Abstract: A rail structure for use as a handrail or as part of a fence or guardrail construction. The rail has a rigid channel shaped support member and upper and lower rail caps to enclose the support member with a durable decorative appearance. The cantilever provided by flanges on the support member permit upper and lower rail caps to be snap fit to the support member.

Abstract: A refrigerator incorporating in its door a water dispenser within a compartment present on the outside of the door, the dispenser being connected to a water container of given capacity carried by the door and provided to enable the contained water to be carbonated via a connection to a cylinder that contains the carbonating gas and is also disposed in the door.

Abstract: A workpiece holding jig for holding a workpiece having a plurality of first dividing lines extending in a predetermined direction and a plurality of second dividing lines formed in a direction intersecting the plurality of first dividing lines on the workpiece holding table of a processing machine for cutting the workpiece along the plurality of first dividing lines and the plurality of second dividing lines, wherein the workpiece holding jig has a plurality of through-grooves corresponding to the plurality of first dividing lines and the plurality of second dividing lines formed on the workpiece, a plurality of suction-holes which are open at the top and formed at positions corresponding to a plurality of areas sectioned by the plurality of first dividing lines and the plurality of second dividing lines of the workpiece and suction-passages that are formed at positions where they do not intersect the plurality of through-grooves and connected to the plurality of suction-holes.

Abstract: A device for receiving documents is described and in one example, a device for stacking media in a mail creation inserter system is described including at least one document support member (30), adapted to receive documents and to be moved along a longitudinal axis by its own weight, and an actuator member (32) for allowing said support to move, placed on the path of movement of the documents and adapted to move between a first or blocking position preventing longitudinal movement of said support and a second or released position allowing longitudinal displacement thereof, movement from the first position to the second position being triggered by the contact of at least one document (36) with said actuator member.

Abstract: A recording apparatus for effecting recording by a recording head on a recording material which is fed by a plurality of pairs of feeding rollers, the recording apparatus, includes a first feeding roller for feeding the recording material with a first feeding force; a second feeding roller for feeding the recording material with a second feeding force which is smaller than the first feeding force; control means for stopping the first feeding roller with a sheet material nipped to cause rubbing between the second feeding roller and the sheet material to effect cleaning to a peripheral surface of the second feeding roller.

Abstract: A sheet material stacking apparatus comprises a shift sensor configured to detect the sheet conveyed by a branching path, a drop-down checking sensor configured to detect that sheet which reaches a scraping-out plate through the rotation of a rotatable blade-type runner, and a transport controller configured to, after a passage of a predetermined time following the detection of the sheet by the shift sensor, start detecting the sheet by using a drop-down checking sensor, and to stop stacking the sheet when the drop-down checking sensor detects no sheet.

Abstract: A sliding shell mechanism includes a circumferential band, and a pair of portions attachable to the circumferential band, each portion having formed on an edge portion thereof an annular groove, the grooves being sized and configured to slidingly and matingly receive tongue portions of the circumferential band. The disclosed sliding shell mechanism may include additional circumferential bands and provide a hollow interior portion in which electronic circuits may be disposed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a game in which a game surface, a plurality of game pieces, and a plurality of game cards are provided for use in games involving names of people. In the preferred embodiment, the game surface comprises a plurality of ladders having starts, finishes and various spaces; the spaces are associated with certain subjects like Entertainment or Politics. The game cards have clues printed on one side; answers are printed on the other side. Game pieces advance one space along a ladder if a team is able to guess the correct answer; play is ceded to the other team for an incorrect answer. Wipe out spaces permit the other team to select the subject of the game card; game pieces advance one space if the word card is answered correctly, and retreat two spaces if answered incorrectly.

