the trolley is collapsed.

Abstract: A passenger protection system for a vehicle having a door opening to which a door is attached. The system has an airbag attached in a folded form along an upper edge of the door opening, wherein when being expanded, the airbag is deployed along an inner side surface of an interior of the vehicle in a drawn curtain form; a contact detecting device for detecting a contact action of a passenger in the vehicle with the contact detecting device; and a control device for determining whether a passenger is close to the inner side surface based on a result of detection of the contact detecting device, and prohibiting deployment of the airbag while determining that a passenger is close to the inner side surface. The contact detecting device may have an elongated form in a length direction of the vehicle and consist of divided portions separated in a vertical direction.

Abstract: A gas generator for use in a safety arrangement for vehicles comprises a combustion chamber and a gas-generating propellant contained in the combustion chamber, the propellant having an auto-ignition temperature of more than about 200 degrees C., and an outer wall having a wall section directly adjoining a part of the propellant. The wall section has a smaller wall thickness than the outer wall adjacent to the wall section and is arranged relative to the propellant so that the portion of the propellant adjoining the wall section heats up to the auto-ignition temperature under bonfire conditions faster than the propellant in the rest of the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A device for fixing a clamp to a hose comprising a body (2) a hose-fixing component (4) provided with a hose-embracing region (3), the hose-fixing component (4) comprising a first open fixation portion (5) and a second open fixation portion (5?), the first and second open fixation portions (5, 5?) being positioned adjacent to each other, jointly defining the hose-embracing region (3) and being moveable from an initial position varying the extent of the embracing region (3).

Abstract: A double walled assembly including a primary assembly and a secondary containment assembly. The secondary containment assembly has a second hose casing, a second fixed containment casing and a second releasable coupler assembly mounted on the second hose casing and including a longitudinally shiftable sleeve part. The sleeve part has a first longitudinal position where it can be sealingly coupled to the second fixed containment casing and a second longitudinal position where it is spaced from the second fixed containment casing and exposes the primary assembly. Non-threaded interfaces on the sleeve part and the second fixed containment casing can be sealingly coupled when the sleeve is in its first longitudinal position. The sleeve part may be slidingly or threadingly mounted on a shank that is sealingly coupled to the second hose casing.

Abstract: A catch for articles such as sliding or hinged doors, windows, grilles of a swing opening member, the articles having a catch for preventing their unauthorized opening. The catch has inter-engaging projections which are mounted on flexible shafts, so that if the sliding members are pried apart, the flexible shafts deform and the projections remain engaged and prevent unauthorized opening of the sliding article.

Abstract: Door assembly including a hook at one side of a cabinet for engagement with a door lock, rotating shafts at opposite sides of the hook, a door frame having an opening for pass through of the hook, a first supporting part on the door frame having a pass through hole for inserting one side of the rotating shaft, and a second supporting part on the door frame having an opened loading groove for loading the other side of the rotating shaft, thereby providing a door assembly which can be assembled readily, and permit more stable operation.

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 housing for a portable hand held device such as a palmtop computer uses a torsional latching system. The housing is made of front and rear housing laminated housing members. The torsional latch arrangement works in conjunction with a plurality of latch fingers along the edge to attach the front housing laminate with the rear housing laminate. The torsional latch arrangement has a pair of L-shaped latch ribs that engage with a T-shaped latch member by torsion of the L-shaped latch ribs into engagement with pockets adjacent the T-shaped latch member prevent movement of the two housing laminates in relation to one another.

Abstract: A hatch cover assembly for covering an opening in a vessel wherein a hatch port extends outwardly about the opening includes a hatch cover hingedly attached to the hatch port, and at least one latch assembly for fastening the hatch cover to the hatch port. The latch assembly includes a cam mount extending from the hatch port, and a first cam pin coupled to the cam mount. The first cam pin has a pin axis. A bolt member includes a first end and a second end, and the bolt member has a centerline axis extending between the first end and the second end. The centerline axis is generally perpendicular to the pin axis, and the first end is hingedly attached to the first cam pin about the pin axis. A securing member is in threaded relationship with the bolt member second end. The securing member is rotatable about the centerline axis of the bolt member. A cam member includes a cam lever portion and a clevis portion.

Abstract: A bumper reinforcement for a vehicle includes a main body formed from a steel plate and including a front surface of which each end has an inclined surface inclined rearward and outwardly in a side direction and a cover welded to the main body at the both ends of the main body for covering the inclined surface and having a flange welded to a base plate for closing an opening provided in the main body.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved spear head overshot. The spear head overshot is particularly useful as part of a cable-guided fishing assembly. The spear head overshot essentially comprises one or more pivot lugs, the pivot lugs comprising jaw sections and release point sections, an actuator slide, a wave spring, a pivot mandrel, a screw attached to the pivot mandrel, and a compression spring threaded over the screw. In operation, a spear head is inserted into the spear head overshot until the spear head passes the jaw sections of the pivot lugs, at which time the spear head is locked into place. To release the spear head, the release point sections of the pivot lugs are manually forced inward. Simultaneously, the jaw sections of the pivot lugs are forced outward, thereby allowing the spear head to be removed from the spear head overshot. In a cable-guided fishing operation, this process can be repeated as often as necessary.

