Abstract: A hydroformed steering knuckle assembly for a vehicle and method of making same includes a hydroformed main body. The hydroformed steering knuckle assembly also includes at least one component secured to the hydroformed main body. The hydroformed main body is a hydroformed monolithic structure being integral, unitary, and one-piece.

Abstract: A vehicle has a vehicle body including a head pipe, a lower side bracket disposed below the head pipe for supporting the head pipe upward in a substantial center of the bracket in the vehicle width direction, and a pair of legs of a front fork fixed in vicinities of the ends of the lower side bracket. The lower side bracket is formed to have a downward sloping shape, which slopes from the ends of the lower side bracket toward its center.

Abstract: A multi-mode tandem bicycle includes a frame, a steering wheel, a directional wheel, a first pedaling member, a second pedaling member, a first seat, a second seat, a first transmission unit, and a second transmission unit. By pivoting at least one of the first seat and the second seat on the frame, direction of the first seat or the second seat can be changed and fixed on the aforementioned frame, and at least one of the first seat and the second seat is pointed toward and connected with the steering wheel, thereby resulting in a variety of riding modes.

Abstract: A motorcycle having a forked front wheel support with two rigid fork arms on which a front wheel of the motorcycle is mounted, an upper trailing link provided for supporting wheel support forces connected via an upper joint to an upper area of the wheel support, and lower trailing link provided for supporting wheel support forces situated below the upper trailing link and connected via a lower joint to the lower trailing link, in which at least one of the two joints is elastically connected to its respective upper or lower trailing link and/or to the wheel support.

Abstract: An improved semi-recumbent bicycle seat includes a frame having a main seat support tube and a steering mechanism including a front tire support fork. Front and rear wheels are mounted on the front tire support fork and on the frame. A bicycle seat is mounted above and forwards of the rear wheel, the bicycle seat including a bicycle seat frame, a seat base and a seat cushion. A seat back is adjustably mounted on the bicycle seat frame for adjustment of the height and spacing of the seat back relative to the seat base, and the seat cushion includes a generally flat planar front face and a forwardly tilted top surface which is tilted from horizontal between two and thirty degrees (2° and 30°). The bicycle seat frame is adjustably mounted on the main seat support tube free of any other support connection to the bicycle frame.

Abstract: A stand device, for a two-wheeled vehicle, including at least one rotatably mobile stand arm and a retractable pin fixed at least indirectly to the stand arm, the stand device being intended to be mounted on the two-wheeler so that the arm is rotatably mobile between a high position and a low position, the pin having an active position in which it can block the course of a pedal arm and a retracted position in which it does not block the course of the pedal arm.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to an adapter that fits over a wheel barrow handle that is extendable. By way of this extension, the height of a handle portion of the adapter may be changed so as to change the effective height of the wheel barrow handle. In this way, a user of the wheel barrow can lift the wheel barrow from a more comfortable height.

Abstract: A pin box assembly comprising a towing vehicle portion comprising a frame, a towed vehicle portion comprising a frame having a proximal end and a distal end, a torsion resistant pivot portion disposed between the towing vehicle portion and the towed vehicle portion, the torsion resistant pivot portion disposed at a distal end of the towed vehicle portion, the torsion resistant pivot portion comprising, a bar disposed within a tube, the tube fixedly connected to the towing vehicle portion and the bar fixedly connected to the towed vehicle portion, at least one resilient member disposed between the bar and the tube, the resilient member compressible between the bar and the tube upon a relative rotation of the tube with respect to the bar, an air spring disposed between the towing vehicle portion and the towed vehicle portion, the air spring disposed toward the proximal end of the towed vehicle portion with respect to the distal end, and a hitch pin connected to the towing vehicle portion for engaging a hitch on

Abstract: A pin box assembly comprising a first portion, a second portion, a connective member disposed between the first portion and the second portion, the first portion comprising a torque portion, the torque portion comprising a bar disposed within a tube and at least one resilient member disposed between the bar and the tube, the bar fixedly connected to the first portion, the tube fixedly connected to the second portion, the resilient member compressible between the bar and the tube upon rotation of the bar with respect to the tube, a connective member fixedly connected to the tube and to the second portion, and a hitch member connected to the first portion for engaging a hitch on a towing vehicle.