Abstract: A board game has a plurality of game pieces and pair of dice. A method is disclosed for playing a plurality of games one a game board that includes a plurality of playing surfaces. The surfaces have intersecting columns and rows defining nine spots. One of the surfaces is on a top side of the board and a second surface is on a bottom side thereof. Players roll dice to determine who goes first. The dice have six sides numbered zero through five. Play continues until one player aligns three of their game pieces in a row, or the entire chosen surface is covered with game pieces. If neither player has three pieces aligned in a row, the player having the most pieces on the surface wins and gets to start the next game. Each of the players accumulates points during each round of play until one reaches a predetermined point total.

Abstract: Systems and methods for playing a dealer-facilitated card game including use of a dealer-equalization criteria and a dealer-favored bias criteria. The game involves dealing a starting hand to at least one player and to the dealer, wherein each starting hand includes one or more cards representing a potential portion of a resulting hand. A bet is placed by the player, and the bet is called by the dealer. The respective ranks of each hand are determined and one of the resulting hands is identified as the winning hand. Distribution of the betting pool is assessed based on at least the winning hand and dealer-favored bias criteria. A player puts up an initial commission that would be taken whether or not the player makes a second bet and whether or not the player won.

Abstract: A methodology 10 for playing a card game which combines the games of blackjack and poker, which includes a first poker round, and a second blackjack round, and in which a player selectively places a series of wagers selectively forms a five-card poker hand, and selectively forms a blackjack hand in blackjack round.

Abstract: A method of conducting a poker game is disclosed. The method may be played as a player v. house (i.e., dealer) or player v. player game and may be facilitated in an online version or on electronic gaming devices. The method comprises each participating receiving five hole cards, two of which, are used in combination with three common cards. Three sets of three common cards are dealt such that after each set is dealt, each player discards one hole card. Consequently, at the end of the game, each player has two hole cards and nine common cards are presented in a pattern, such as a 3×3 matrix. Each player combines his or her two hole cards with three common cards (e.g., a row, column or diagonal) from the 3×3 matrix to form a five-card poker hand.

Abstract: An apparatus for shifting the center of gravity of a vehicle includes a master cylinder assembly with motor, gearbox and position sensing encoder; a slave cylinder hydraulically connected with the master cylinder and connected with one or more of the vehicle's shock and spring assemblies to, upon actuation of the motor, vary the distance between the upper shock casing and the lower piston end: a driver control assembly including one or more actuator paddles connected behind the outer grip of the steering wheel: and, a control unit having computer programming to receive and issue data and instructions and being operationally connected between the driver control assembly and the master cylinder to actuate the motor upon movement of one or more of the paddles.

Abstract: A cambering vehicle for human propelled transport comprises an elongate front column, first and second pivot axles at the front column, a first trailing arm pivotally attached to the first pivot axle, a second trailing arm pivotally attached to the second pivot axle, a front ski associated with the elongate front column, and, first and second rear skis associated with said first and second trailing arms. The first and second pivot axles may be inclined downward. Separately, a ski may be adapted for attachment to a conventional cambering vehicle having a front tube with a fork, where the ski comprises a surface having a rear section, mid-section, and front section, the surface being relatively flat at its rear section and mid-section, but curving upward at its front section, and an attachment mechanism for attachment to the fork.

Abstract: A steerable snow sled has a forward section pivotably joined to a rear section, with metal runners attached to the bottom of both sections. A steering arm is attached to the forward section. The forward section also includes a pivot assembly that is attached to the runners. The rear section includes several sliding connections between the sled and the runners that allow the runners to bend in an arc when a person riding the sled applies turning pressure to the steering arm.

Abstract: A portable enclosure, including a thin flexible cover for covering an object and protecting it from the environment, a storage cassette for removably storing said cover therein, a wheeled carriage for removably receiving the storage cassette, whereby the storage cassette either may be transported by the wheeled carriage to a position close to the object whereupon the cover may be removed from the storage cassette and placed over the object or may be removed from the wheeled carriage such that the storage cassette and the cover therein may be used in a location distant from the wheeled carriage.