Abstract: A hydraulic synchronization system for a slide-out portion of a recreational vehicle has at least two cylinders spaced apart and reversed in orientation with respect to one another. The bore sides of the cylinders are connected and the rod sides of the cylinders are connected such that hydraulic fluid is pumped from the rod side of one cylinder to the rod side of the other cylinder and from the bore side of one cylinder to the bore side of the other cylinder upon extension and retraction of the slide-out portion to keep the slide-out portion synchronized.

Abstract: To provide a mounting structure for a vehicle battery pack which prevents damage to the vehicle battery pack and has improved safety, a mounting structure for a vehicle battery pack has a body with a floor panel, a front seat provided on the floor panel, a vehicle battery pack provided under the front seat, and a protection member provided on a vehicle rear side relative to the vehicle battery pack and protecting the vehicle battery pack. The protection member can be fastened to the body.

Abstract: A vehicle immobilisation device (60) is provided for securing to a vehicle windscreen, comprising screening means (46a; 46b) which is changeable from a first, more compact configuration to a second configuration and which, when the device is in an in-use disposition on the vehicle windscreen, serves to impair a driver's view through the windscreen. Suction grip means (40a; 40b) are provided for holding said screening means in the in-use disposition on the windscreen by suction. Release means (51) are also provided to enable release of the suction of said suction grip means so as to allow removal of the device from the windscreen.

Abstract: A tonneau system for a cargo box of a vehicle having a support frame connectable to the cargo box. A cover spans the support frame and is positionable between a tensioned position and an untensioned position. A pivot block is mounted to the support frame, while the cover is coupled to a rear bracket member. The rear bracket member carries the cover and pivotally engages the pivot block such that the rear bracket member rotates between a raised position and a lowered position. The rear bracket member can be automatically locked in the lowered position. A bow member couples the cover along a cross vehicle direction. The bow member or other member can operate to tension the cover in the cross vehicle direction.

Abstract: A window module for a school bus includes a frame, a fixed window panel affixed to a portion of the frame, a perimeter panel secured to another portion of the frame and defining an opening at the other portion of the frame, and a movable window panel. The movable window panel is slidably positioned at the frame such that opposite perimeter edges of the movable window panel are slidably engaged with opposite channel members of the frame. The movable window panel is movable along the channel members and interiorly of the fixed window panel when opened and interiorly of and generally at the perimeter panel when at least partially closed. The exterior surfaces of the fixed window panel and of the perimeter panel form a generally flush surface at an exterior of the school bus when the window assembly is installed at the school bus.

Abstract: An operator protective structure for a construction machine is designed to prevent a heavy object or a cabin of the construction machine deformed during the overturning or a drop collision from injuring a body of the operator. An operator protective structure includes a front supporting frame provided with a pair of front supporting rods vertically installed on one end of the upper frame, a rear supporting frame provided with a plurality of rear supporting rods vertically installed on the other end of the upper frame to encompass the cabin, and a top supporting frame defined by a pair of top supporting rods extended from an upper end of the front supporting frame to an upper end of the rear supporting frame and provided with a plurality of auxiliary beams between the top supporting rods.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to increase the rigidity of a seat surface portion, to which a seat for a suspension spring is attached, of a rear side member in a vehicle body rear part.

Abstract: A safety device for a folding chair includes a base, a handling piece, a pair of casings and a retaining piece. The retaining piece having a retaining hole is mounted on a bottom of a seat. The handling piece is pivotally connected inside the base, and the casing encloses the base and one of rear legs. The handling piece has a hook and a pressing portion at an upper end and a lower end respectively. When the seat is pressed down, the retaining piece glides between the hook and the rear leg. Then, the hook is engaged with the retaining hole. Therefore, the chair is locked in an open position and children's safety is ensured. When lifting the seat, the pressing portion is pressed to disengage the hook from the retaining piece. The chair is folded to a closed position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus reversibly converting a chair into a basketball goal. Four operating modes are disclosed. A first mode in which the article is configured as a basketball goal, a second mode in which the article is configured as a chair within an upwardly extended backboard, a third mode in which a net is deployed for returning basketballs to a shooter and a fourth mode wherein the article is configured as a chair with the backboard collapsed therebehind.

