Abstract: A power drill chuck comprising a drill body, a nut, jaws, a front sleeve, a rear sleeve, a nut sleeve, and a rolling body, wherein jaws are mounted in inclined holes in the drill body. The nut thread constitutes a thread drive with the thread of the jaws. The front sleeve is connected with the drill body, wherein the nut sleeve is connected to the nut and extends backwards in a rear end having a plurality of projecting keys. The rear sleeve is mounted with and rotates relative to the nut sleeve and the drill body. The rear sleeve includes annular holes and a plurality of keys on its inner end surface. A positioning sleeve is connected to the drill body to position the rear sleeve on the drill body. A plurality of impact members are provided with a plurality of elastic deformation portions and projecting keys.

Abstract: A chuck for receiving tools (1) that are operated by rotating around the axis thereof, particularly screwdriver bits, and having an insertion section (3) which is provided with a receiving cavity (2) having a non-circular cross-sectional area (3). The tool can be locked in the cavity (2) by a holding element (4) which is assigned to the cavity wall in order to prevent the tool from being withdrawn from the cavity (2). The holding element (4) can be deactivated by displacing an actuating member in a form of an actuating sleeve (5). The tool (1) rests backwards against the cavity (2). The tool (1) can be displaced from the resting position in the direction of the opening of the cavity (2) by actuating the actuating sleeve (5). In order to facilitate removal of the bit, the chuck also comprises components (15, 16, 17) for releasing the face (1) of the bit, and a magnet (9) which retains the bit in the cavity from the resting position.

Abstract: A spring carrier for mounting a spring strut to a vehicle body includes a vibration damper having a cylinder and a piston rod which is axially guided in the cylinder, first and second spring collars, and a spring located between the spring collars. An actuator includes a nut and a threaded spindle surrounding the piston rod, the actuator being driven to change the relative axial position of the spring collars. A guide tube extends coaxially between the piston rod and the threaded spindle, the guide tube being fixed to the vehicle body by a first resilient mount, the piston rod being fixed to the guide tube by a second resilient mount, whereby the piston rod can move relative to the first resilient mount.

Abstract: The invention provides a binding system for a snowboard comprising a boot (2) and a boot receiving plate (4), the boot receiving plate (4) having at least one engagement element (6), and the boot (2) having at least one boot gripping element (3) wherein the or each boot gripping element (3) and the or each engagement element are operable for flexible respective co-engagement.

Abstract: A bracket for connecting a steering rack housing to a vehicle body comprises a cylindrical inner member that is secured to one of the steering rack housing and the vehicle body; an outer member having a cylindrical bore in which the cylindrical member is disposed leaving a cylindrical space therebetween, the outer member being secured to the other one of the steering rack housing and the vehicle body; a first cylindrical elastic member received in the cylindrical space while being compressed between the inner and outer members; and a second elastic member put on at least one of axial ends of the outer member. The first and second elastic members are produced through different production processes.

Abstract: The invention is directed to vehicle suspension systems and components thereof including attachment devices for mounting an axle alignment and/or load reacting mechanism to an axle. Disclosed herein are axle towers used for connecting a torque box to an axle. The axle tower of the present invention can include one or more features to absorb and disperse loads to the axle. The axle tower has a more contoured or curved edge on the side plate that experiences a compressive force than a similar edge on the side plate that experiences a tensile force. Furthermore, the axle tower has appendages that extend out from the side plates providing a large footprint on the axle housing. At least one of the appendages extending from the side plate experiencing a compressive force has a curved or radiused corner. Also, the axle towers include an inner plate having an off-centered slot where the troque box connects.

Abstract: A ride control system for a motorcycle having an oil-containing fork having an air space. The control system includes a control unit having a reservoir and a valve in flow communication with the air space of the fork and the reservoir. The valve is configured to enable air to substantially freely pass from the air space of the fork to the reservoir during a relatively low speed impact experienced by the fork, and to inhibit air from passing from the fork to the reservoir during a relatively high speed impact.

