Abstract: An air suspension system for a load carrying vehicle has multiple air bags associated with selected vehicle wheels to at least assist supporting the load and to control relative movement between the respective wheel and a supporting frame structure of the vehicle. A high flow-rate air tube connected to at least one air bag receives air from the connected air bag when air pressure in the air bag increases above that in the air tube. Air flows from the high flow rate air tube to a connected air bag when the air pressure in the air tube is above that of the air bag. The flow rate of air from the air tube to the air bag is controlled by the structure of the fittings between the respective air bags and the high flow-rate air tubes. A height valve maintains a predetermined pressure in the air bags when the vehicle is at rest.

Abstract: A trailer slider system includes a body rail that slides longitudinally relative to a suspension frame side rail. One of the rails includes holes that provide multiple suspension positions. The trailer slider system also includes a pin connection assembly having a pin that is arranged to extend into one of the holes in a locked position and retract out of the hole in an unlocked position. A cam is coupled for movement with the pin connection assembly. A tube is coupled with the cam to rotate as the pin moves between the locked and unlocked positions. A pneumatic actuator is coupled with the tube for selectively rotating the tube to move the cam which in turn moves the pin, between the locked and unlocked positions.

Abstract: A rear bicycle frame structure which has different rear triangles that make up a common tubular structure that forms part of the front frame, an upper tie bolt and a lower tie bolt. The upper tie bolt and the lower tie bolt are joined by a fourth side forming four-sided piece. A rear axle is placed on the fourth side of each four-sided piece formed.

Abstract: A shock absorber includes a tube and a piston rod carrying a piston. The piston is configured for reciprocal movement within the tube. A floating piston, or other type of accumulator, is configured to move to accommodate fluid displaced due to successive portions of the piston rod entering the tube during compression of the shock absorber. The shock absorber includes a valve mechanism that utilizes the movement of the floating piston to move the valve between a first and second position, which preferably are open and closed positions.

Abstract: A bicycle shock absorber and methods for differentiating between rider-induced forces and terrain-induced forces includes a first fluid chamber having fluid contained therein, a piston for compressing the fluid within the fluid chamber, a second fluid chamber coupled to the first fluid chamber by a fluid communication hose, and an inertial valve disposed within the second fluid chamber. The inertial valve opens in response to terrain-induced forces and provides communication of fluid compressed by the piston from the first fluid chamber to the second fluid chamber. The inertial valve does not open in response to rider-induced forces.

Abstract: A powered vehicle is disclosed including a chassis and a plurality of wheels. At least one of the wheels is coupled to the chassis with an axle that is coupled to the chassis with a clip.

Abstract: An adapter to facilitate attaching non-standard implements to a tractor equipped with a proprietary quick-connect hitch system. An elongated horizontal member, equipped with cylindrical end regions adapted for securing in hook regions of a quick-connect hitch system, carries a ball hitch or other similar universal hitch attachment mechanism. The novel adapter, therefore, allows attachment of implements having a ball hitch, a universal pin type hitch or other non-standard attachment mechanism to tractors equipped with quick-connect hitch systems. The novel adapter is rotatable around its major axis to allow two diverse hitches to be accommodated. For example, a ball-type hitch as well as another type connection my be selected by rotating the adapter 180° around its major axis.

Abstract: The invention is a trailer tongue alignment accessory that attaches to the tongue of the trailer. The invention includes a mounting assembly, three lighted posts, and position sensing means. The position sensing means comprises a laser projector that is attached to the mounting assembly, and a reflector that is attached to the trailer hitch.

Abstract: An alignment mechanism for aligning the ball with the socket of trailer hitch comprised of a ball portion attached to a towing vehicle and a socket portion attached to a trailer. The alignment mechanism has an alignment body that is cylindrical-shaped having an outer wall, an upper face, a lower face, and a circular opening passing through the center of the body. The circular opening has a diameter that is substantially the same as the diameter of the socket. The upper face has a U-shaped slot and a wedge-shaped slot, the slots being adapted to receive the outer end of the socket portion. The lower face has a truncated conical surface extending upwardly and inwardly between the outer wall of the alignment body and the circular opening. A stop member extends downwardly from the truncated conical surface.