Abstract: “Mechanical Lift”, as described in the report and according to the figures in annex, is distinctive for being a mechanical device intended for lifting and steadying trailers and semi-trailers, loaded or unloaded, aiming at providing a higher loading capacity and easier operation by the driver through the simplicity of its operation, together with enhancing the durability of the tractor and trailer set and enabling easier maintenance.

Abstract: A trailer hitch assembly for a bomb disposal robot has a support beam for removably attaching the trailer hitch assembly to the bomb disposal robot. A female trailer hitch connector is coupled to the support beam.

Abstract: A telescopic assembly of a shoe comprises a sole having a sliding groove at an upper side thereof and an opened groove at one side of the sliding groove; the opened groove being communicated to the sliding groove and being opened at one side of the sole; a head; a lower side of the head being formed with a sliding block; a teeth bank being formed on the sliding block; the sliding block being engageable to the sliding groove of the sole; the sliding block having a teeth bank; and a detachable unit being made of soft and elastic material; one side of the detachable unit being formed with teeth; another end of the detachable unit being formed with a movable unit having a form like a fork.

Abstract: A stroller includes a base frame assembly and a seat assembly supported by the base frame assembly. A seat leg extending from the seat assembly is slidably engaged with the base frame assembly for movement of the seat assembly relative to the base frame assembly from a first seating height level to a second seating height level. In some cases, a support post of the base frame assembly is oriented in a telescopic arrangement with the seat leg along a generally vertical axis. In some cases, one or more slider mechanisms slidably couple the seat assembly to the base frame assembly, where each slider mechanism has a lock to secure the seat assembly at either the first seating height level or the second seating height level.

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

Abstract: An interior panel assembly and an airbag device are provided that are equipped with structure for preventing an interior panel and a backing plate from becoming detached from each other. In one form, when an inflator discharges gas, movable door-frame members are moved (lifted) upward by being pushed upward by an inflating airbag. An instrument panel ruptures along a peripheral tear line, causing a door portion to be cut and separated from the surrounding instrument panel. Grooves serving as rupturable sections extend along joint sections between backing plates and leg plates of the movable door-frame members. When the backing plates of the movable door-frame members open outward together with the door portion, the grooves rupture to cause the backing plates to become partially separated from the leg plates. At the sections of the backing plates partially separated from the leg plates, the backing plates become substantially flat as a result of the partial separation from the leg plates.

Abstract: An airbag for protecting a vehicle occupant comprising a first and a second material layer each having edge regions, wherein the first and the second layers are sewn together along the edge regions. A fastening section adapted for attaching to a part of the vehicle and connecting to a gas generator configured to inflate the airbag with a gas in response to an accident. A first and a second chamber region disposed opposite a dividing seam, wherein each of the material layers includes a first and a second material section each matched to one of the first or second chamber regions.

Abstract: An air bag device for automobile comprising a side air bag member arranged at a vehicle body side portion or a vehicle seat in a folded state, expanded by being supplied with a gas upon a vehicle being impacted from the side or rolling over, and which deploys between a passenger seated on the vehicle seat and the vehicle body side portion, and a head portion protection air bag member which deploys in a curtain shape in a downward direction inside of a vehicle compartment up to a position of overlapping a deploying region of the side air bag member in a vehicle width direction, and which has a shape that fits with the deployed side air bag member.

Abstract: A gas generator, in particular for a vehicle occupant restraint system, has a rigid outer housing (12), a chamber (14) formed in the outer housing (12), in which a compressed gas is present at least upon activation of the gas generator (10), a component immovable (20; 34; 62), at least one outflow opening (22) formed in the component immovable (20; 34; 62) relative to the outer housing (12), and at least one substantially flat, resilient element (26), which is clamped inside the outer housing (12) and rests against the immovable component (20; 34; 62) at least in its normal position. In its normal position, the resilient element (26) closes a flow path between the chamber (14) and external surroundings of the gas generator (10) and is deformed elastically under the influence of compressed gas, whereby it clears a flow cross-section (30) whose size is increasing with increasing pressure.

