Abstract: The present invention provides a universal connector for a pneumatic tool with unlocking by air flow. A directional locating member is mounted between the sleeve and the first coupler, or the pin-joint member, so the sleeve can be securely locked when located at the first position. Available at first and second positions, the second coupler of the universal connector can be positioned in the absence of aeration, or reset automatically after aeration, thus achieving unlocked by air flow purpose. This ability provides easier and convenient assembly or disassembly of the universal connector and pneumatic tool without needing any controlling members, thus guaranteeing improved ease-of-operation and higher applicability.

Abstract: This invention is a Cooling, Heating, Bladder Relief, Gas, Hydration and Nutrition Chem-Bio Suit Connectivity System used connecting various life function support systems in Chemical-Biological Protective Suits. The connectivity system provides means to quick connect and disconnect various user desired support systems including cooling and heating, bladder relief, gas, hydration and nutrition and external to a user that is inside a Chem-Bio Suit. The connectivity system is capable of allowing a user to use any of the support systems either in any combination thereof or individually. The connectivity system self perforates and self seals upon installation in the Chem-Bio Suit and seals upon connection and disconnection of life support systems to prevent contamination from entering inside the Chem-Bio Suit and threatening the health or safety of the user.

Abstract: A threaded connector 10 includes a box connector 12 having internal threads 18 and a pin connector 14 having external threads 26 for mating with the internal threads. An axially opposing end 34 of the box connector includes a projecting ring 36 extending axially opposite the box weld end with respect to the internal threads. The pin connector 14 has an annular slot 40 for receiving the projecting ring 36, with the slot having an inner wall 44, an outer wall 42, and a base surface 46. At least one of the radially outer surface 60 of the pin connector and the radially inner surface 64 of the box connector is a radiused surface.

Abstract: A clamp for clamping to two threadedly-connected items, and, in one aspect, two threadedly-connected components of a top drive system.

Abstract: A coupling device for a fluid line has a collet and an axially movable actuating sleeve serving for operation of the collet. The collet bears several gripping teeth with associated actuating portions able to be acted on by actuating faces on the actuating sleeve in order to hold the inserted fluid line. In the non-operated state of the actuating sleeve there are at least partly different distances between the mutually associated actuating portions and actuating faces so that on actuation of the actuating sleeve several actuating portions of the collet are acted on one after the other. This means that the necessary actuating force is reduced.

Abstract: In a tag fastener for fastening a tag by looping and knotting a thread, an apparatus for adjusting the length of a thread loop is provided at the forefront portion of the body (1) having a front cover plate (2) supporting a needle (1n) and capable of being opened and closed, with a thread hanging bar (3) being translatable between an upper step and a lower step position through a displacement lever (3v). As the position of the thread hanging bar (3) can be variably adjusted between upper and lower step positions, the length of the loop for attaching a tag can be adjusted as desired. Further, as the front cover plate (2) can be opened, it is easy to clean the inside of the front cover plate and the tag fastener can be used more conveniently.

Abstract: A gas-turbine starter/generator comprises: a generator module comprising a first casing, a generator housed in the first casing, and a first shaft constrained to rotate with the rotor of the generator, projecting from the first casing, and carrying a first mechanical coupling member; an exciter module, comprising a second casing, an exciter housed in the second casing, and a second shaft distinct from the first shaft, constrained to rotate with the rotor of the exciter, projecting from the second casing, and carrying a second mechanical coupling member; and an electrical connection comprising a rectifier and at least one connector for connecting the secondary circuit of the exciter to the primary circuit of the generator. The mechanical coupling members are coupled to a common gearwheel or to respective different gearwheels of a gearbox of the gas turbine.