Abstract: Receivers are attached to motor vehicles to tow a variety of objects such as trailers. Due to the variety of makes and models of motor vehicles, several different sized receivers are required to fit most motor vehicles. The present receiver, however, provides adjustability in at least three directions. This adjustability means that one receiver can fit many different makes and models of vehicles.

Abstract: A ball hitch coupler permits self-latching with a ball hitch. The ball hitch coupler has a housing with a generally downwardly facing open socket for receiving a ball hitch. A ball clamp member within the open socket is attached to an adjustment lever by a clamp rod that extends through a top surface of the housing. A camming surface provided on the lever causes the clamp rod to pull the ball clamp member upwardly and outwardly from the socket as the lever is pivoted to an open position. When the lever is in a neutral ready position, a ball hitch may be inserted into the socket and will automatically be coupled with the ball hitch coupler without further adjustment.

Abstract: A ski in accordance with the invention increases in width from a tip or shovel portion to a mid-portion. The mid-portion includes at least a slight sidecut. The ski then decreases in width from the mid-portion to a tail portion. The ski also includes an undersurface with a substantial portion being rockered. A substantial portion of the mid-portion of the ski is not rockered.

Abstract: A body receptacle for a wheeled frame allows for the transport of babies in a bicycle trailer. The body receptacle has a flexible mat that is brought into the intended transport form with the help of tensioning devices.

Abstract: A trim panel attachable to a structural pillar of an automotive vehicle for covering an expandable side-curtain air bag. The trim panel can also be part of a vehicular pillar structure or a vehicle subassembly. The trim panel is composed of a unitary molded body having first and second body portions connected to each other. The first body portion is formed of a first material and the second body portion is formed of a second polymeric material that is more flexible than the first material. The second body portion is configured as a deflectable flap movable between a first position in overlying relationship with the side-curtain airbag in a non-deployed state and a second deflected position upon deployment of the side-curtain airbag.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, the present invention relates to a trim panel for concealing an air bag. The panel comprises a substrate and a cover over the substrate. The cover includes a cover skin. The panel also comprises a tear seam having at least a portion comprising a pattern of alternating residual wall thicknesses in the panel. At least one embodiment of the present invention also relates to a method for making a trim panel for concealing an air bag.

Abstract: A floating type air bag device able to prevent backlash of a module cover and easily position the module cover with respect to a steering wheel without dispersion and a sacrifice of an operation feeling of horn sounding is provided.

Abstract: A passenger-protecting system includes a pressure sensor for detecting a pressure in an inner space of a door and a side airbag installed in the door. The pressure in the inner space increases when a side collision occurs. When the pressure in the inner space of the door exceeds a predetermined threshold level, the side airbag is inflated to protect a passenger from a side collision. There are certain situations where the operation of the side airbag is not necessary even if the pressure in the inner space of the door exceeds the threshold level. Such situations include: when the door is abruptly closed and a front airbag is inflated to protect a passenger from a frontal collision. According to the present invention, unnecessary operations of the side airbag are effectively avoided.

Abstract: An airbag module for a motor vehicle includes a gas sack that can be inflated with gas to protect an occupant, a gas generator for generating the gas provided for inflating the gas sack, and an additional cooling device comprising an openable reservoir for storing a coolant. The reservoir is opened when the gas sack is inflated, so that the coolant for cooling the gas used to inflate the gas sack can come into contact with the gas. The cooling device comprises a movement generating device that opens the reservoir to release the coolant.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vehicle airbag assembly and method for deployment. An inflator is connected to an airbag wherein the inflator generates gases that cause inflation of the airbag. A housing substantially encloses the airbag and the inflator. The housing includes a vent hole for venting gases. An airbag tether is included having at least a first and a second end, wherein the first end is attached to the airbag and the second end is attached to a venting member. The venting member, being configured to cover the vent hole, is moveable with respect to the housing. During a first airbag deployment stage, the venting member is forced away from the vent hole as the inflator generates gases. An actuator releases the second end of the airbag tether from the venting member during a second airbag deployment stage for the passage of gases through the vent hole.

