Abstract: To provide a gaming machine which achieves a reduction in a player's fatigue. A gaming machine 1 according to the invention includes a cabinet 3, having a display portion 4 which displays information relating to a game and operation buttons 11 for a player to carry out an operation of the game, a power lamp light emitting portion 300 which emits light, and a lens barrel 310 which intercepts at least some of light heading toward a player, from among light emerging from LED's 302 provided on the power lamp light emitting portion 300. In this kind of gaming machine 1, at least some of the light heading toward the player, from among the light emerging from the LED's 302 of the power lamp light emitting portion 300, is intercepted by the lens barrel 310. For this reason, light from the power lamp light emitting portion 300 entering the player's field of vision being reduced by the lens barrel 310, fatigue of a player continuing the game is reduced.

Abstract: A gaming system having a container configured to hold a plurality of display objects, an agitator for moving the plurality of display objects, at least one prize object holder configured to hold a plurality of prize objects in an individually controlled manner, a plurality of prize object displays located inside of the container and configured to receive at least one prize object from the prize object holder, a plurality of game apparatus associated with the prize object displays, and a controller configured to select a prize object and cause the selected prize object to be displayed in at least one prize object display, is disclosed. In one embodiment, the prize object displays include a tubular exhibition container. In another embodiment, the display object container of the gaming device is configured to provide a jumbled ball display.

Abstract: A hierarchical, multi-dimensional, strategy board game apparatus includes game boards having game spaces, posts for supporting the board members, and game pieces including a static piece, a pawn-like piece, a first promotion piece, and a second promotion piece. In playing the game, a base board is designated, along with a riser space, a promotion space, and a return space. Each player starts with a designated number of pieces, and takes turns to move their pieces in prescribed ways via the designated spaces as available. The players thereby attempt to attain higher levels for their pieces with respect to the boards, with means for promotion and demotion of the pieces and an in-hand ability to return them to play via the return space. The pieces may thus gain expanded movement capabilities for capturing other players' pieces and, ultimately, the static piece to win the game.

Abstract: A method of wagering for games where there can be more than one player hand dealt and each player hand is compared to a Dealer hand. The method of wagering adds an option to wager that the Dealer hand will beat a particular player hand, a wager that the Dealer hand will push with or tie a particular player hand, or both additional wagers. The method of wagering may be supported by a special layout for wagers on the Dealer hand, and this layout may be able to move around the table or it may be stationary.

Abstract: A seal device includes a first seal portion, a second seal portion, and a joint base, wherein the first seal portion has a first elastic portion with a flat side surface at one side of a first bight portion and a second elastic portion at the other side of the first bight portion. The second seal portion has a first symmetrical elastic portion with a flat side surface at one side of a second bight portion and a second symmetrical elastic portion at the other side of the second bight portion. A first seal face is disposed on a first outmost circumferential surface of the first elastic portion, and a second seal face is disposed on a second outmost circumferential surface of the first symmetrical elastic portion.

Abstract: A chuck for accommodating a collet chuck, comprising a housing and a chucking tool seat that is assigned to the housing. The chucking tool seat is embedded in the housing as a separate part via an intermediate filling that is made of polymer concrete for connecting the chucking tool seat and the housing. This design has improved properties regarding damping and the total weight while flat sub-areas that are composed of individual guiding plates can additionally be used as clamping areas of the chucking tool seat. Thus a pyramid-type joint is obtained, which could previously be created with the required precision only by using a lot of effort when producing the same from solid material.

Abstract: A stabilizer arrangement for a motor vehicle has a stabilizer (1), which is connected to the vehicle chassis and which is connected to a spring-mounted wheel carrier part on each side of the vehicle by a piston-cylinder unit (4; 4?) each. Each of the piston-cylinder units (4, 4?) is formed of at least one piston (8, 8?) arranged movably in a cylinder (7, 7?), and each is connected in an articulated manner, at one end, to one end of the stabilizer (1) and, at the other end, to a spring-mounted wheel carrier part. The piston-cylinder units (4, 4?) are connected to a hydraulic pump (20). A stop (13, 13?), against which the respective piston (8, 8?) can be moved, is assigned to each of the cylinders (7, 7?). By an arrangement of valves, it is made possible for the pistons (8, 8?) to move out of each position in a purposeful manner against the stop (13, 13?) and to hold there in a defined position in order to restore the stabilizer action in a purposeful manner and effectively from any position of the vehicle.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an iceboard includes a plank having a first end and a second end and a first side and a second side. One or more supports are coupled to the first side of the plank and, one or more blades are coupled to the one or more supports, the blades operable to glide across an icy surface. The iceboard further includes a piece of frictional material coupled to the second side of the plank and operable to provide traction relative to the plank. The iceboard further includes a brake coupled to the first side of the plank adjacent a first end of the plank. In particular embodiments, the brake is operable to abrasively scrape the icy surface when applied to the icy surface.

