Abstract: A wheelbarrow includes a wheelbarrow frame, a wheel, a bracket, and a container. The wheel is mounted rotatably on a front end portion of the wheelbarrow frame. The bracket is mounted rotatably on the front end portion of the wheelbarrow frame. The container is mounted on the bracket so as to be co-rotatable therewith and is supported on the wheelbarrow frame.

Abstract: A cart that can support and transport loads includes a platform, a number of wheels, a handle, and a wheel assembly. The wheels are mounted to the platform and can move the cart from place-to-place. The handle extends from the platform. And the wheel assembly extends from the platform and can move the cart from place-to-place when the cart is at an inclined position with respect to the ground upon which the cart is moved.

Abstract: A truck assembly without wheels for illuminating a sport board, such as a skateboard, includes a support base, a truck axle connected to the support base, a light-emitting member connected to the truck axle, and an electrical member for supplying power to the light-emitting member.

Abstract: A guide element for a guideway element in a wheel suspension of a vehicle has one of the elements arranged such that it is connected essentially rigidly to the body and the other element arranged such that it is connected essentially rigidly to the wheel and a plain bearing, which makes possible a displacing motion of the guide element on the guideway element, is formed between these elements. The guide element is guided in a rotatingly movable and/or pivotingly movable manner on the guideway element via a joint arrangement, within which the plain bearing ring is arranged, which is guided with its circular passage opening, adapted to the cross section of the guideway element, on the guideway element. This joint arrangement may be designed as a rubber bushing or as a ball and socket joint.

Abstract: An anti-tip system is provided for improving the stability of a powered vehicle, such as a powered wheelchair. The vehicle includes a drive-train assembly pivotally mounted to a main structural frame. A suspension system biases the drive-train assembly and its connected anti-tip wheel to a predetermined resting position. The drive-train assembly bi-directionally rotates about a pivot in response to torque applied to or acceleration forces on the vehicle. A linkage arrangement is provided and is characterized by a suspension arm pivotally mounting to the main structural frame about a pivot at one end thereof and an anti-tip wheel at the other end. The linkage may further include at least one link operable to transfer the bi-directional displacement of the drive-train assembly to the suspension arm. The link may include a bell crank member and/or may be resiliently compressible.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a bi-folding wheelchair (10) with side frames (12) and (14) that fold together with a compound scissor action moving the large rear wheels (96) to a central location while the backrest (50) is folding downwardly. Two separate locking mechanisms (28) and (40) hold the frame apart in the upright position while two additional locking mechanisms (77) hold the backrest (50) upright or down in the collapsed position. All the major components of the conventional wheelchairs like the foot rests, the arm rests, large wheels, caster wheels and the backrest fit into a compact package narrower than the unfolded wheelchair and slightly larger than the diameter of the back wheels with all parts folding in and out simultaneously. The large rear wheel assemblies can be quickly removed further reducing the size and weight of the device for shipping or storage.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for assisting the loading and unloading of a boat in relation to a boat trailer, including a snare at or toward a front of the boat, and a latch on the boat trailer which is adapted to adopt at least one of two positions, a first of which allows for a releasable engagement of the snare by the latch, and a second of which allows for a release from such engagement, and a lever to move the latch between the two positions.

Abstract: A fifth wheel assembly for coupling a trailer to a truck tractor is provided and includes a fifth wheel and a supporting structure for supporting the fifth wheel on the rear part of the tractor truck. The supporting structure includes a sliding arrangement enabling the fifth wheel to be repositioned between different positions. A number of sensors are positioned on the supporting structure and on the fifth wheel and are included in a control system for predetermined information and control of operating conditions.

Abstract: A short span fifth wheel hitch comprising a hitch plate, at least one back rib, a peripheral flange connected to ends of the back rib, and a main rib extending between the back rib and a portion of the peripheral flange, with the main rib being connected to ends of the peripheral flange. The fifth wheel hitch also includes skirts extending from the hitch plate adjacent the back rib. At least two pairs of mounting ribs are located interior of the peripheral flange and the back rib, each pair of mounting ribs including aligned apertures for accepting a mounting pin therein, whereby a mounting bracket can be inserted into a space between the mounting ribs of each pair of mounting ribs and the mounting pin can be placed through the aligned apertures and the mounting bracket to connect the fifth wheel hitch to a tractor.