Abstract: A motorcycle exhaust pipe guard for use with a motorcycle having an exhaust pipe running adjacent a passenger's foot peg. The guard includes a planer bar which may be formed to maintain a clearance between the user's foot and the contour of the exhaust pipe. Further, a bracket is provided which uses the existing axis pin of the foot peg for mounting the guard to the foot peg bracket at a position between the foot peg and the motorcycle, and at an elevation above the foot peg.

Abstract: In this patent, mechanically simple and inexpensive to produce platforms for modification of a stroller such that an additional child or a pet or a package may be transported are taught.

Abstract: A protecting device for a motorcycle. The protecting device may comprise a tilt-measuring module capable of measuring tilt of the motorcycle, an airbag capable of being inflated and expanding out of or to cover an outer surface of the motorcycle, a comparing module capable of comparing the tilt with a tilting limitation and generating a inflating signal if the tilt achieves or exceeds the tilting limitation and an inflation module capable of generating a gas to inflate the airbag if the inflation module receives the inflating signal.

Abstract: An anchorage mechanism is provided for structurally coupling at least two components in series to withstand tensile loads. The anchorage mechanism includes a lower anchor and an upper anchor. The lower anchor has a first end that includes a substantially flat surface having flange portions, and an opposing second end configured for connecting the lower anchor to one of the at least two components. The upper anchor has a first end defining a receiving portion and a second end defining a first opening configured to secure the upper anchor to a second of the at least two components. The receiving portion is configured in a first manner to receive the flange portions of the lower anchor, and configured in a second manner to interlock the upper anchor with the lower anchor to withstand tensile loads. A method of installing a seat belt assembly with the disclosed anchorage mechanism is also provided.

Abstract: Provided is a belt bushing for safety belt, combined to a through-hole of a belt combiner and winding the safety belt. The belt bushing gets in contact and combined to all four-side inner circumference surfaces of the through-hole of the belt combiner.

Abstract: A device for protection of a vehicle occupant (14) in a motor vehicle (10) comprises a means for detecting a maloperation during use of a seat belt system by the vehicle occupant (14). The detection means includes means for characterizing the vehicle occupant (14) and individually checks operation of the seat belt system by taking into account the characterization. A method for protecting a vehicle occupant (14) in a motor vehicle (10) with a seat belt system comprises the following steps: characterization of the vehicle occupant (14), and individual check of operation of the seat belt system for a maloperation by taking into account the characterization.

Abstract: A four-point seat belt system for restraining a vehicle occupant in a vehicle seat is disclosed. Two shoulder belts are provided which are buckled together with a pair of lap belts. The convergence of the shoulder belts created at the buckles defines a V-shaped configuration which aids in occupant safety and comfort. Movably-adjustable retractors are provided to anchor the upper end of each shoulder belt to the vehicle seat. A movable headrest having a pair of laterally-adjustable belt loops is provided to further enhance occupant security and comfort.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for providing a variable data guilloché shaped pattern comprised of variable data differential line pattern fonts comprising decodable template symbols which are capable of being selectively assembled into a predetermined variable data code. The code representations are embedded in the guilloché pattern amongst a plurality of unvaried standard base patterns. The representation can be decoded with a digital scan capable of identifying the embedded patterns and communicated it to a user for verifying a document containing the code.

Abstract: Labels and methods for removing a portion of a release liner from a label are disclosed. An example labels includes a substrate, a layer of adhesive on the substrate, a layer of release coating in contact with the layer of adhesive, and a release line in contact with the release coating. The release liner includes a first edge, a second edge, and a first line of weakness. The first line of weakness includes a tapered or curved portion and extends from the first edge of the release liner to between the first edge and the second edge of the release liner.