Abstract: A collapsible user support coupled to a collapsible, walled shelter. One assembly provides a sling chair having a number of frame pieces that are trained through grommets at a fabric seat and backrest fitted to pivot couplers. Armrests are optionally included along with accessory supports and pockets. Pivoting link arms couple to stay or bow pieces of an independently collapsible shelter. The shelter frame pieces mount to pivot couplers and a surrounding multi-panel fabric shelter. The shelter can include windows and/or doors and/or vents with fasteners. The chair and shelter frameworks and fabric shelter are organized to collapse and deploy to several seating conditions ranging from the chair being partially to completely protected from the environment.

Abstract: A vehicle seat has seating components, such as a seat piece (20), a backrest (22) and a leg-rest (24), which are adjustable as to their positions, particularly in their relative inclination, by at least one operating device (26, 44). A monitoring device monitors all the boundary geometries (50, 52) of the moving seat components which may cause collisions and which have given spatial constraints (54). The monitoring device controls the operating devices (26, 44) at all points to guarantee a collision-free movement of all seat components within the spatial constraints. The vehicle seat considered as a total system can undergo adjustment processes without a damaging collision occurring.

Abstract: A seat assembly for a motor vehicle includes a frame that is fixedly secured to the motor vehicle. A seat cushion is secured to the frame. The seat cushion defines a seat width. A seatback is secured to the frame and is pivotal with respect to the seat cushion. A loop fastener is fixedly secured to the frame and extends between the seat cushion and the seatback. The loop fastener selectively receives a child seat latch therethrough to secure a child seat to the seat assembly. The seat assembly also includes a removable bolster that is selectively securable to the loop fastener. The removable bolster covers the loop fastener when the child seat is removed from the seat assembly. Therefore, the occupants of the seat assembly will contact the removable bolster and be prevented from feeling the loop fastener when sitting on the seat assembly.

Abstract: A child seat for a vehicle seat with a protruding vehicle head rest includes a seat bottom for being supported on the vehicle seat, and a seat back carried by the seat bottom for providing back support to an occupant of the child seat. A recess is disposed in an upper end of the seat back and is positioned and adapted to receive the vehicle head rest and allow the vehicle head rest to protrude therethrough. Optionally, a supplemental head rest may be provided which is releasably securable in the recess.

Abstract: A back construction includes a base with a yoke formed by a cross member and upright side arms that define a U-shape, armrests supported by the side arms, and a seat and back also supported by the side arms for synchronized motion upon recline of the back. Specifically, the side arms define a back tilt axis about which the back rotates upon recline. The back includes a back structure with configured ends that engage the side arms for rotation about the back tilt axis, and further define a seat tilt axis for supporting rotation/movement of the seat upon recline of the back.

Abstract: A curved tracking platform that can be employed on a dynamic seat or divan such as those used in a business jet aircraft so that the seat can be comfortably used as a seat or in an extended bed position. When in the unextended seat position, the tracking platform allows the horizontal portion of the seat to support an occupant pitched back toward the vertical seat cushion at or about an angle of 6° to the horizontal. However, when the tracking platform is extended so that the seat can be used as a bed, the tracking platform travels along a curved frame rail profile which allows the platform to lay flat or substantially flat, thus allowing the vertical cushion to be placed next to the horizontal seat cushion so that they lie substantially flat to provide optimized comfort.

Abstract: A movable backrest for a chair comprises a frame that is fixed to the chair, at least a flexible connecting element connected to the frame, and at least a backrest connected to the connecting element. Since the connecting element is flexible, the backrest and the back of the user can be moved simultaneously along with the movement of the back of the user, providing a comfortable support to the back of the user.

Abstract: A head restraint (1) for use in motor vehicles and comprising a support (5) for supporting the head restraint and fixing the head restraint to the backrest of a vehicle seat, the support (5) comprising a carrier (12) and at least one support leg (14, 15) coupled to the carrier (12), together with an adjusting arrangement (6) for adjusting the position of the head restraint in relation to an occupant of the motor vehicle. The carrier (12) is enclosed by a casing (2), which is rotatably connected to the support (5) along an axis of rotation (18) running essentially at right angles to the support leg (14, 15).

Abstract: The present invention provides a pneumatic foam cushion for use within a vehicle seat comprising a foam member with a contoured outer surface surrounded by an impermeable layer coextensive therewith. The impermeable layer, which may be a thermoplastic material, permits selective pressurization and depressurization of the foam member, and comprises a first impermeable member having a first contoured shape, and a second impermeable member having either the same shape as the first contoured shape, or a second contoured shape. The first and second impermeable members are matable around the foam member to form the impermeable layer. Preferably, the first and second impermeable members are heat sealed following placement around the foam member. A method of manufacturing a pneumatic foam cushion is also provided.