Abstract: An access assembly to approach a first storage tank and an adjacent second storage tank of a planting implement is provided. The first and second storage tanks are mounted on a wheeled frame assembly for movement in a direction of travel. The access assembly includes a ramp having a first end opposite a second end aligned in a fore-and-aft direction relative to the direction of travel of the implement. The first end of the ramp is pivotally attached about a first horizontal axis relative to the wheeled frame assembly. The access assembly further includes a ladder pivotally coupled about a second horizontal axis at the second end of the ramp. The ladder and the ramp pivot together about the first horizontal axis at the first end of the ramp between a raised and a lowered position.

Abstract: Running board systems are provided. The running board systems employ a motorized drive system that includes a rack-and-pinion system that enables both linear and rotational movement of the running board member, for example, through the use of a pivot member cooperating with one end of the running board member and one end of an arm member. The running board systems are automated and selectively operable to assume deployed and stowed positions. The running board systems can be used in conjunction with various surfaces of a vehicle, such as an aesthetically preferred flush style mounting to the rocker outer sheet metal surface such as but not limited to being mounted underneath a side door sill.

Abstract: In a boat trailer for hauling a tunnel hull speed boat, wheels revolvably mounted on a cradle on which the boat rests are arranged to allow the periphery of the wheels to engage the overhead of the tunnel of the boat to permit the boat to roll easily from the trailer when released to do so, and to be easily mounted on the trailer from the water when the boat is afloat. The wheels are preferably mounted on stanchions, and arranged to be raised to the overhead engaging position from a position at which the wheels are not supporting the boat.

Abstract: A kingpin is provided for use on a trailer in a system with the tractor linked to a trailer. The kingpin includes a shank and a selectively deformable head, whereby during a trailer rollover event, the kingpin head deforms allowing the link between the tractor and trailer to be broken and the tractor to remain upright.

Abstract: An assembly for restricting access to a coupler includes a body, a ball cavity engagement member; and a securing mechanism. The body is configured for engagement with at least one surface of the coupler. The body includes a coupler engagement portion. The ball cavity engagement member is movably coupled to the body and configured for engagement with a ball cavity of the coupler. The securing mechanism can fix the position of the ball cavity engagement member relative to the body such that the assembly is secured to the coupler.

Abstract: A kingpin lock including a body having a substantially frustoconical portion and a kingpin cavity having a central axis, a slide channel having a central axis and a sleeve channel having a central axis. The slide channel intersects the kingpin cavity such that its central axis is substantially offset from a radius that extends outwardly from the central axis of the kingpin cavity. The sleeve channel intersects the slide channel. A slide member is shiftable between an engaged position extending partially into the kingpin cavity and a disengaged position where the slide member does not engage the kingpin. A locking member is shiftable between an engaged position and a disengaged position such that the locking member engages an indentation in the slide member so that the slide member is secured in the engaged position and the kingpin lock is secured to the kingpin.

Abstract: A gas bag restraint system has a gas bag module and a fastening device for said gas bag module. The fastening device has at least one spring that during assembly comes into latching engagement with the hook. The spring has a mounting section and a hook-side latching section as well as at least one wound section provided between the mounting section and the latching section.

Abstract: The head-protecting airbag apparatus is mounted on a vehicle whose third-row seat is so put away as to stand proximate to the inner side of a window. The airbag has three shielding portions, and includes a dividing recess between the third shielding portion and second shielding portion. In the event that the third shielding portion engages the folded seat during the course of airbag deployment, the dividing recess separates the lower edge of a region between the second shielding portion and the third shielding portion, so that the second shielding portion is not hindered from smooth development.

Abstract: An inflatable cushion and method of making an inflatable cushion for deployment along an interior side of a vehicle, comprising: a first inflatable portion having an opening providing fluid communication into a low permeable inflation chamber of the first inflatable portion; a second inflatable portion having an opening providing fluid communication into a low permeable inflation chamber of the second inflatable portion; a fluid dispersing conduit being in fluid communication with the first inflatable portion and the second inflatable portion, the fluid dispersing conduit comprising an inlet opening configured to receive an inflation force for inflating the first inflatable portion and the second inflatable portion, wherein the fluid dispersing conduit traverses a gap between the first inflatable portion and the second inflatable portion; and a non-inflatable member disposed in the gap between the first inflatable portion and the second inflatable portion, wherein the non-inflatable member reduces the require

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting a vehicle occupant that triggers a restraint means as a function of the vehicle occupant's motion in the context of an accident. The motion is predicted in that by using an occupant detection system and an impact sensor system, a height of the center of mass of the vehicle occupant and a force action on the vehicle occupant are determined, and the motion of the vehicle occupant is thereby predicted.