Abstract: A water supply tunnel secondary purpose turbine electric power generator system includes: a.) a water supply subsystem with a water source at an elevation that is at least 300 feet above the mean altitude of a community, that includes a gravity fed underground water tunnel being located, at least in part, upstream from the community, and, at least in part, being located under the community. There is a plurality of riser conduits in the community connected to the gravity fed underground water tunnel, delivering water from the water source to the community at a pressure that is at least 100 psi in excess of desired water pressure delivered to community water lines; b.) water valving subsystems connected to each of the riser conduits and one of each including at least one safety valve, to lower water pressure of the delivered water; and, c.) a power generating turbine subsystem, including at least one water driven turbine located in at least one of the water supply subsystem and water valving subsystem.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a wind energy system wherein when a first settable boundary value (G1) is reached by a first parameter (M1) a process is automatically started whose course is monitored by measuring a second parameter (M2). By comparing the measured values of the second parameter (M2) with a second settable boundary value (G2), the first settable boundary value is changed upon reaching the second boundary value (G2) by the second parameter (M2).

Abstract: A natural gas production well secondary purpose turbine electric power generator system includes: a.) a natural gas production well from an underground or underwater natural gas well production field that produces natural gas at the surface at an elevated pressure of at least 500 psi and at least 200 psi in excess of desired pressure delivered to gas processing or gas distribution lines; b.) a natural gas valving subsystem connected to said well; and, c.) a power generating turbine subsystem, including at least one gas driven turbine located in at least one of said well and said gas valving subsystem.

Abstract: A wave energy harvester (100A) includes an element (120A) that converts forward and/or backward of water in a wave (102A, B, C) passing the harvester (100A) into upward and/or downward movement to thereby increase the vertical amplitude of the harvester (100A) relative to the sea floor (104A, B, C). In most preferred aspects, the element (120A) is a hydrofoil that is coupled to the harvester (100A). Further preferred aspects include those in which part of, or the entire harvester (100A) has a neutral buoyancy, and where energy is extracted from the downwards movement of the neutrally buoyant part (100A) after a wave has lifted that part (110A).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device for maintaining a plurality of ocean wave energy converters at a predetermined proximity. The device includes at least one deck having a plurality of openings, each adapted to receive a portion of an ocean wave energy converter.

Abstract: A pressurized water powered machine that generates electrical power and is capable of driving a load which includes a waterwheel located above a water reservoir, a water pump that pressurizes water collected from the water reservoir and conveys it to a storage tank where it is stored under pressure for delivery to a water nozzle output which directs the pressurized water to the waterwheel, where the waterwheel powers a drive shaft that powers an electrical generator and is capable of being connected to a load.

Abstract: A tubular housing includes at least one fixed helical vane formed onto the inner surfaces of the tubular housing in a spiral and adapted to direct fluid into a spiraled flow and focus fluid onto a fan blade assembly associated with an alternator system and located within the tubular housing before a system exhaust. A generator cone can be mounted near the center and front of the fan blade assembly facing fluid passing through the tubular housing. As fluid passes over the generator cone it experiences compression between the generator cone and housing resulting in increased pressure and velocity of the fluid, thereby increasing rotational speed of the generator blades and generator as the compressed, spiraled fluid passes through the blades and exits the tubular housing. The system can be used for fixed or mobile applications in water, wind and manually induced air flow.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wind-powered turbine generation system configured to generate electric power over a wide range of wind conditions and particularly in high wind speed and wind gust conditions where current wind turbine technologies fail. A plurality of ducted turbines is provided in an enclosure rotatably mounted to a vertical support. Rows of magnetic irises surround the turbine shafts with each iris adjustable to throttle the airflow over the turbine blades, permitting the turbine generator to operate in high wind velocity gusts.

Abstract: A soundproof type engine generator has an outer shell made by attaching at least a bottom panel to a three-dimensional frame and four wheels in the lower part thereof for transport. The soundproof type engine generator also has handles provided coaxially with opposing wheel shafts of the four wheels, which can be held by a user and facilitate the lifting of the soundproof type engine generator, even if the engine generator is heavy. The wheels of the engine generator are disposed farther outward than the outer shell of the soundproof type engine generator.

Abstract: An electronically controlled electrical power generator comprises a generator (15) driven by a heat engine (11), operated by control means (19), and carrying an electrical load (22). Operation of the heat engine (11) is at wide open throttle. Control over engine operation and electrical output of the generator (15) is achieved by electronically manipulating the electric load (22), and/or adjusting excitation levels at the generator's magnetic fields, so as to change engine/generator equilibrium speed. In a beneficial embodiment, the generator (15) is powered by an energy storage unit (21), to temporarily act as a motor and rotate the engine (11) when starting, and during power absorbing strokes.