Abstract: A hand truck for carrying and transporting an object comprises a frame having a base and a back arranged in a generally L-shaped configuration. The frame is supported by at least a pair of wheels for rolling over the ground. An object may be placed on the base for using the hand truck to move the object. A retainer has a loading position in which the retainer is sufficiently clear of the base to allow the object to be slid onto the base. After the object is slid onto the base, the retainer may be raised to a transport position in which the retainer at least partially encircles the object to hold the retainer on the base. The retainer may be releasably latched in the transport position.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for moving a shelving assembly. The apparatus includes support legs that are connected to the shelving assembly. Jack assemblies are connected to the support legs and are moveable to engage the ground and lift the shelving assembly off the ground. The jack assemblies include wheels so that, when lifted off the ground, the shelving assembly can be moved over the ground with the moving apparatus attached to it.

Abstract: A wheeled scooter is integrated with an event forum seat. The apparatus is configured to convert between a first configuration in which the apparatus is operable as a scooter for transportation and a second configuration in which the apparatus is operable as an event forum seat.

Abstract: A steering enhancement and braking system for a skateboard or wheeled platform having an actuating element configured to change the position of the skateboard deck relative to the skateboard truck. The actuating element comprises a deck plate configured to be attachable to a skateboard deck, and a truck plate configured to be attachable to a skateboard truck and the deck plate. Upon an application of a force to the skateboard deck the position of the truck plate relative to the deck plate changes. In addition, the system can achieve braking action by transferring the differential motion to the skateboard deck and the truck by the use of the actuating element.

Abstract: A mount/dismount system for use with a personnel carrier (vehicle) having a substantially flat bed, includes a tubular frame and attachments for holding the frame on the vehicle. Specifically, the tubular frame includes a grip pole that extends perpendicularly from the vehicle bed. It also includes a cross bar that interconnects, and is coplanar with, the grip pole and a support pole. When the frame is attached to the vehicle, the support pole is positioned at a distance “d” from the bed of the vehicle. Additionally, the support pole incorporates a step for concerted use with the grip pole and the support pole by personnel as they mount/dismount the vehicle.

Abstract: A tractor has a frame defined by two side rails extending longitudinally carried on ground wheels with a cab on the frame at one end and an engine compartment at the other end. The cab has doors on each side and there are provided two operator platforms each attached to the frame at a respective side with suitable ladder, guard rails and surface by which the operator can climb to the cab. Each operator platform is mounted for movement longitudinally of the frame on levers allowing movement along the side of the frame from the cab entry position to an engine service position. The platform can cover operator serviceable parts which in the cab position which are exposed when the platform is moved to the engine service position.

Abstract: A motorcycle fork rake extension kit provides an increased fork rake without welding and maintains a favorable trail. The extension kit includes an upper adapter block fixedly attached to an upper end of a steering head of a motorcycle frame and a lower adapter block fixedly attached to a lower end of the steering head of the motorcycle frame. Triple trees are rotatably attached to triple tree ends of the adapter blocks through steering head bearings. The triple tree ends of the adapter blocks are spaced away from the frame, the lower adapter block having a greater spacing to increase fork rake. The lower triple tree may further space the fork tubes forward to further increase fork rake. In a preferred embodiment, approximately 45 degrees of rake is provided with favorable trail.

Abstract: A safety binding device for binding a boot on an alpine ski including a releasable retaining mechanism of the mechanical, hydraulic, viscoelastic type, which actuate a release as a function of the forces to which the boot is subjected and as a function of the duration ?t of the application of such forces. The release action occurs as soon as the magnitude of the force is greater than an actual release threshold, Sr, which is dependent upon the duration ?t of the application of force, such that if duration is greater than one second, the actual release threshold is between 50% and 75% of the theoretical release threshold, St, whereby: ?t>1 s; 0.75×St?Sr(?t)?0.5×St, with the theoretical release threshold St being determined as a function of the skier's parameters in conformance with ISO standards.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a wheeled luggage item with an ergonomic telescopic handle assembly. The ergonomic telescoping handle assembly of the present invention allows a user to use the luggage using just one hand. Furthermore, the ergonomic telescoping handle assembly shifts the weight of the bag onto the bag, rather than the user's arm, reducing strain on the user's arm, and it provides for a greater space between the user's heel and the bag, reducing the chance that the user will kick the bag while walking. Finally, the ergonomic telescoping handle assembly of the present invention is stored compactly within the luggage, maximizing the volume available within the luggage for storage of personal items.