Abstract: A method of folding or compacting a door-mounted inflatable curtain airbag to reduce the overall length of the airbag for positioning onto a vehicle. The airbag may generally be substantially parallellogrammatical in shape. The method involves a two-step process (1) folding the airbag along an axis that is substantially normal to the rear edge (first edge) of the airbag and (2) subsequently folding the airbag radially to compact the airbag down into its final, storable position. The present methods allow folding, compaction of the airbag without having a fold that is parallel to the compacted length of the airbag.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of apparatus, methods, and systems for automatically closing a vent opening in response to inflation of an airbag cushion. In some embodiments, primary and secondary tethers are provided, both of which are coupled to an airbag cushion. The primary tether may be used to restrain the inflation size of the airbag cushion during a partial deployment. A tether cutter may also be provided to cut the primary tether upon detecting a condition that would warrant full deployment of the airbag cushion. The secondary tether may be configured to at least partially close one or more vent openings in response to the airbag cushion being inflated to a fully-inflated configuration after the primary tether has been cut.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting occupants when a vehicle having an openable and closeable roof overturns, which apparatus includes an occupant rollover protection member that supports a vehicle frame when the vehicle overturns, and first buffering members that buffer the occupants. A first buffering member control unit controls the deployment of the first buffering members on the basis of information from a vehicle state detection mechanism that detects the behavior of the vehicle.

Abstract: A steering mechanism of a vehicle has a suspension arm, and steering acceleration gear mechanisms for steering left and right front wheels provided to either end of the suspension arm. A portion of the suspension arm protrudes further forwardly of the vehicle than the steering acceleration gear mechanisms, so that the steering acceleration gear mechanisms including knuckle arms are protected from obstructions.

Abstract: A rear vehicle structure has an electrical system unit, two side members, two extension parts, two cross members, a rear seat and a cover. The electrical system unit includes first and second electrical system units. Each extension part extends rearwardly from one of the rearward ends of one of the side members. The cross members are located above rear suspension members of the vehicle. The electrical system unit is fixedly attached to a top of at least one of the cross members. The rear seat is installed forward of the first electrical system unit. The second electrical system unit is located along a rearward surface of the rear seat. The cover is installed rearward of the second electrical system unit and has an upright panel that is oriented vertically to provide an enclosed space between a rearward surface of the second electrical system unit and the cover.

Abstract: A trailer mounted crash attenuation system has an impact head assembly, a bursting tubular trailer frame member, and a breakaway axle assembly. Upon impact by a vehicle, the head assembly is urged forward bursting the tubular frame of the trailer. As the impact continues, the head assembly contacts an axle accelerator rod which results in the disengagement of the axle, trailer tire, and fenders from the trailer frame member. Impact energy is dissipated by the controlled deceleration of the vehicle as it moves forward through the attenuator system.

Abstract: A safety belt roll-up mechanism is provided, and includes a force limitation device that operates in a multi-stage manner and has a two-stage torque rod and a pyrotechnically operating switching device that couples the torque rod, in various clamping lengths, with a belt shaft. The extent of the belt strap unwound from the belt shaft is utilized for actuation of the force limitation device. A ratchet wheel is connected to the belt shaft via a reduction gear mechanism. A portion of the periphery of the ratchet wheel has a toothing for engaging the reduction gear mechanism. A further portion of the periphery of the ratchet wheel has a switching contour that rests against a contact pin of an electric switch. The switching contour has a profile that effects the connection or disconnection of the switching device for the torque rod.