Abstract: A seating state of an occupant including a presence, absence, and posture of the occupant is accurately determined. The device includes a seat belt provided with marks whose image is to be taken, an imaging portion that takes an image of the marks provided on the seat belt, and a seating state determining portion that determines the seating state of the occupant based on the image of the marks taken by the imaging portion.

Abstract: An inflator device for inflating an inflatable cushion of an inflatable cushion restraint system. The inflator device includes a supply of gas generant material disposed within a sealed chamber, and an initiator device in reaction initiation combination with the supply of gas generant material. A venting orifice connects the chamber to the surrounding ambient environment, and a rupturable seal seals the venting orifice. Upon reaction initiation of the gas generant material to produce inflation gas, the rupturable seal ruptures to vent the chamber to the ambient environment. A valve assembly can be disposed adjacent the venting orifice. A moveable valve piston, in combination with an actuator device, can block the venting orifice as needed to close the venting orifice and stop inflation gas venting. An optional tether release mechanism can be used in combination with the valve assembly to release a cushion tether upon closing of the venting orifice.

Abstract: An interchangeable automobile louver set that is adapted to be detachably mounted on a rear, downwardly, rearwardly inclined automobile window glass and includes a plurality of louvers independently horizontally mounted to a plurality of independent, vertically disposed stanchions. Each louver includes longitudinally spaced apart ends spanned by a pair of vertically spaced sides and a front edge which has a profile that conforms to the profile of the confronting portion of the window glass regardless of which vertically spaced side is uppermost. Each louver is attached by fasteners and each stanchion has the capability to be reversible without modification to the louvers or stanchions. For example, the first side of all of the louvers could match the color of the vehicle and the second side could be a standard color (i.e. black). The louvers are readily detachable and reversible to change the appearance of the automobile.

Abstract: A safety restraint system for a vehicle is disclosed. The safety restraint system has a seat belt webbing for restraining an occupant of the vehicle, a seat belt retractor, a deflector, a height adjuster, a latch plate deflector, a buckle and a communication link. The seat belt retractor mounted to a first structural member of the vehicle for securing the seat belt to the vehicle and allowing protraction and retraction of the seat belt. The retractor has at least two load limiting modes. The deflector receives the seat belt webbing and directs the seat belt webbing across the shoulder of the occupant. The height adjuster secures the deflector to a second structural member of the vehicle. The deflector is positionable between at least two locations along the height adjuster. The latch plate deflector receives the seat belt webbing and redirects the seat belt webbing across the lap of the occupant. The buckle receives and removably secures the latch plate deflector when the seat belt is in use by the occupant.

Abstract: A device for attaching a fender to a vehicle comprises an elongated member and a fender fixation member. The elongated member has a proximal end and a distal portion, and the proximal end is configured to be attached to the vehicle. The fender fixation member is mounted to the distal portion of the elongated member, and the position of this fender fixation member is adjustable relative to the distal portion. The fender fixation member comprises a bracket for fixation to the fender of the vehicle, and a distance adjustment mechanism interposed between the distal portion of the elongated member and the fender fixation member. The bracket is also adjustable relative to a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the distal portion of the elongated member.

Abstract: An album (10) for photographs and similar collectible items comprising a cover (1) in which at least one window (2) is formed for display of a photograph or other flat object. The window is formed by a window frame mounting base (102) having an L-shaped cross sectional profile and a window frame cover (101) having an L-shaped cross-sectional profile.

Abstract: A connection device for connecting a tubular member to another member comprises a clamp ring, which is arranged in an inner bore of an outer housing, and includes a plurality of clamping fingers which are deflectable essentially in radial direction relative to the inner bore and a deflecting bushing which is displaceable by at least one driving means in axial direction of the inner bore between a stand-by position and a deflecting position. The deflecting bushing in its deflecting position deflects the clamping fingers radially inwardly. The driving means comprises a rotatable, axially not displaceable spindle along which the deflecting bushing is movable.