Abstract: A transport vehicle includes a bed formed in the rear end thereof. A base is seated on the bed and supports a load-bearing platform opposing the bed forming a storage space therebetween and an opening therebetween into the storage space at the rear end of the vehicle. A wheeled trailer is also provided, which is positionable in the storage space, is removable from the storage space, and has a hitched drawbar engagable to a tow bat secured to the rear of the vehicle.

Abstract: In a knee protecting airbag device of the present invention, an airbag is folded and housed on the front side of the knees of a seated passenger. The airbag is protruded rearward of a vehicle from a protruding opening and expanded and inflated upward, when an inflating gas flows in. And, the airbag is arranged on the front side of the knees of the passenger between a member on the body side and the knees of the passenger thereby to protect the knees of the passenger. The protruding opening has a transverse width size set within a range of ? to ? of the transverse width size of the airbag having completed its expansion and inflation.

Abstract: A reliable hose for introduction and distribution of inflator gas improves the storing properties of an air bag device for side collision, reduces storing space, is advantageous in terms of cost, and has enough strength. A hose made of woven fabric for introduction and distribution of inflator gas is arranged in an air bag device for side collision and has one or more distributing hole(s) for introduction and distribution of gas from an inflator to the inner area of an air bag upon actuation of the air bag. On the side containing said distributing hole, there is a non-tubular portion which projects from a hose tubular portion to the outside of an opposite side to the tubular portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a steering wheel (11) of an automotive vehicle including a framework (17), a foam filling (19) and a horn device (33) with an integrated airbag module (21) including an element (31) for actuating said horn device (33) once the airbag module (21) is positioned and fixed in the steering wheel (11) by pressing the cover (25) of the airbag module (21), and also including securing means for securing the cover (25) of the airbag module (21) in the foam filling (19) of the steering wheel (11) so that the airbag module (21) can pivot thereupon when the horn is actuated.

Abstract: A multi-level gas inflator for an air bag or other safety device, comprising an elongated pressure vessel having a primary gas generant portion with a first open end and a secondary portion with a second open end. The primary gas generant portion has a primary ignition device and primary gas generating energetics disposed therein. The primary ignition device is mounted on and closes the pressure vessel at the first open end thereof. The secondary portion may have a secondary ignition device and secondary gas generating energetics disposed therein. The secondary ignition device may be mounted on the pressure vessel at the second open end thereof. A suitable gas under a predetermined pressure is present in the primary and secondary portions. One or more separate dividers or divider walls are disposed within the midportion of the pressure vessel to separate the primary and secondary portions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gas generator device used in automobile safety to inflate an airbag. This device is characterized in that it comprises at least one gas source for inflating the airbag and at least one gas outlet orifice, called the first orifice, for gas to flow into the airbag, characterized in that it includes means for making the gas pass through other gas outlet orifices, called second orifices, which are distributed over the device so that it is given a neutral-thrust configuration when it is initiated, although not in service, the device also including means for closing off these second orifices when the device is in service, so that when the device is initiated, the gas passes via the first outlet orifice.

Abstract: A gas generating system (10) includes a base (14) and a cap (16), one of the base (14) and the cap (16) having at least one groove (34) formed therealong to enable fluid communication between a combustion chamber (18) of the gas generator and an exterior of the combustion chamber (18). The other one of the base (14) and the cap (16) covers the at least one groove (34) to define at least one enclosed passage (36) extending along the at least one groove (34) for enabling fluid communication between the combustion chamber (18) and the exterior of the combustion chamber. In another aspect, a gas generant composition (20) having an auto-ignition temperature is positioned within the gas generating system (10). An adhesive composition (30) having a decomposition temperature lower than the gas generant auto-ignition temperature secures the cap (16) to the base (14).