Abstract: A drawbar unit for a drawbar governed floor conveyor, in which a drawbar head is coupled to a vertical steering shaft, which optionally co-operates with a swivelling angle transmitter for an electronic steeling of the floor conveyor, wherein the steering shaft can be rotatably and axially fixedly mounted in a stationary bearing arrangement of the floor conveyor, wherein the drawbar head is connected to the upper end of a longitudinal guiding member, on which an upper portion of the steering shaft is axially guided, a lever is pivotably mounted on the guiding member, which engages with one arm into an axis parallel guiding channel on the steeling shaft such that a rotary union is produced, and adjustment means act on the lever in order to selectively bring the arm into clamping engagement with the steering shaft and to couple guiding member and steering shaft even axially.

Abstract: A foldable handcart can be carried about on its wheels after being folded. The handcart has a handle structure. The lower ends of the handle structure are pivotally coupled to a frame. The frame is formed of a pair of tubes. The lower ends of the tubes are pivotally coupled to a block board. The block board can be rotated upward to contact the frame. The lower ends of the tubes are respectively sleeved by a toothed ring which engages with the teeth on the top of a sleeving tube of a wheel seat. The other side of the wheel seat is pivotally coupled to a wheel. When the block board is rotated upward, the back wall of the block board is still apart from the ground by an appropriate distance, and the wheels can thus contact the ground. Thereby, the handcart can be easily carried about on its wheels.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a multi-purpose chair for the disabled that can be used as a passive wheelchair designed to be pushed by an individual to transport the occupant in a sitting position. By adjusting the heights of the legs, it will fit over conventional or handicapped commodes. Removing the legs with locking casters and inserting the stationary legs, the device can be used as a conventional chair. Additionally it can used a commode chair/raised toilet seat/safety frame. The device can also be used in a shower or by lifting one of the cantilevered armrests, and attaching the side bench, it can be used beside a bathtub. Covering the seat with the elastic seat-cover, the device can be used to transport individuals in public places without revealing the toileting applications. The novelty is that this all can be easily assembled or disassembled and carried in a FAA dimensionally compliant carrying case.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention relates to an air bag module, in particular for a knee air bag. The air bag module includes an air bag housing, a air bag cushion, a tubular gas generator, a air bag cushion holding device, and a gas guiding device, to which the tubular gas generator is fastened. The gas guiding device is integrally formed with the air bag cushion holding device.

Abstract: An airbag module comprises an airbag cushion, a cover, an inflator to inflate the airbag cushion, a retaining ring, and an integrated one-piece retainer and diffuser component. The integrated retainer and diffuser component couples to the cover to form a space for the airbag cushion in the airbag module. The integrated retainer and diffuser component disperses inflation gas from the inflator into the airbag cushion. The integrated retainer and diffuser component comprises a glass filled plastic material.

Abstract: Seatbelt apparatus includes a control device connected with a vehicle-mounted battery for controlling an operational state of a seatbelt on the basis of an opened/closed state of a buckle switch and electric power supplied by the battery. The control device has a first operation mode for operating with low-level electric power, and a second operation mode for operating with higher-level electric power. In the second operation mode, the control device is kept in a state capable of detecting the opened/closed state of the buckle switch. The apparatus also includes a storage section for storing a current state value of the buckle switch when the control device shifts from the second operation mode to the first operation mode.

Abstract: An airbag includes two base cloths sewn together at their outer peripheries by a seam extending from a central portion to the outer periphery of the base cloths into a vortical shape. When gas is supplied from an inflator to a center aperture of one of the base cloth to inflate the airbag, load generated by gas pressure breaks the seam sequentially from the central portion to the outer periphery, preventing sudden deployment of the airbag in fore and aft directions at the initial stage of deployment, thereby enabling not only soft restraining of passengers but also sufficient restraining by deploying the airbag into a final shape that is flat in fore and aft directions upon completion of breaking of the seam. The seam comprises a plurality of bonding portions such that the inflation breaks each of the bonding portions sequentially.