Abstract: The invention relates to a safety document (11) comprising at least one paper layer (4) coated with a transparent plastic layer (2, 3, 6, 7, 13) on the two surfaces thereof. The inventive method makes it possible to produce an identification card which embodied in a particularly simple and safe form since the paper layer (4) consists of a safety paper containing at least one safety characteristic (5, 8, 10, 15, 16) and the plastic layers (2, 3, 6, 7, 13) are made of a thermoplastic material which is melt in such a way that a transparent envelop (13) is produced exclusively by a high pressure and/or at a high temperature.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coupling device comprising a tubular body (100) having a plastics material portion provided with an anchor member (5) for anchoring the tubular body in a first duct, the anchor member being made of metal. The anchor member is secured to a metal support element (1) that is covered at least in part in a layer of plastics material (9) compatible with the plastics material of said tubular body portion and that is connected to said portion by local welding of said portion with said layer. The invention also provides a method of fabricating such a coupling.

Abstract: In a fuel pump (9) with an adapter (12) there are provided latching means (16, 16?) disposed opposite one another and arranged at opposite ends of rocker elements (18, 18?) having a release mechanism (17, 17?) which can be actuated by hand. The rocker elements (18, 18?) are produced integrally with the adapter (12). By pressing together the release mechanism (17, 17?) the latching mechanism (16, 16?) are released from the fuel pump (9). The adapter (12) has a non-return valve (22) and/or a pressure-limiting valve (23). The fuel pump (9) can therefore be adapted to the particular application by simply exchanging the adapter (12).

Abstract: A pipe-in-pipe pipeline has a bulkhead that transfers thermal stress from an inner pipe to an outer pipe, wherein at least part of the bulkhead forms a conduit for a product traveling through the inner pipe. Most preferably, the pipeline is a cryogenic pipeline for transport of liquefied natural gas. Where desirable, insulating material may be disposed between the inner pipe and outer pipe, while spacers may maintain the distance between the pipes.

Abstract: A hose connector with adjustable ambient air inlets according to the present disclosure includes a conduit section having a plurality of spaced-apart holes covered by an adjustable outer ring having a similar pattern of spaced-apart holes. Turning the outer ring relative to the conduit section, permits the holes in the conduit section to be either fully opened, fully covered, or at some intermediate condition.

Abstract: A pipe union for interconnecting a first length and a second length of pipe, may include a first annular pipe member attachable to the first length of pipe. The first annular pipe member may have threading means formed on an inner surface of the first annular pipe member. The pipe union may also include a second annular pipe member attachable to the second length of pipe. The second annular pipe member may have threading means formed on an outer surface, which may be adapted to engage the threading means on the inner surface of the first annular pipe member. The pipe union may also include a third annular pipe member disposed between the first and second annular pipe members. The threading means on the inner surface of the first pipe member may engage threading means on an outer surface of the first length of pipe.

Abstract: A flexible hose assembly is disclosed. The flexible hose assembly has a first coupling member with a first anti-rotational element on a first end and a crimping element on a second end, the crimping element being configured to receive a first flexible hose. The flexible hose assembly also has a second coupling member with a second anti-rotational element on a first end, the second anti-rotational element being configured to mate with the first anti-rotational element. The flexible hose assembly also has a clamping ring configured to retain the first ends of the first and the second coupling members together.

Abstract: A threaded oilfield tubular connection includes a box connector 12 having internal threads 16, 18, and a pin connector 14 having external threads 22, 24 for mating with the internal threads. Each of a box torque shoulder 20 and a pin torque shoulder 26 may be negative angle shoulders, and the thread flanks on the internal and external threads may also be negative angle load flanks. The connector substantially maintains a desired preload when dope is trapped between the threads during makeup. Another embodiment provides positive angle torque shoulders and positive angle load flanks.

Abstract: High localized loading, galling, and high torque forces have been generally eliminated or greatly reduced in a two ferrule tube fitting assembly through suitable modification of the rear ferrule so as to redirect the reaction forces acting between the front ferrule and the drive nut. The rear ferrule has a cylindrical interior wall that closely surrounds the tube end and is provided on the interior cylindrical wall with a circumferentially continuous radial recess that is located between the nose and rear wall of the rear ferrule. The rear ferrule also has a radially external wall that is substantially conical and additionally shaped to extend radially outward toward the enlarged diameter portion or flange of the rear ferrule. The rear ferrule further includes a contoured face on the rear driven surface of the ferrule that engages the drive surface of the drive nut.