Abstract: A saddle-type vehicle that securely supports a fuel tank with sufficient strength when load in a vertical direction is applied. A pair of frame members extend in a front-and-rear direction of the vehicle and support a fuel tank. The fuel tank has a pair of flanges contacting the outer sides of the frame members. The flanges are attached to the frame members by attachment members inserted from outside in a vehicle width direction.

Abstract: A daily display is associated with a text display, the daily display comprising a specific Gregorian calendar date, the text display comprising an abbreviated name of a text reference work wherein the text display is associated with the specific Gregorian calendar date to constitute a complete bibliographic citation.

Abstract: A plastic pipe coupler is provided having a plurality of sections connected to one another but with at least one gap between the ends of two sections which are adjacent to one another. Each of the coupler sections has an exterior surface and an interior surface, and is fabricated so that when taken together, the sections cooperatively circumvent a section of plastic pipe. Each bracket is secured to the exterior surface of one of the aforesaid sections of the coupler and has a base plate, a pair of sidewall plates attached to each base plate, and a crosspiece having a first end and a second end, the first end of which is in contacting relationship with one of the pair of sidewall plates, while the second end is in contacting relationship with the other of the pair of sidewall plates.

Abstract: Fuel port structure (10) of a fuel pump (20) includes a fuel port (12) having a periphery (14), an internal portion defining a fuel passage (16), and a free end (18). An electrically conductive grounding structure (22) has a first portion (24) disposed at least partially within the fuel passage and a second portion (26) extending from the free end. A fuel delivery tube (28) is coupled to the periphery of the fuel port at the free end thereof. The fuel delivery tube has an electrically conductive portion (30) in contact with the second portion of the grounding structure to provide a discharge path for static electricity created when fuel flows through the fuel passage.

Abstract: Fitting connections for corrugated metal tubing. The connection includes a body having an externally-threaded end, a nut or other fastener which is threadably engageable with the body end, and a collet which is receivable coaxially within the fastener. The collet is formed as a series of individual, arcuate tangs which are joined together by a retaining collar, the collar allowing the segments to be resiliently opened within the fastener so as to allow the crests of the tubing to pass therethrough. The fitting may be pre-assembled with the collet segments being received coaxially within the fastener with the collar extending rearwardly from the fastener, and with the fastener then being partially threaded onto the fitting body.

Abstract: A quick coupling device comprising a body (5) axially subdivided into a link section (6) for linking to a first duct (1), and a connection section (7) arranged to receive in leaktight manner one end of a second duct (2), the body being associated with a retaining member (22) possessing tabs (24) that are elastically deformable between a state of gripping an outer bead (4) on the end of the second duct, and a state of releasing the bead, the retaining member being mounted on the body to turn between a free deformation position in which the tabs can deform between their two states, and at least one holding position in which the tabs cooperate with a surface (20, 21) that is secured to the body and that holds the tabs in one of their two states.

Abstract: A fitting assembly for forming a fluid-tight seal with an end of a stainless steel tube is provided with a seal seat that is composed of a material that is harder than the material that the stainless steel tube is composed of. The stainless steel tube may be gripped between a bushing and the seal seat to form a fluid-tight seal with the stainless steel tube. The fitting assembly may be tightened so that the stainless steel tube is deformed between the bushing and the seal seat of the fitting assembly.

Abstract: A threaded pipe connection including a pin member having an external thread increasing in width in one direction, the external thread including load and stab flanks, a box member having an internal thread increasing in width in the other direction so that complementary internal and external threads move into engagement upon make-up of the connection, the internal thread comprising load and stab flanks, a positive stop torque shoulder, and wherein the width of the internal thread and external thread are selected to provide a selected clearance at least between the internal load and stab flanks and the external load and stab flanks upon initial engagement of the positive stop torque shoulder is disclosed.