Abstract: A hooked fastener includes a holding member, a covering on the holding member, a hooked plate and a rotary sleeve between the holding member and the covering, and a coupling piece for the hooked plate to be hooked over; the holding member has a rail, and the hooked plate has on one side a post-shaped protrusion received in the rail; the rail of the holding member and the post-shaped protrusion of the hooked plate together will serve as a guiding means for the hooked plate when the rotary sleeve is wrenched so as to move the hooked plate; the hooked plate has a guide rail on the other side, and the holding member has a guide rod secured therein and passed through the guide rail of the hooked plate; the guide rail and the guide rod together also will serve as a guiding means for the hooked plate.

Abstract: A case latch assembly 10 comprising a latch housing 12, a strike member 14 and a bolt assembly 16. The bolt assembly 16 comprises a bolt arm 30, mounting brackets 32, 34, spring members 36, 38 and a latch key 40. Each mounting bracket 32, 34 is generally z-shaped and comprises a mounting section 46, a fixing section 48 and an interconnecting section 50. Fixing ends 36a of the springs 36 are located through fixing apertures 54. The fixing sections 48 are separated such that they are spaced from the edges of the bolt arm 30 and the fixing ends 36a of the springs 36 are located between their fixing section 48 and the edge of the bolt arm 30. The bolt arm 30 is thus removed from the fixing ends 36a of the spring members 36, and can be provided close to the bottom of its housing 22, enabling the bolt assembly 16 to be fully received within the latch housing 12.

Abstract: The instant disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for securing a watthour electrical meter to a socket meter box. A locking ring comprises a divided annular band fitted with tab members configured to accept a variety of ring fasteners. The tab members support a variety of ring fastener and fastener receiver assemblies, and have complementary mating surfaces that substantially mate around the head of an installed meter so that the locking ring is tamper-resistant. The ring fastener and fastener receiver have a number of complementary apertures disposed to receive either wire seals or other locking mechanisms.

Abstract: A trim panel cover tether and method for use with interior trim cover panels or audio speakers grilles. A deformable tether strap is engaged with the trim panel substrate and the cover panel to deter undesirable rattles of the speaker grille and to prevent complete detachment of the cover panel from the trim panel substrate in the event the cover panel is dislodged from the substrate.

Abstract: Locking device for the closing lid of a washing machine or the like, comprising an enclosure (1) housing a cursor (7) sliding between a holding position of the latch (5) mounted on the lid and a releasing position from the same, and an electromechanical delaying device (20) capable of locking said cursor (7) through a pawl (21) in a holding position. The cursor (7) is actuated by a second sliding cursor (6) subjected to the action of elastic means (8) and fitted with a portion (11) profiled to form a slope, which is capable of inducing a backward motion of the pawl (21) in case of a forced opening of the lid.

Abstract: A lock bar comprises two end sections, each end section including a slot configured to enable attaching the lock bar to a modular chassis and to enable moving the lock bar between a locked position and an unlocked position when the lock bar is attached to the modular chassis; and a middle section coupled to the two end sections and configured with a length longer than the width of the modular chassis.

Abstract: An impact energy dissipation device for the prevention of high-speed vehicles and more specifically automotive vehicles, aircraft, helicopters, components and the like from receiving high-speed impact energy directly onto their structures in case of a collision. The device is to isolate high-speed impact energy from the crashworthy structures by breaking down the huge impact energy with many small manageable shear fragments. The device includes a slidable assembly with a series of resistive pins with predetermined shear strength, staggered in two tandem rows to shear in a controlled manner that only one pin is sheared at a time thereof bearing an approximate equivalent of one shear pin load transmission throughout a collision.

Abstract: A connecting and adapting system for interconnecting a pair of jaws of a grapple assembly and for adapting the grapple assembly for connecting to a plurality of linkages. The system includes bearings, where the bearings have a flange, an elongated section, and a bore. The flange of the bearings abuts a portion of one of the jaws, the elongated section of the bearings interconnects the jaws, and the bore of the bearing receives a pin to provide a connecting location. A portion of the bearing, being positioned opposite the flange, receives a collar that abuts a portion of one of the jaws.