Abstract: A gas generator (10) is provided including a housing (12). A gas generating composition (16) produces expanded gases upon activation of the inflator (10), thereby increasing the internal pressure and compressing the spring (50) operably coupled to the gas release member (40). As the spring (50) is compressed, a gas exit aperture (27), sealed prior to gas generator (10) activation, is opened as the gas release member (40) is unseated from gas exit aperture (27). After gas generator (10) activation, the spring energy of the spring (50) gradually equalizes and then counters the gas pressure of the system gases, thereby once again attenuating the gas exit opening (27) to maintain an optimum average system pressure as the gas is released from the housing (12).

Abstract: A rollover protection device includes a cassette housing which guides an extendable rollover bar. The cassette housing includes guidances for the rollover bar. The rollover bar is a single shell or multi-shell form part made of fibre reinforced plastic and has shell edge regions which at least partially extend parallel to the extension direction. The cassette housing is a hollow profile made from high strength material and is closed around the rollover bar and the guidance. The guidance is a plastic form part engaging at a shell edge region, is secured within the hollow profile and protrudes from the hollow profile at least downwards.

Abstract: An industrial vehicle includes a vehicle body, a hood provided on the vehicle body and operable to open and close, an operator's seat provided on the hood, a plurality of pillars erected on the vehicle body for supporting a headguard that covers above the operator's seat and an armrest provided at a side of the operator's seat such that the armrest is pivotable relative to the operator's seat or the hood on a pivotal axis in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle body. The pivotal axis has a first end adjacent to the operator's seat and a second end distant from the operator's seat. The pivotal axis is set such that the first end is located forward of the second end and/or such that the first end is located lower than the second end.

Abstract: A roll over protection device for compact tractors has a tubular steel hoop 14 carried by a channel section coupling 20 and the coupling is bolted to a bracket 12 with holes 34 and slots 36 which enable it to be bolted to the transmission housing of the tractor. The hoop 14 and coupling 20 are the same whatever the make of tractor, but the bracket is intended to fit different models.

Abstract: A steering column adjustable height and inclination of steering wheel has a singularity of control lever for controlling clamping/unclamping of a telescopic mechanism and a tilting mechanism for the adjustment. An energizing direction inverting mechanism inverts direction of biasing force applied to the lever by an energizing member from clamping direction to unclamping direction halfway through operation of the lever by a driver.

Abstract: A binding system consisting of a binding back (3) which is provided with a layer of melting glue (7) on the inside, wherein it comprises at least one end leaf (4) made of a rigid material provided with a flexible strip on at least one edge, which strip is at least partly made of a material which adheres well to the above-mentioned melting glue (7) of the binding back (3).

Abstract: A label for affixing to a container of produce is disclosed, the label including a front portion for carrying labelling indicia, and an adhesive backing; the front portion including a token for identifying the produce, the token being readily severable from the front portion when the label is affixed to the container.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a substantially planar business communication assembly that has one or more ablated recesses or depressions which are created through the use of electromagnetic radiation. The assembly preferably includes first and second portions that are joined to one another to form a composite construction. The business form is typically provided with an ablated depression in one of the two portions. The depression has a depth that is sufficient such that when a removable element is placed within the depression the surface of the removable element is substantially planar with the surface of at least one of the surfaces of the portions used to make up the assembly.

Abstract: A broken conduit end portion is repaired by reducing its radial wall thickness and attaching thereto a repair coupling that is configured to provide an internal passage therethrough that is not smaller than the internal passages in the broken conduit end portion and in a second conduit that is attached to the repair coupling.