Abstract: A stationary receptor for a separation module is positioned between a pump housing and the separation module. The stationary receptor has a pivot line and two shelves on its outer surface which permit fitting the separation module into the stationary receptor adjacent the pump housing. The separation module has a housing, a filter within the housing and at least one outlet and one inlet, which are positioned to mate with fittings of the pump housing.

Abstract: A coupling assembly is provided that generally includes a female coupling selectively interconnected to a male coupling to provide sealing engagement. In one embodiment, the female coupling and the male coupling are secured together by a mechanical locking mechanism that is disengaged with a release mechanism. To prevent inadvertent disengagement, a secondary locking device or spacer is provided which substantially prevents the release mechanism from disengaging the locking mechanism.

Abstract: A pipe joint structure capable of reducing the joint height (H) and fabrication costs has a connection flange member provided with a through hole piercing the thickness of the flange member. A polygonal enlarged recess greater than the inner diameter of the through hole is formed at one end of the through hole. Meanwhile, an annular protrusion protruding radially outward is formed near an end of a pipe having an outer diameter capable of insertion into the through hole. This annular protrusion has an outer diameter greater than the incircle diameter of the polygonal enlarged recess. The annular protrusion is press-fitted and fixed to the polygonal enlarged recess.

Abstract: A pipe fitting for connecting at least two pipes, the pipe fitting (1) comprising at least two layers. An innermost layer (2) and an outer layer (3) are of different materials. The innermost layer (2), which gets into contact the liquid to be conveyed, is made of plastic tolerating high temperatures. The outer layer (3) is formed of such materials that the outer surface is arranged to function as the provider of oxygen diffusion protection and/or the UV protector.

Abstract: A coupling for creating a fluid-conducting connection between a pipe and a stub, where the stub has no pipe-supporting extension over which the pipe is to be connected. The coupling includes a coupling body having a forward end for being secured to the stub, a rearward end for receiving the pipe, and an internal bore therethrough; stub connection for securing the forward end of the coupling body to the stub; a pipe support for providing internal support for an end section of the pipe being engaged by the coupling; gripper engaging means for causing the gripper to grip the pipe; a seal between the stub and the pipe; and a gripper located within the internal bore of the coupling body, the gripper and the coupling body configured to engage the pipe with the gripper when the stub is secured in the stub connection.

Abstract: It allows quick and effective coupling of a first duct end (female member) and a second duct end (male member). The male member includes an outer circumferential groove and the female member has two outer protrusions defining respective inner recesses adapted for receiving sealing and locking gaskets. When assembled, the female member extends to the male member without covering the circumferential groove thereof. A fastening clip is provided fitted into the groove of the male member and also into the groove defined between the protrusions of the female member, holding them axially in place.

Abstract: A threaded connection includes a male member having threads thereon defining a load flank lead and a stab flank lead. The threaded connection also includes a female member having threads thereon adapted to mate with threads on the male member, wherein the threads on the female end define a load flank lead and a stab flank lead, wherein at least one of the load flank lead and the stab flank lead on at least one of the female member and the male member change at a predetermined rate beginning at a selected distance from either one or both ends of the threads, wherein the stab flank lead and the load flank lead are different from each other over at least part of the thread length.

Abstract: A muff coupling intended for vehicle couplers includes two components formed with ring-shaped flanges, as well as a muff consisting of at least two arch parts tightenable against each other, each having an inner flute formed between two inwardly turned bulges, which flute is delimited by obliquely inclined side surfaces to, upon radial tightening of the arch parts against each other, be pressed against analogously obliquely inclined shoulder surfaces on the flanges and thereby, by wedge action, transfer axial component forces to the same, pressing the ends of the components in close contact against each other. The arch parts are formed with double sets of bulges for cooperation with double flanges on the respective component, whereby forces that are transferred between the components via the muff are distributed to a plurality of axially spaced-apart pairs of contact surfaces in an axial train of forces near the outside of the components.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for protecting a discharge lamp lighting device from damage due to mis-wiring of a source of electrical power to the discharge lamp lighting device. The protection apparatus includes a detector, a comparer and an inhibitor. The detector samples at least one monitor point associated with the discharge lamp lighting device to obtain at least one detection voltage. The comparer compares the at least one detection voltage with a reference voltage. The inhibitor inhibits an operation of the discharge lamp lighting device when the comparer determines that a mis-wiring of the source of electrical power to the discharge lamp lighting device exists.