Abstract: A cylindrical ring sized to slide over the box end of an oilfield tubular having a given diameter, has a shoulder at one its ends and a sidewall along its length. The sidewall has a circumferential groove about its interior surface housing a band which can be made tight against the exterior surface of the oilfield tubular by a latch accessible through a slot in the sidewall, and which becomes even tighter if the tubular attempts to escape from the band. In a first orientation, the cylindrical ring is used as a load ring. By turning the cylindrical rings upside down, the cylindrical ring is used as a thread protector for the pin end of the tubular.

Abstract: A hush panel for integration into an automobile includes a first section having a first channel-forming portion and a second section having a second channel-forming portion. The first and second sections are attached together via a hinge section. The first and second sections pivotable relative to each other about the hinge section such that the first section mates to the second section with the first channel-forming portion and the second channel-forming portion aligning to form a duct in the hush panel. A method for forming the hush panel is also disclosed.

Abstract: A vehicle includes at least two items that move vertically between a lowered position and a raised position. In one embodiment, one of the items is a seating unit having a seat back and a seat base such as a couch or a dinette. The seating unit may convert into a bed. In another embodiment, one of the items may be a bed. The vehicle may also include a cargo area which is configured to receive an off-road vehicle. One or more of the items may be lifted in the cargo area to provide additional cargo space in the vehicle. The vehicle may also include other items that move vertically such as a desk, a table, a workbench, an entertainment center, an appliance, a television, a sink, a cupboard, a cabinet, a shelf, and/or a counter.

Abstract: A control console includes a body supporting a plurality of controls, a base, and first and second legs each having a first end pivotably connected to the body and a second end pivotably connected to the base. The legs are shiftable between a first position projecting over a first end of the base, a second position projecting over a second end of the base and a third position between the first and second positions. At least one spring is provided to bias the legs toward the third position, and a motor may included for shifting the legs.

Abstract: The invention relates to an acoustic panel assembly. There is a need for a simple and inexpensive acoustic panel assembly. An acoustic panel assembly includes a parent panel and an insert panel. The parent panel has a higher density body and a sound reflecting skin. The insert panel is mounted to the parent panel, and includes a sound absorbing body, a lower density rim and a sound transmitting skin. The parent panel includes a border portion which surrounds an opening which engages an outer edge of the insert panel. The border portion and the edge engage each other and form an interlocking joint. The border portion defines an annular groove which receives the outer edge of the insert panel. The body of the parent panel comprises a higher density expanded polypropelyene material, and rim body of the insert panel comprises a lower density expanded polypropelyene material.

Abstract: A tailgate arrangement is provided for a motor vehicle, in particular of a passenger car The tailgate arrangement has a cargo space expansion element that is mounted on the inside of the vehicle on a tailgate, surrounds a cavity, is joined or can be joined in at least a water-tight manner to a cargo space of the motor vehicle to expand it and can be braced between the tailgate and a rear support fitted to the rear of the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle seat with a back rest having a frame (2) and a lordosis support (6), with the following additional configuration: The lordosis support (6) comprises a pressure plate (9) that is essentially bend resistant in at least the transverse direction of the seat or the Y-direction, forms a supporting surface in the lordosis region of the back rest and is arranged between two side frame parts (3) of the frame (2); there is at least one holding element (5a, 5b) that extends between the side frame parts (3) with a length-variable adjustment section (21), which runs in the Y-direction and connects to the pressure plate (9), and is affixed there at fixing points (30) arranged opposite each other; in an inoperative position, the pressure plate (9) is arranged with a horizontal clearance (11) or a clearance in the X-direction behind the fixing points (30); there is a driving device with which the length of the adjustment section can be shortened as the horizontal clearance is reduced.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting the position of a seat comprises a rack and a clock nut that grips the rack. The rack comprises a threaded rod, while the clock nut comprises a short cylindrical body that is drilled and threaded along its diameter with internal threads corresponding to the thread diameter and pitch of the rack. Circumferential reliefs are then formed in the threaded bore to enable the clock nut to be “clocked” from a position in which the threads of the clock nut engage the threads of the rack to a second position in which the threads of the clock nut disengage the threads of the rack. A pair of linkages are provided to rotate the clock nut between the engaged and disengaged positions and to transmit loads from the clock nut.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle includes a floor, an outboard seat and an inboard seat. The floor extends transversely between opposite sides of the vehicle. The outboard seat and inboard seat are arranged in a transversely extending row along the floor of the vehicle, wherein the inboard seat is disposed at an inboard position and the outboard seat is disposed at an outboard position. The inboard seat is slidably coupled to the floor for transverse sliding movement between the inboard and outboard positions. The outboard seat is tiltable to accommodate displacement of the inboard seat between the inboard and outboard positions.