Abstract: An airbag inflator bottle member comprising a tubular body having a reduced-diameter portion at an end portion for fitting an initiator or the like thereto in which the reduced-diameter portion has a good low temperature toughness comparable to that of the portion which is not reduced in diameter is manufactured by the following method. A steel tube having a composition comprising C: 0.05-0.20%, Si: 0.1-1.0%, Mn: 0.10-2.0%, Cr: 0.05-2.0%, sol. Al: at most 0.10%, Ca: 0.0003-0.01%, optionally one or more elements selected from Cu: at most 1.0%, Ni: at most 1.5%, Mo: at most 1.0%, V: at most 0.2%, Nb: at most 0.1%, and Ti: at most 0.1%, and a remainder of Fe and impurities in which P: at most 0.025% and S: at most 0.010% is subjected to cold working, then it is cut to a predetermined length, and the cut steel tube is subjected to reducing in at least one end portion thereof and then to quenching and tempering.

Abstract: There is provided an airbag device being excellent in performance of protection of an occupant wherein a folded airbag (10) undergoes sequential and orderly expansion starting from a region where the expansion ought to be started. It is characterized in that a gas rectification member (12?) for rectifying and guiding a gas generated from an inflator (30) up to the vicinity of a part of the airbag (10), inflating in the initial expansion thereof, is provided substantially at the central part of the airbag (10).

Abstract: A belt tensioner for a safety-belt restraint system in a vehicle, which can be triggered in the event of a collision or the threat of a collision, includes a device for tensioning a safety belt that is restraining an occupant, by displacing part of the safety-belt restraint system. The belt tensioner has a drive for the displacing the part, which drive comprises a repeatedly chargeable spring-energy store, as well as a spring-energy store charging device for repeatably charging of the spring-energy store once it has been discharged. The spring-energy store charging device transmits to the spring-energy store for the purpose of charging it, a tensile force that is applied to the safety belt to unwind it from a belt winding device in the course of a fastening operation by the occupant.

Abstract: A vehicle body structure with a fuel tank and canister is disclosed. A communication path connecting a fuel tank with a canister is provided to pass between a rear cross-member and an expanded portion of an underbody.

Abstract: A lightweight, strong, sturdy, and versatile evacuation sled is disclosed. The body of the sled may be manufactured from a single piece of material, stored flat, and folded into its functioning configuration. When folded, the sled has one or more straps that help hold it in its folded configuration and allow maneuvering or carrying the sled. The sled may be readily towed with a towing harness and may be moved down an incline, such as stairs, by means of a rope and belay device. The sled has a low coefficient of friction and is lightweight, allowing the sled to be readily moved and handled without requiring the assistance of multiple people. Additional sleds with foam inserts may be provided to carry equipment such as for life support. The sled may also provide surge capacity for facilities like hospitals, as the sled is designed to be inexpensive and essentially disposable.

Abstract: This is a new and unique way of working through the process of grieving. The unique features are: a record of the family tree can be reserved, and the Album can assist loved ones left behind to moan the loss of all of their loved ones. This includes the loss of a beloved pet. The album is enclosed in a black Vinyl/Leather carrying case that has Gold Typography stamp of the name of the binder, and a gold family image on the front cover. The back of the album has a clear vinyl pocket designed to keep the obituary of the deceased. The inside of the Memorial Album “Grief Work” Journal Day Planner, has a pocket which holds the spiral bound book of the album itself. There are also tab dividers to include notes on journalizing and a beautiful black and gold pen. This invention can be revised to please anyone who acquires the license.

Abstract: A non-cellulose based deformable substrate having at least one fold line is configured to be able to be directly mounted on a frame or included in a publication. The substrate is configured to reduce the propagation of stress along the at least one fold line.

Abstract: A postage stamp includes digital information that can be played by the recipient of the letter or parcel bearing the stamp. The information can be digital in format and can be pictures, audio and/or a video presentation that the country issuing the stamp wishes to disseminate.