Abstract: A wiring board comprises a substrate; a resin layer which is selectively formed on one main surface of the substrate and has fine metal particles contained or adhered to its surface; and a conductive metal layer which is formed on the resin layer with the fine metal particles interposed between them.

Abstract: A touch bar (24) exit device (20) comprises a retractor element (50) disposed in the housing (22) for substantially restilinear movement. The retractor element (50) connects the touch bar (24) and the latch bolt (82) such that the retractor element (50) and the latch bolt (82) are moved toward the retracted position in response to movement of the touch bar (24). An electrically energizable locking mechanism (104) in the exit device (20) includes a reciprocating plunger (106) moving transverse to the retractor element (50). When energized, the locking mechanism (104) is operative to move the plunger (106) to the projected locking position to prevent retraction of the latch bolt. A time delay circuit is connected to the locking mechanism (104). A switch (120) actuated in response to movement of the touch bar (24) is connected to the time delay circuit for starting a predetermined time interval for temporarily delaying deenergization of the locking mechanism (104).

Abstract: A door operating device is provided in a door of a vehicle and connected to a door latch allowing a striker of the vehicle to engage with or disengage from the door latch. The door operating device comprises an outside lever, a release lever under the outside lever and a locking lever connected to an actuator. In a locking position, only the outside lever rotates, while both the outside and release levers rotates in an unlocking position. The locking lever comprises first and second lever portions which separately move. If malfunction occurs, the second lever portion is moved by an actuator.

Abstract: A vehicle door checker is provided that includes a housing attachable to a vehicle door, an arm having a first portion attachable to the vehicle, and wherein a second portion of the arm moves through the housing when the door is moved. The door checker also includes at least one slider held within the housing that is in sliding contact with the second portion of the arm inside of the housing. At least one biasing member is held within the housing, the biasing member biasing the slider against the second portion of the arm. A water management dam provides a barrier in the housing such that water is prevented from accumulating within the housing and freezing, wherein such freezing would cause damage to the housing and/or prevent the biasing member and slider from moving.

Abstract: A striker assembly, and method of forming, for use with a closure for a vehicle compartment is disclosed. The striker may have a main shaft with a hoop extending from a first end, threads extending around the main shaft, and a rotational retention feature adjacent to the threads. A bracket may have a pair of mounting flanges, a first wall including a threaded hole therethrough that engages the threads, a second wall, spaced from the first wall, having a hole therethrough that engages the main shaft, and a flexible arm having a catch engageable with the rotational retention feature.

Abstract: An apparatus may include an elongate piece of first material having flexible qualities with a flexible strip of second, more rigid, and bendable material enclosed within the first material. The apparatus may be twist-tied around equipment for relatively easy transport or may also be used to secure items in place.

Abstract: An instrument panel of a motorcycle is provided that includes a vehicle-use meter located on an upper portion of a fuel tank and covered by a meter cover. A manipulation switch, with communicates with the vehicle-use meter, is attached with a side surface of the meter cover.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that offers a flexible amount of vehicle cargo space, allowing a vehicle user the option of additional vehicle cargo space when needed. A first member is operatively connected to the vehicle door, is nestable within a door cavity within the door, and is selectively movable to an extended position for partially defining an exterior cargo space. Preferably, a second member is substantially nested within an additional cavity formed in the first member and is selectively movable to an extended position for partially enclosing the exterior cargo space. Preferably, a second vehicle door substantially identical and adjacent to the first vehicle door includes members substantially identical to the first and second members postionable to define, along with the first and second members and the doors, the exterior cargo space. A method for achieving this flexible cargo space is also provided.