Abstract: A Stirling engine includes a reciprocating piston which drives an alternator to provide an electrical output. The current signal is measured by a current monitor and a fast Fourier Transform value is produced. The FFT of the current signal has been found to be directly related to the stability of operation of the Stirling engine. As harmonic peaks in the FFT increase, this indicates that the stroke length of the piston is approaching or exceeding a safe maximum. Correction action, such as a reduction in heat to the Stirling engine, can be taken in consequence. A variety of stroke length detectors are also disclosed, for use in combination with, or separately from, the FFT analysis of the current signal. Optical and mechanical switches and analogue sensors are disclosed, along with an accelerometer mounted upon the casing of the Stirling engine.

Abstract: A variable speed wind turbine utilizes a hydraulic transmission including a hydraulic pump coupled to a rotor and a hydraulic motor coupled to an induction generator to produce variable frequency power that is converted to grid frequency power by electronic controls.

Abstract: A wind power generation system temporarily stops a power converter when a system disturbance occurs, and reactivates the power converter after detecting a solution of the problem of an influence (overcurrent of a stator, direct current component of a stator, overcurrent of a rotor, etc.) of a fault occurring in a doubly-fed generator during a system fault. During a system fault, a reactive current can be safely output from a doubly-fed generator to an electric power system without destroying equipment of the wind power generation system.

Abstract: The present invention is a system for generating power using water current. In one embodiment, a subsurface power generating system includes a first power generating node, with at least one cross-flow turbine, at least one universal gear coupled to the at least one cross-flow turbine, at least one modular generator; and at least one clutch for engaging and disengaging the at least one modular generator and the at least one universal gear.

Abstract: A hydroelectric system comprising a support member, a rotational torque converter, a drive member being disposed at one end of a support arm, a water driven mechanism in rotational communication with the drive member, wherein the support arm can be pivotally adjusted by a retraction mechanism are disclosed. A spillway deflector comprising a spillway deflector wedge, a deflector anchor, and a flat portion extending between the deflector anchor and the deflector wedge are disclosed.

Abstract: A hooded marine float wind power generation system includes a float platform set on a sea surface, a steel cable connecting the float platform and fixed to a sea bottom anchor to prevent undesired shining of the float platform. The float platform is provided with a wind power generator that is completely fixed on the float platform. A hood surrounds the generator to also function as a tail wing so as to make the float platform and the generator to change direction in response to wind direction and thus directly opposing to the wind to extract the most wind power and realize the best power generation performance. Due to the floating configuration of the float platform, the hood will not be tipped or damaged by side winds. Windmill blades can be made small is size and costs are thus reduced.

Abstract: The invention provides a wind-powered generator assembly for powering relatively small electronic devices. The wind-powered electrical assembly comprises an electrical device and an electrical generator. The electrical generator can be electrically connected to the electrical device. The electrical generator is operable to provide an electric current to the electrical device to operate the electrical device. The electrical generator has a rotor. The electrical assembly further comprises a wind-powered actuator assembly configured to rotate when subject to an operating wind and a gear train arranged with the electrical generator for operating the electrical generator. The gear train can include a plurality of gears wherein a first gear can be operably arranged with a spring assembly. A second gear of the drive train can be operably arranged with the wind-powered actuator assembly and a third gear can be mounted to the rotor of the electrical generator.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for an improved wind turbine and blade assembly are disclosed. The wind turbine has a wind turbine assembly being rotatably driven by the blade assembly. The wind turbine assembly has a shaft connected to an inner wheel by a supporting structure. A magnet array is disposed circumferentially about the inner wheel. A transformer array is disposed circumferentially about an outer wheel. The shaft rotates the inner wheel with the magnet array within the outer wheel having the transformer array for producing electricity. Magnets within the array are angled relative to the inner wheel to reduce the cogging torque. Blades are held in a neutral position into the wind by tensioning means, which resists rotation of the blades out of the wind to tune the blades to the wind velocity.