Abstract: A thread form is shown which is used to make a threaded pipe connection capable of being screwed together and subsequently unscrewed. A pin member is provided having external threads with stab flanks and load flanks and flat crests and roots for mating with the mating internal threads of a box member to make up a pipe connection. One of the stab or load flanks is made up of two facets and three radii. The other selected flank is made up of three facets and four radii, giving it irregular features forming a complex geometric profiles. The thread form can be used to form a premium threaded connection which is used with such tubulars as casing and tubing for oil, gas, water and waste disposal wells.

Abstract: An improved system and method for facilitating pipe and conduit coupling comprises a clamp having at least one screw hole for insertion therethrough of at least one screw for insertion for a further clamp for being screwed to fasten the clamps together on ends of pipes to be coupled, at least one gasket between the clamps and pipe and including at least one retainer to engage with the screw to prevent the screw from displacement prior to being screwed into fastening relationship with the gasket and the pipe. An improved method for facilitating pipe coupling comprises providing clamps fastenable together around ends of pipes, a gasket to be placed between the clamps and the pipe ends and providing at least one retainer to engage the screw to prevent it from being displaced through a screw hole prior to fastening the clamps around the pipe ends.

Abstract: A first element is connected to a first end of a connecting piece and a second element is connected to a second end of the connecting piece. At least one end of the connecting piece is provided with a thread, whereby the connecting piece is connectable to a pipe or fitting with a threaded connection. The connecting piece is made of plastic in such a way that a metal insert provided with a thread is arranged at at least one end of the plastic body of the connecting piece, or the connecting piece is made substantially completely of thermoplast in such a way that the thermoplastic body is provided with a thread. The outer surface of the connecting piece is provided with a gripping member. The gripping member is formed and dimensioned such that it gives way earlier than the connecting member thread and/or basic structure.

Abstract: A door latch device for a domestic electrical appliance, in particular for a dishwasher, has a frame (10) provided or to be provided on a first component of the domestic appliance, a latching unit (28) arranged so it can be displaced relative to the frame between an open position and a latched position for engagement with a closure system of a second component of the domestic appliance that can be moved relative to the first appliance component and is to be locked with respect thereto, and a latching spring assembly that pre-tensions the latching unit and which in the open position of the latching unit forces the unit into engagement with a blocking surface (24) that blocks relaxation of the latching spring assembly.

Abstract: A walk-in bathtub adjustable door latch assembly incorporates an adjustably positionable closing lever to secure and to adjustably move and adjustably pressure a hinged door of a walk-in bathtub into a close sealing position in a bather entryway to guard against water leakage through the bather entryway.

Abstract: A lock bar for controlling the position of a railroad warning gate includes an elongated body portion extending between a first end and a second end, a clutch mechanism disposed in the elongated body, the clutch mechanism permitting rotational movement in one direction but restricting rotational movement in the opposite direction and a hub disposed in the clutch mechanism for engaging a portion of a motor drive mechanism for a railroad warning gate such that the gate is permitted to move in one direction but is restricted from movement in the opposite direction. Indicia are preferably disposed on the opposing edges to indicate the position that the warning gate will be retained in. An oblong aperture defined through the lock bar receives a pin to hold the lock bar in engagement with the motor drive mechanism.

Abstract: A bumper body extends in a vehicle-width direction and is formed with an air intake opening. A garnish extends in a vehicle-width direction, is attached to the air intake opening and has a first engaging portion. A bezel is adapted to cover a light of the vehicle, is attached to the bumper body and has a first engaged portion. The garnish and the bezel are arranged in the vehicle-width direction. The first engaged portion is engaged with the first engaging portion.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided which can be used to pry apart a first object, such as a hotel pan, from a second object, such as a chaffing dish, and to lift the first object off of or out of the second object. The apparatus may be comprised of first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth portions, which may be plates, and which may be integrated together. The first, second, fourth, and sixth portions may be substantially straight, while the third and the fifth portions may be substantially semicircular. In one embodiment, first and second fingers are inserted through the third and fourth portions before using the apparatus to pry apart the first object from the second object.