Abstract: A recreational trailer has a central longitudinal bathroom at one end, with a refrigerator abutting a bathroom crosswall in the fixed central portion, and a kitchen counter at the other end of the fixed central portion. The bathroom has at least one door in one longitudinal wall, usually two opposed doors in its longitudinal walls. Two slideout rooms provide space when expanded for two bedrooms adjacent the bathroom. Doors attached to the longitudinal bathroom walls when closed meet slideout stub wall panels from the slideout room outer longitudinal walls providing bedroom privacy. When two bathroom doors are present, both are lockable to provide access to and privacy in the bathroom, which has shower, toilet and vanity. The slideout rooms extend along the bulk of the trailer and provide space for kitchen and dining room.

Abstract: A structural support bracket for a rear cargo pan of a vehicle includes a forward end that is secured to a rear cross member and a rearward end that is secured to the rear cargo pan adjacent a center portion thereof so as to support the rear cargo pan against deflection during use. The forward end of the support bracket is secured to both a downwardly directed surface and a rearwardly directed surface of the rear cross member. The structural support bracket reduces deflection of the cargo pan and reduces generation of impact boom noises otherwise caused thereby.

Abstract: A device holder assembly for use in a vehicle includes a compartment having a top side opening, a device holder attached to the compartment for holding a mobile electronics device, and a closure attached to the compartment. The holder is movable with respect to the compartment between a storage position in which the holder is stored within the compartment and a use position in which the holder extends out from the compartment. The closure is movable relative to the top side of the compartment along lateral sides of the compartment between an opened position in which the closure opens the compartment, an intermediate closed position in which the closure substantially closes the compartment while the holder is in its use position extending out from the compartment, and a fully closed position in which the closure fully closes the compartment while the holder is in its storage position within the compartment.

Abstract: A seat stowage system for a vehicle having a spare tire tub comprises a seat assembly including a seatback cushion having an occupiable surface and an opposing cargo load surface and a base cushion having an occupiable surface and an underside surface. A translational joint assembly operatively connects the seatback cushion and the base cushion. The translational joint assembly allows the seat assembly to transition between an occupiable and a stowed position while utilizing the foot well and not interfering with or obstructing the spare tire tub.

Abstract: A gooseneck hinge assembly for a closure of a vehicle includes a body side bracket adapted to be connected to a vehicle body of the vehicle and a closure side bracket having a gooseneck shape adapted to be connected to a closure for closing an aperture in the vehicle body. The gooseneck hinge assembly also includes a pivot pin to pivotally connect the closure side bracket to the body side bracket to allow rotational movement therebetween. The gooseneck hinge assembly further includes a torque rod adapted to be connected to another one of the closure side bracket, and a torque rod assembly connected to the body side bracket and the torque rod and being infinitely adjustable to counterbalance a weight of the closure when opening and closing the aperture.

Abstract: A removable top assembly for a vehicle and method of providing a removable top cover for a vehicle is provided. The removable top assembly includes a fabric cover over a frame. The frame includes a rear bow that is pivotally connected on opposite sides to side rails and a C-pillar. A one bow is latched to a fixed transverse beam. A two bow is detachably secured to right and left side rails that are in turn attached to right and left fixed side beams of the vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rotatably-mountable bumper configured for rotatably and ergonomically mounting to a mounting member for cushioning the contact between the mounting member and a potentially interfering member. The bumper transmits reactive forces between two members, such as a vehicle hood and grille, if portions of one member over travels. A fastening member on the bumper rotatably engages an aperture on the mounting member to secure the bumper to the mounting member. A registration member on the bumper retentively holds the bumper in rotatably-mounted engagement with the mounting member.

Abstract: An automobile front body structure including a front side frame and a lower frame. A front end of the front side frame and a front end of the lower frame are arranged in parallel in the direction of the vehicle width and are connected to one another.

Abstract: A floor frame for an automotive vehicle is provided and includes a longitudinal center frame member having a W-shaped cross section, two longitudinal side frame members having C-shaped cross sections, a front cross member, a rear cross member and a first pair of central cross members, two side branch members and two center branch members all having U-shaped cross sections. Each side branch member is attached to a front frame and extends from the front frame at a downward and outward angle and connects to each side frame member. Each center branch member is attached to the front frame and extends from the front frame at a downward and inward angle and connects to a first end of the center frame thereby forming a first Y-joint. The connection of the side branch and the center branch to the front frame form a pair of second Y-joints.