Abstract: An energy recapture system that may be retrofitted to an existing object, such as a vehicle or carrier. The retrofitable system includes means for removably attaching a plurality of wind or fluid driven energy generating modules, such as magnetic or piezoelectric generators, to the exterior of the object, to convert the kinetic energy of a fluid that moves about the object into another kind of energy that may be stored, such as electrical or chemical potential energy. When used to generate chemical potential energy, it is preferred that the kinetic energy of the moving fluid be used to electrolyze a compound such as water into its constituent elements; at least one of these elements, hydrogen and/or oxygen, can be stored for later use in an internal combustion engine associated with the object.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, an airborne body extends horizontally along an axis between a first point and a second point. The body may be, for example, at least partially filled with a gas. Two or more vanes may be provided airborne with the body such that the vanes, when acted upon by a wind force perpendicular to the axis, are operable to cause rotation about the axis. Moreover, one or more tethers may be coupled to anchor the body to a third point, and one or more electrical generators may be airborne with the body to convert rotational energy produced by the rotation about the axis into electrical energy. According to some embodiments, each vane comprises a horizontal blade panel attached to and extending along the body.

Abstract: The wind turbines system can extract the dynamic energy from ambient sources and generate power with high efficiency. The less-fluctuated slower-speed turbines have a main pump, a fluctuation-pressure stabilizer, a power generation water-turbines, and a high ratio gear reducer mounted together on the ground to increase its generator's speed and produce power at about 50% efficiency. A fluctuation-pressure stabilizer stabilizes the fluctuations of the hydraulic flow and regularizes its output to water-turbines in a single steady state, continuously. A high ratio gear reducer (1:1,000=1:10×10×10 in three stages) increases its generator's speed and meet its power generation requirements. The larger surface area of light-weight nylon fabric single-surfaced blade layer with strong angle strut support structure more efficiently convert wind energy into high-power DC electricity through the contacting/grinding reactions of a light-weight generator.

Abstract: An electric powered vehicle has a rechargeable power source coupled to at least one electric motor through a controller. The motor(s) are coupled to a drive train for converting the rotational movement of the motor(s) into linear motion of the vehicle. At least one generator is coupled to the motor(s) for generating a first electric potential for recharging the power source. On the front surface of the vehicle is an air passage that channels air movement to a fan when moving in a forward motion. The fan rotates in response to the air movement and is coupled to a fan generator that turns in response, generating a second electric potential for recharging the power source. The tips of the fan blades are equipped with magnetic material and a series of electro-magnets are configured in proximity of the blades so they can be sequentially energized in absence of air movement to rotate the fan and generating the second electric potential in absence of air movement.

Abstract: In the case where predetermined abnormality detection performed with operation of an engine, such as abnormality detection of a fuel system and an ignition system of the engine and various sensors, has not been completed (in the case where an abnormality detection completion flag F is zero), self-sustaining operation of the engine is performed to continue the operation (S280) when the engine is being operated and a power demand Pe* of the engine is less than a threshold Pstop1 for stopping the operation of the engine in normal time (S130) but is a threshold Pstop2 or more smaller than the threshold Pstop1 (S200 and S210), and the engine is started when the engine is not being operated and the power demand Pe* is a threshold Pstart2 or more smaller than a threshold Pstart1 for starting the engine in normal time (S310 and S320). This ensures performance of the predetermined abnormality detection.

Abstract: An electric motor prime mover and method of starting an electric motor prime mover is provided. The prime mover includes an electric motor, a pneumatic motor and a mechanical coupling operably connecting the pneumatic motor to a rotor of the electric motor. The pneumatic motor initiates startup of the electric motor by driving the rotor of the electric motor prior to applying electrical power to the electric motor. After the rotor has attained sufficient rotational speed electricity is applied to the electric motor to drive the rotor. The use of the pneumatic motor allows the rotor to be rotating as electricity is initially applied to the electric motor preventing or substantially reducing inrush currents.