Abstract: A vehicle seat slide device includes lower rails, upper rails, screw shafts, nut members, an electric motor and a transmission mechanism. The transmission mechanism is composed of a drive reduction gear mechanism coupled directly to an output shaft of the electric motor, a pair of left and right direction conversion gear mechanisms coupled directly to the screw shafts, and a transmission shaft arranged to pass through an output gear of the drive reduction gear mechanism to be rotatably bodily with the output gear and coupled at opposite ends thereof to respective input gears of the direction conversion gear mechanisms. A lean force bracket is further provided to be secured at opposite ends thereof to the upper rails and supports the drive reduction gear mechanism and both of the direction conversion gear mechanisms.

Abstract: A seat slide device for a vehicle includes a lower rail, an upper rail movable relative to the lower rail and a lock member for restricting the relative movement of the upper and lower rails. The restriction of the relative movement can be released and the lock-released position can be retained. The seat slide device further includes a memory piece detachably engaged with the lower rail and provided in a direction separating from the lower rail and engaging therewith when a seatback is reclined forward, wherein the memory piece is moved in association with the movement of the upper rail by retaining the memory piece at the receiving portion and the shaped portion when the memory piece is separated from the lower rail and wherein the memory piece is engaged with the lower rail at the engaging portion when the memory piece is engaged with the lower rail.

Abstract: The invention concerns the assembly of a cross-member and an instrument panel. The invention concerns an assembly method including assembling a ventilation element (40, 42) on a cross-member (26, 28), and assembling the panel instrument on the cross-member (26, 28) such that a centering device penetrates into the orifice. The method includes: prior to assembling the ventilation elements (40, 42) on the cross-member (26, 28), arranging thereon a base (10) of the centering device of reduced height so that it does not obstruct the assembling of the ventilation elements (40, 42), and, prior to assembling the instrument panel on the cross-member (26, 28), arranging, on the base (10), a body of the centering device. The invention is applicable to motor vehicle cockpits.

Abstract: An attachment element is provided with a central cylinder. The first end of the central cylinder has an internal thread and the other end terminates with an outer disk, where it can be screwed down, and passes through an inner disk between the outer disk and its first end.

Abstract: A window assembly cooperating with a window frame on a golf car includes a first window pane coupled to the window frame. The first window pane defines a lower portion arranged adjacent to a body of the golf car. A message holder is disposed on the lower portion of the first window pane. The message holder according to one embodiment is integrally formed with the first window pane and is adapted to removably accept a message therein. The message holder according to another embodiment is fixedly coupled to the first window pane.

Abstract: An actuation device (30) for a flap element, in particular a variable top receptacle (20), having at least one wall element (22) that is pivotable between a first and a second position, wherein the actuation device comprises a fixedly borne spring element (34) and the spring element traverses a point of maximum deflection between its first and second position by interacting with the wall element (22) during pivoting of the wall element (22).

Abstract: The invention relates to a folding top for a convertible, comprising a rod assembly (8) and a top (4, 19) which is mounted on the rod assembly (8). In order to create a modular folding top concept, the rod assembly (8) is provided with a fastening base that is designed for mounting different tops (4, 19). Furthermore, one respective top (4, 19) that is selected among a group of at least two tops which are formed differently especially regarding the movement functionalities thereof while having the same connecting dimensions is mounted on the fastening base to complete the folding top.

Abstract: A tonneau cover assembly for a truck having a bed and a pair of upstanding sidewalls generally includes a panel having a perimeter conforming to a perimeter of the bed and a mechanism for enabling movement of the panel between the first position abutting the bed and a second position generally level with tops of the upstanding sidewalls.