Abstract: A system for forming a fluid connection includes a first connector and a second connector. Both connectors include a tubular body having a membrane mounted on a distal end thereof. A support member facilitates the coupling of the connectors together so that the membranes are abutted together. Radiant energy is applied to the abutted membranes so as to first sterilize the membranes and then melt the membranes so that a passage is formed therethrough.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for welding a pipe section and a connector, wherein each of the pipe and connector have inner and outer beveled surfaces and the joint is comprised of an angular alignment land. In one embodiment, an outer beveled surface on the pipe and an inner beveled surface on the connector cooperate to define the angular alignment land. In yet another illustrative embodiment, the inner beveled surface of the connector and the outer beveled surface of the pipe have a bevel angle of approximately 30 degrees, while the outer beveled surface of the connector and the inner beveled surface of the pipe have a beveled angle of approximately 45 degrees.

Abstract: There is disclosed a connection device for an underwater service line, the connection device comprising: a male connector having slidably interengageable first and second pieces, the first piece having a rearwardly facing surface and being slidable between a retracted position and an extended position; and a female connector connectable with the male connector and having a body—comprising a bore to receive the male connector, the female connector comprising an engagement member engageable with the first piece and movable from an extended position, in which it extends into the bore, to a retracted position, in which it permits forward displacement of the first piece, a biasing means biasing the engagement member towards its extended position, a forward end of the second piece being configured to allow the engagement member to extend into the bore, giving rise to a connected condition, wherein: in the connected condition, the forward end of the second piece is engageable with the engagement member upon retracti

Abstract: Insulated piping and methods of making and using insulated piping are disclosed herein. An insulated pipe according to one embodiment includes a plurality of elongate pipe sections. Each pipe section includes first and second ends, an inner pipe for transporting temperature sensitive fluids, an intermediate pipe extending around the inner pipe, and an outer pipe extending around the inner pipe and the intermediate pipe. The inner pipe is operatively coupled to the outer pipe to form an airtight insulation space between the inner and outer pipes, and the intermediate pipe segregates the airtight insulation space into a plurality of independent insulation spaces between the inner and outer pipes. At least one independent insulation space is radially inward of another independent insulation space.

Abstract: A suction coupling includes a first union coupled to a second union. The first union includes a first tubing joint extending from a side of the first union and a male flange extending from an end of the first union. The second union includes a second tubing joint extending from a side of the second union and defines a female receptacle formed in an open end of the second union. The male flange is rotatably coupled with the female receptacle such that when suction is applied to the second union, the first union forms a liquid seal relative to the second union.

Abstract: A pipe-fitting apparatus comprises a housing having a first conduit pathway and a second conduit pathway, the first conduit pathway formed by a pair of apertures disposed on the housing and aligned coaxially, the first conduit pathway formed within the housing and separately enclosed from the interior of the housing. The first conduit pathway carries fluid of a first conduit line. The second conduit pathway formed by a pair of apertures disposed on the housing and aligned coaxially, the second conduit pathway formed within the housing and enclosed by the housing. The second conduit pathway carrying the fluid of a second conduit line. The first conduit pathway and the second conduit pathway are aligned substantially within the same plane and angularly disposed relative to one another.

Abstract: A subsea fitting is disclosed. The subsea fitting includes a body. The fitting includes at least two passages through the body. The passages are in fluid communication within the body. A diverter is located in at least one of the passages. The diverter may be movable between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the diverter allows open flow between two of the passages. In the closed position, the diverter inhibits flow between the two passages.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pipe clamp with two pipe clamp halves (2,4), for securing together hubbed end portions of two pipes or one pipe and pipe end cover, the pipe clamp halves being hinged at one end (5) and comprising a securing device at the other end. The pipe clamp is so configured that it does not need to be opened as wide as previously known similar pipe clamps.

Abstract: A threaded joint for pipes comprising at least one seal of the metal-metal interference type arranged externally to the female thread. The joint has an extension of the box beyond the seal which produces an elastic tightening band effect on the seal so that excessive interference on the seal is not necessary, thus favouring correct making up.