Abstract: A vacuum chuck includes a first surface with a cavity formed in the first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and a relatively deformable portion disposed between the first surface and the second surface. The vacuum chuck is formed using a resilient material, and the relatively deformable portion changes shape in response to pressure more easily than other portions of the vacuum chuck.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting objects may include a plurality of grippers having a first spacing at a first position and second spacing at a second position. A drive mechanism may be provided is for selectively displacing the grippers from the first position to the second position to adjust the spacing between the grippers.

Abstract: A hoisting frame that can be connected at an upper side to hoisting cables and have a device on an underside for picking up a secondary hoisting frame. The hoisting frame may be adjustable between a retracted position, in which its transverse dimension is equal to that of the secondary hoisting frame, and an extended position. Pick-ups are adapted to pick up a single secondary hoisting frame in the retracted position and to pick up two mutually adjacent secondary hoisting frames in the extended position. A method for transferring containers may include picking up one load at a first location when the hoisting frame is retracted, or two loads when the hoisting frame is extended, lifting, displacing to a second location and then lowering the hoisting frame with the picked-up load(s), uncoupling the load(s) from the hoisting frame, lifting the hoisting frame, moving the hoisting frame from one to another position. A secondary hoisting frame may be coupled or uncoupled and the steps repeated.

Abstract: A vehicle console center console assembly including a first portion secured to an instrument panel and incorporating a gear shifter and a second portion supported upon a vehicle floor and establishing a mating profile along each of first and second sides with the first portion. Upper located and angled mating shoulders established between the portions limit the effect of sagging of the first portion, via support provided from the second portion. The appearance of gaps in the mating profiles is further limited by overlapping the edges of the second portion to those of the first portion. The second portion further includes inwardly configured support tabs proximate its side edges and which establish channels therebetween for seating the trailing edges of the first portion and permitting a limited degree of non-evident misalignment between the portions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rear door for a motor vehicle, the door including hinges (16, 16?) embodying an axis (Y) for pivoting the door on the vehicle between a closed position and an open position. The door includes a motor (17) for generating a driving torque about the pivot axis of the door.

Abstract: An assembly for opening and closing a passageway into the body of a motor vehicle includes a post secured to the body at a lateral side of the passageway, an endgate for opening and closing the passageway, and a hinge secured to the endgate and the post. The hinge defines a lateral axis and supports the endgate for pivoting about the lateral axis relative to the post, and the hinge defines an upright axis and supports the endgate for pivoting about the upright axis relative to the post.

Abstract: An endgate assembly connectable to a vehicle body for opening and closing a vehicle bed formed by the body includes an endgate supportable by the vehicle body at a pivot connection and openable and closable by pivoting about the pivot connection. A keyed support member is securable to the vehicle body. A damper and a cable are connected to the endgate. Both the damper and the cable have ends that are configured to be retained by the keyed support member when the endgate is pivoted between the open and closed position. The cable and damper ends can be removed from the keyed support member without tools when the cable end is rotated relative to the keyed support member. A method of modifying the vehicle bed by detaching or reattaching the endgate assembly is also provided.

Abstract: An antidazzle apparatus for movable bodies is capable of not hiding something a user wants to see while dimming sunlight. A transmissive display is disposed above ahead of a driver, and two dimmer portions are formed in the transmissive display. The dimmer portions are positioned on straight lines linking the driver's right and left eyes with the sun, respectively, and are set to sizes a bit larger than the sizes of the pupils. In this case, sunlight is dimmed by the dimmer portions. Nevertheless, lines of sight leading to an entity which is located much closer than the sun is and which the driver wants to see are not intercepted by the dimmer portions. This allows the driver to see the entity.