Abstract: A rotating passage feed system for admitting pressure means into two machine parts (hub part (2), shaft (3)) which rotate relative to one another about a common axis. Conduits (17) that convey the pressure means are located in the shaft (3) and are joined to pressure means connections (6) via tapped holes while a connecting part (5) in which ring channels (8) are provided is also joined thereto. A central sleeve (9) is joined to the connecting part (5) in a non-rotatable manner. The connecting part (5) and the central sleeve (9) are produced in an inexpensive manner as lightweight structure formed from sheet metal through a shaping process.

Abstract: A tee baffle for use at the inlet or outlet of a septic tank or other on-site waste drainage system has a thin-walled profile and is provided with ribs along its longitudinal axis and one or more annular ribs. The tee baffle has a lowermost end for accommodating the bell end or hub of a length of pipe to facilitate lengthening the tee to the desired dimension. The tee baffle can accommodate various sizes and types of effluent filters having generally cylindrical profiles, and may be provided with inwardly-directed flanges, tabs, or ribs to hold effluent filters in place and prevent an effluent filter from becoming dislodged from the tee baffle.

Abstract: An electrical connection assembly for securing electrical metal conduit to a junction box or the like, having a connection body with an inlet end portion for receiving a conduit wherein the inlet end includes a first portion sized to snugly receive an end portion of a conduit and a second portion having an internal surface that diverges outwardly toward the opening of the inlet end portion. A unitary sealing and compression ring is fitted onto the end portion of a conduit, and is positioned thereon so that the sealing ring portion of the unitary ring is received within the inlet end portion. A fastening nut secures the conduit to the inlet portion by causing the sealing ring portion to form a water or fluid tight seal between the connector body and the associated conduit and forming a mechanically sound connection between the connector body and the conduit. The unitary sealing and compression ring formed of metal insures positive electrical grounding of the assembled connection.

Abstract: A quick connector is provided with a connector housing and a wire retainer. The connector housing has a retainer mounting portion which is formed with engagement slits. The wire retainer is mounted on the retainer mounting portion such that engaging arms enter the engagement slits and project in the retainer mounting portion. Each of the engaging slits has a width larger than a diameter of the engaging arm in order to generate a collision noise by collision between the engaging arm and the connector housing or the pipe upon completion of closing motion of the engaging arms.

Abstract: A threaded and coupled connector with tapered threads having equivalent heights (same height on pin and box threads), negative load flanks, biased tapered thread forms with a torque shoulder formed by pin noses that abut at a central point within a coupling constructed from standard coupling stock. The connection design meets the internal/external pressure performance requirements of industry standards with capabilities equal to or exceeding those of “premium” connections, with a coupling constructed from thin walled coupling stock.

Abstract: An actuator for a vehicle, in particular for an automobile door lock includes a rotatable rotor; a lever that is disposed so as to be swingable between a first position and a second position; and an engagement mechanism through which the lever is engaged with the rotor. The engagement mechanism also includes a protrusion that engages with the rotor; and a guide mechanism that makes, along with rotation of the rotor, the lever swing between the first position and the second position, and allows, when the rotor stops rotating, a movement of the lever without turning the rotor.

Abstract: An apparatus for opening and closing a door of a vehicle, which allows a door of a vehicle to be slidably moved, includes a door operation lever that is rotated when an inside knob is operated; a door holding unit that is released by rotation of the door operation lever; an operation output unit that is included in the inside knob; and a base plate on which the inside knob is arranged in such a manner that the inside knob is moved to be operated, and on which the door operation lever is arranged in such a manner that the door operation lever partially faces an area in which the operation output unit is moved in response to an operation of the inside knob. The door operation lever is rotated by making the operation output unit abut on the door operation lever when the inside knob is operated.

Abstract: A cam-action remote latch mechanism comprises a housing; a support, placed inside the housing, being able to perform a movement between an innermost position and an outermost position; a plurality of guiding openings in the housing for guiding the movement of the support; a cam, set on a primary axis and placed inside the housing, when turned driving the movement of the support; and a pawl, mounted on an outer side of the support, protruding from the housing when the support has reached the outermost position and exerting a sealing force driven by the support, with the cam and the support stably holding each other.

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