Abstract: An improved division post is provided that eliminates the need for a metal carrier for support, eliminates the need for roll form tooling and stretch bend tooling which are expensive and time-consuming processes, and may be formed in a glass encapsulation mold and retain the curvature imparted by the mold. The improved division post may guide a window panel moveable along a first axis in a motor vehicle. The division post may comprise a body portion comprising a first material and having a generally U-shaped cross-section. The body portion may include a base and first and second opposing walls defining a channel. The channel may be configured to receive at least an edge of the window panel. The division post may further include a first sealing wing extending from the first wall into the channel and a second sealing wing extending from the second wall into the channel. The first and second sealing wings may comprise a second material that is different than the first material.

Abstract: A control apparatus of an opening and closing body for a vehicle includes a fully closed state detection means detecting a fully closed state of an opening and closing body for the vehicle, an authenticating means authenticating a user of the vehicle, a detection means detecting a command for an opening operation when the authenticating means and the portable unit authenticate each other, a driving means conducting the opening operation when the fully closed state and the command for the open operation are detected, wherein the detection means is a vibration sensor mounted at one of the opening and a butted surface of the opening and closing body for the vehicle, and the vibration sensor detects that an object is pinched between the opening and the opening and closing body for the vehicle at a closing operation.

Abstract: A motor vehicle door comprises an outer module and an inner module, with the inner module having an inside door lining which is fitted onto a supporting surface of the inner module. The inner module has a supporting structure which comprises a metallic frame which in turn is joined to a plastic base support so as to form a metal-plastic hybrid component. The hybrid component at the same time forms the supporting surface of the inside door lining.

Abstract: The weather strip of the invention has an attachment base and a sealing part to be integrally attached to the attachment base for sealing a gap between a vehicle body opening open/close member and a vehicle body opening part. The attachment base has a substantially U-shaped section or a substantially J-shaped section that is formed of a vehicle exterior side wall, a vehicle interior side wall, and a bottom wall, and a sealant member formed from an adhesive material is attached to an inner surface of the attachment base having the substantially U-shaped section or the substantially J-shaped section. The tip of the flange is inserted into an inner part of the sealant member, and the attachment base is attached by an adhesion force of the sealant member.

Abstract: Cocoon Camper is a two-unit camper consisting of a frontal vehicle and a rear camper section. The frontal vehicle and rear camper section are connected and locked together allowing the vehicle to drive as if it were a single unit. The rear camper section of Cocoon Camper overlaps the frontal vehicle on top with a section that locks in place and connects directly to the top of the frontal vehicle unit with supports. The rear camper also locks in place from the back of the frontal vehicle unit to fully connect and stabilize the vehicle. Cocoon Camper works by connecting the drive shaft from the frontal vehicle to the camper in order to drive the wheels of the camper section from the rear. Cocoon Camper makes this possible by allowing the rear wheels of the frontal vehicle unit to retract to provide the proper clearance. The frontal vehicle has a unique modified differential that includes a selector to activate the wheels on the frontal vehicle or the wheels on the camper unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fairing for a trailer having a wheel assembly. The fairing is positioned on the underside of the trailer to cover a frontal area of the wheel assembly. More specifically, the fairing includes a shell and an anchoring mechanism. First, the shell is designed to cover the frontal part of the wheel assembly. Secondly, the anchoring mechanism allows attaching the shell to the wheel assembly.

Abstract: A long range and safer, steerable vehicle body for carrying at least one passenger and which body rides on at least two wheels and is constructed from ultra-lightweight materials, such as magnesium frame with polyolefin body panels. The frame is constructed from extruded tubings, joined with aid of end fittings, adhesive and body-bound pins, which eliminates expensive welding. The body panels have double walls, or a honeycomb sandwich construction. The vehicle body may carry an advanced, non-polluting hybrid propulsion system and may ride on pressure-airless tires.

Abstract: A collapsible trailer container for automobiles, comprising a rectangular enclosure having a base member and four vertical panels pivotally connected to the base member such that the panels can be pivotally moved to make them rest in a stacked configuration above the base member. The container also comprises a locking means for locking the panels in a vertical position to form the enclosure with open top.