Abstract: A wheel has a first support having a first axis, a second support having a second axis, a rim having a third axis, and a spinner assembly having a fourth axis. The first and second supports support the rim, and the spinner assembly is rotatably mounted between the first and second supports, such that the first, second, third, and fourth axes are aligned. The wheel further includes a spinner locking mechanism for locking the spinner assembly with the first and/or second supports.

Abstract: A tire wheel set includes a front wheel to be attached to a front axle of a vehicle, and a rear wheel to be attached to a rear axle thereof. The rear wheel is greater in rigidity than the front wheel.

Abstract: An improved vehicle wheel, including an outer rim, a central hub with a central axle and an outer flange and a plurality of spokes extending between the rim and hub. The spokes have a first portion connected to the rim and a second portion opposed to the first portion and connected to said hub. The outer rim includes a spoke bed wall with a spoke hole therethrough for connection with the first end of the spoke. The spoke bed wall has a radially outboard surface, which is a convex outboard surface including a radially outboard apex and a radially inboard portion relative to the apex and adjacent the apex.

Abstract: A torsion beam axle suspension is provided, in which a shock absorber is directly mounted on right and left trailing arms and is further mounted to the mount by a ball joint. Thus, it is possible to reduce the weight and production expenses, thus to enhance productivity. Further, it is possible to considerably decrease a friction caused by movement of the shock absorber even though the transverse force is applied, thus to enhance the riding comfort.

Abstract: A vehicular brake fluid pressure control unit includes a base block of aluminum material having a cylinder bore containing a piston and a return spring, and a cover member fixed to the base block to cover an open end of the cylinder bore. The cover member is formed with a vent hole opening into an atmospheric chamber in the cover member, and made of aluminum. material.

Abstract: A fluid ejector includes a drop size symbol that is based on the fluid ejector's drop size relative to one or more fixed drop sizes. The drop size symbol is formed by comparing the fluid ejector's drop size to the one or more fixed drop sizes. An image forming device includes a marking fluid ejector that includes a drop size symbol based on the marking fluid ejector's drop size relative to one or more fixed drop sizes. The image forming device forms an image based on the drop size symbol by determining the drop size symbol and then either selecting a marking fluid look-up table based on the drop size symbol, or forming an image correction factor based on the drop size symbol.

Abstract: It is provided with a pair of carriage guide shafts, and the carriage guide shaft is made to be in sliding contact with a carriage, to realize such a concentric shaft configuration that a guide shaft part, which directly guides a reciprocating motion of the carriage, and rotation shaft parts, which are disposed on both ends thereof, were disposed so as to coincide therewith. In addition, by disposing parallel lifting device which utilized a cam mechanism and a lifting guide portion to side frames, the carriage guide shaft is configured so as to be able to obtain a predetermined lifting stroke which corresponds to a rotation angle. In addition, as synchronous drive transmission mechanism of the pair of carriage guide shafts, a gear wheel train was used.

Abstract: A method of expelling ink from a printhead module including at least one row that comprises a plurality of adjacent sets of n adjacent nozzles, each of the nozzles being configured to expel ink in response to a fire signal, the method comprising providing, for each set of nozzles, a fire signal in accordance with the sequence: [nozzle position 1, nozzle position n, nozzle position 2, nozzle position (n?1), . . . , nozzle position x], wherein nozzle position x is at or adjacent the centre of the set of nozzles.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for detecting intermittent, weak or missing jets of a printer. The detection is implemented using a test pattern. Detected failed jets may be confirmed using a verification target. A printhead containing nozzles corresponding to detected failed jets may be wiped or purged.

Abstract: A method includes ejecting liquid having a first composition from a first droplet ejection deposition system that includes a first printhead and a first fluid source, collecting information on the behavior of the liquid under a variety of ejection conditions for the first droplet ejection deposition system, and ejecting liquid having the first material composition from a second droplet ejection deposition system that includes a second printhead and a second fluid source under the selected ejection conditions. The first printhead has a small number of flow paths, and the first fluid source is configured to hold a small volume of liquid. The second printhead has a plurality of substantially identical flow paths, each of the flow paths being substantially identical to at least one of the small number of flow paths, and there being a significantly larger number of flow paths in the second printhead than in the first printhead.

Abstract: A recording-density control method of an image recording apparatus for performing image recording by arranging, a nozzle array component arranged in a plural number comprising a plurality of nozzles for discharging uniform-color ink. A test recording is performed on the recording medium by N number of the nozzle array components arranged in a plural number. In the test recording, a driving parameter for driving the second nozzle array component is determined from a recording density of the recording medium used for the test recording by nozzles located at a contact edge of the first nozzle array component and the second nozzle array component. A recording density is estimated at the edge of an nth nozzle array component that is in contact with the n+1th nozzle array component for the N number of nozzle array components driven by the determined driving parameter, and a driving parameter for driving the n+1th nozzle array component is determined.