Abstract: In, as part of, or for apparatus to discharge, or to receive a discharge of, a particulate material, (A) a tube, conduit, duct or the like and (B) a flexible tube end received and snap fit inter-engaged within said tube, conduit, duct or the like. The snap fit is of a pair of outward circumferential forms each into a complementary receiving groove of a ferrule.

Abstract: A plumbing strap is fastened to a building. A tubular insert is placed through a hole in a strap with posts on the tubular insert aligning with cut-outs in the strap to restrict rotation of the tubular insert relative to the strap. A flange on one end of the tubular insert abuts the strap to restrict longitudinal motion of the tubular insert. Latches on the tubular insert extend through the hole in the strap to engage the side of the strap opposite the flange and further restrict longitudinal movement of the tubular insert. A collar is placed over the tubular insert and a pipe extends through the tubular insert and collar. The tubular insert has a base adjacent the flange and a skirt distal from the flange. Longitudinal slits in the base and skirt define resilient members in the base and in the skirt that extend in opposing directions, but that can move inward.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pipe section and a connector that are adapted to be welded together, wherein each of the pipe and connector have inner and outer beveled surfaces and the joint is comprised of an angular alignment land. In one embodiment, an outer beveled surface on the pipe and an inner beveled surface on the connector cooperate to define the angular alignment land. In yet another illustrative embodiment, the inner beveled surface of the connector and the outer beveled surface of the pipe have a bevel angle of approximately 30 degrees, while the outer beveled surface of the connector and the inner beveled surface of the pipe have a beveled angle of approximately 45 degrees.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for welding a pipe section and a connector, wherein each of the pipe and connector have inner and outer beveled surfaces and the joint is comprised of an angular alignment land. In one embodiment, an outer beveled surface on the pipe and an inner beveled surface on the connector cooperate to define the angular alignment land. In yet another illustrative embodiment, the inner beveled surface of the connector and the outer beveled surface of the pipe have a bevel angle of approximately 30 degrees, while the outer beveled surface of the connector and the inner beveled surface of the pipe have a beveled angle of approximately 45 degrees.

Abstract: The coupling comprises a male plug (3) and a female element (2). A retaining latch (20) for retaining the plug (5) in the female element (7) is movable between a first position in which said latch (20) is capable of retaining the plug (5) engaged to a first depth in the female element (7) in which it is connected in leaktight manner to said female element, and a second position in which said latch (20) is suitable for retaining the male plug (5) engaged to a second depth that is smaller than the first depth. The latch (20) is configured in such a manner as to be returned (F3) towards the second position at least in part by positive pressure in a passage (4, 17, 26, 34) for purging the downstream pipe when the plug is at the second depth. In a variant embodiment, the coupling includes an adapter that the latch is suitable for retaining.

Abstract: A liquid and gas tight threaded tubular connection. A first axial abutment surface formed at the free end of an annular lip of a threaded male element and a second axial abutment surface formed at the end of a housing of a threaded female element have same axial half-sections, the inclination of which varies progressively in the radial direction. Such a configuration of the axial abutment surfaces optimizes radial thrust exerted on the end of the lip depending on its thickness, to obtain an increased radial interference between the respective sealing surfaces of both elements. Such a connection may find application to hydrocarbon wells, for example.

Abstract: This invention provides a device, or product of manufacture, for use as a teaching device for tying knots, or as an aid in tying knots, e.g., as for use by handicapped or disabled individuals. The invention provides device, or product of manufacture, completely automated for tying knots using the device and/or methods of the invention. The invention also provides methods for making and using these devices of the invention.

Abstract: A method for regulating a wind energy installation including a rotor-driven generator, a converter connected to the generator, and a controller that regulates power emitted into an energy transmission system to within a limit value involves determining a maximum current value in a connection path, determining a current reserve value for power emitted into an energy transmission system, and determining a correction value for following a limit value of the emitted power from the maximum current value and the current reserve value. The wind energy installation and the method for its regulation also includes the use of a limitation device configured to set a phase angle between an emitted current and voltage of an electrical system in response to a selection signal in such a way that primarily active power or primarily reactive power is fed into the energy transmission system when the maximum current value is reached.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operation of a wind energy installation, having a rotor (18) which can be driven by the wind and has at least one rotor blade (22), and having at least one electrical/electronic component or an assembly composed of electronic/electronic components, for example a generator for conversion of the mechanical energy of the rotor (18) to electrical energy, electrical cables, electrical connections, electrical motors or the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to a power generation plant, driven by a water current, comprising a water turbine; an electric generator; a drive train between the water turbine and the electric generator. The invention is characterized in that the drive train comprises a controllable hydrodynamic coupling for exclusive transmission of power to the electric generator.

Abstract: A jet engine, in particular for an aircraft, having a high-pressure compressor that is situated inside a compressor housing, the high-pressure compressor having blade elements that, through their rotational motion, compress air flowing into the high-pressure compressor via an intake channel, the high-pressure compressor having a plurality of compressor stages on which the blade elements are situated, and the jet engine also having an integrated electric motor/generator unit, wherein the motor/generator unit is situated in the rotational plane of the at least first compressor stage of the high-pressure compressor, and includes a stator that extends around the periphery of the compressor housing, as well as a runner that is formed by the blade elements of the at least first compressor stage, and that the motor/generator unit has an output power of 100 kVA to 150 kVA.

Abstract: A system for generating electricity includes a pump operable to convert wave motion from a body of water into mechanical energy. The pump includes an input port through which an operating fluid can enter the pump and an output port through which the operating fluid can exit the pump. A first outlet line and a second outlet line are fluidly coupled to the output port of the pump. A first reservoir is fluidly connected to the first outlet line, and a second reservoir is fluidly connected to the second outlet line, both reservoirs being selectively capable of receiving operating fluid driven through the output port.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for harnessing power associated with ocean waves and converting that power into electricity. The apparatus is a buoy that houses a vertically oriented central shaft, a pendulum, and a generator. As the buoy tilts from the vertical under the influence of wave motion, the pendulum is accelerated and rotates about the central shaft. A centrally-placed generator is mechanically coupled to, and driven by, the rotating pendulum so that the pendulum's kinetic energy is converted into electricity. The electricity may be stored at or near the buoy or transferred to a remote facility. Moreover, a fin array located along the bottom of the buoy serves as an anti-torque mechanism and improves the operational efficiency of the electricity production. The method involves employing use of the centrally located generator and the fin array to efficiently harness wave power.

Abstract: Known underwater turbine units suffer from problems, e.g. an ability to operate in ebb and/or flow tides. Accordingly, the invention provides aerofoil (5), wherein the aerofoil (5) is symmetrical about a mid-chord line (A) thereof. The aerofoil (5) may be symmetrical about a chord (B) thereof. The underwater turbine unit (3) comprises at least one turbine (25) which comprises at least one blade (20) which comprises the aerofoil (5).

Abstract: A wind driven generator, including a wind turbine unit and a generating device, is disclosed. The wind turbine unit is driven by the wind and a shaft of the wind turbine unit rotates the rotor in the generating device. Thus, the rotor circles the stator with a coil to generate current and supply power.

Abstract: The invention relates to a high electricity production wind generator consisting of a functional assembly with at least two identical generators (5), the rotors (6) of which are incorporated on a common shaft (7) which can be coupled to one or two drive wind rotors (3), the generators (5) being driven according to a synchronized drive in the same direction.

Abstract: An energy storage device for storing energy for starting an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle includes a DC-DC converter, a plurality of capacitors connected electrically to the DC-DC converter, and a housing for containing the DC-DC converter and the capacitors. The DC-DC converter converts a voltage provided by the motor vehicle's battery to a second voltage stored by the capacitors. During an engine start cycle, energy discharges from the capacitors to the starter motor of the engine, wherein the stored voltage of the capacitors provides energy to start the engine. The capacitors are recharged by the vehicle's battery. A thermally insulated barrier separates the DC-DC converter and the capacitors. The housing may be sized and shaped substantially as that of a standard motor vehicle battery, enabling the energy storage device to be installed within the motor vehicle as a substitute for one or more of the vehicle's batteries.