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

Abstract: A steerable stroller including a rear frame assembly supporting two rear wheels and a front frame assembly, which may take the form of a boom or other frame work, pivotally coupled with the rear frame assembly and supporting a front wheel. A centering mechanism is provided that elastically couples the front frame assembly with the rear frame assembly so that the boom and front wheel are normally in a straight orientation with respect to the rear wheels, and when a user imparts a turning force the centering mechanism acts to return the boom and front wheel to the straight orientation when the force is reduced or removed. It is also possible to include a pivoting front wheel in conjunction with or separate from the pivoting boom, with pivoting wheel also including a centering mechanism. Finally, the steerable running stroller may include a removable seat assembly.

Abstract: An in-wheel suspension including a vehicle body-side member (90). The vehicle body-side member (90) is coupled with a vehicle body at least two coupling portions (92a, 92b, 92c), one of which is positioned above a wheel center and the other of which is positioned below the wheel center, via respective elastic members (96a, 96b, 96c). The elastic member (96b) arranged at the upper coupling portion (92b) has portions with high rigidity, and portions with low rigidity formed in an oblique direction that extends upward and toward an inside of a vehicle from a position outside of the vehicle. The elastic member (96a, 96c) arranged at the lower coupling portion (92a, 92c) has portions with high rigidity, and portions with low rigidity formed in an oblique direction that extends downward and toward the inside of the vehicle from a position outside of the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wheel suspension, which has at least one transverse link and one wheel carrier. The wheel carrier has a connecting element, through which a bolt extends, for connecting to the transverse link. The connecting element has a stop on a limb which is assigned to a bolt head, with the bolt head having a counterstop which corresponds to the stop.

Abstract: A retractable step assembly (400) for a cab (C) for a mobile machine includes a leg (450) slideably received in a through-hole (408) in a platform (58) of a cab (C). An upper end (452) of the leg (450) is fixed to a lower end (434) of a stretchable spring (430) whose upper end (432) is fixed. A step (470) is mounted to the lower end (454) of the leg (450). The leg (450) is movable between a retracted position and an extended position in which the step (470) is nearer to the ground than in the retracted position. The step (470) can be stepped on by an operator to move the leg (450) to the extended position to thereby allow the operator to exit the cab (C) by stepping on the step (470). The leg (450) can be unlatched by the operator in the cab (C) to return to the retracted position under action of the spring (430).

Abstract: A bicycle transmission assembly that is mountable to a bottom bracket shell of a bicycle frame. The bicycle transmission generally includes an input crank assembly, an output chainring, a planetary gear mechanism, a control system and a mounting system. The output chainring engages a bicycle drive chain that includes a plurality of chain links. The planetary gear mechanism includes a ring gear and provides a plurality of transmission paths. The planetary gear mechanism is mounted coaxially about the shell axis. The control system is operatively connected to the planetary gear mechanism for selecting one of the plurality of transmission paths. The mounting system mounts the planetary gear mechanism and the control system to the bottom bracket shell. At least one chain link overlaps the ring gear as viewed along the shell axis. The at least one chain link engages the output chainring.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing suspension device includes a mounting rod mounted on a wheeled vehicle frame, a wheel rod mounted on a vehicle wheel axle and forward of the mounting rod, a counteracting member pivotally mounted on the mounting rod and having upper and lower linked ends disposed forward of the wheel rod, upper and lower linking bars coupling the upper and lower linked end to the wheel rod to thereby form a four-bar linkage mechanism, a cantilever arm extending forward from an upper end of the mounting rod to terminate at a bearing end, and a force transmitting member coupled with the four-bar linkage mechanism to thereby minimize the impact of shock to the mounting rod.

Abstract: A motorcycle-stance alteration kit is described. The kit includes a handlebar clamp, a fork clamp, and a footpeg extension. The handlebar clamp is formed to connect with a motorcycle's fork clamp and reposition the motorcycle's handlebar to alter a user's riding stance. The fork clamp is configured to be attached with motorcycle forks to the motorcycle's frame. The fork clamp includes a horizontal mounting surface that is formed to offset the fork's rake angle to cause the horizontal mounting surface to rest in a substantially horizontal alignment with respect to a ground surface. Finally, the footpeg extension is formed to connect with and between a motorcycle frame and footpeg. Thus, the footpeg extension effectively repositions the footpeg to alter the user's riding stance.

Abstract: A stem assembly for a bicycle has a body, a clamp and a connecting device. The body is connected to the bicycle between a head tube and a handlebar and has a handlebar mount and a fork mount having two smooth recesses. The clamp is mounted in the body and around the head tube and has two jaws. Each jaw is curved and has a convex hemisphere corresponding to the smooth recesses of the fork mount to allow an angle of the stem assembly to be adjusted. The connecting device is connected to the fork mount of the body and the clamp and the head tube and has a cap, a spacer and a fastener. The cap is mounted on the fork mount. The spacer is mounted on the cap. The fastener is presses against the spacer and is connected to the head tube.

Abstract: In a saddle tube for a bicycle frame, especially a racing bicycle frame, the bottom bracket end (22) of the saddle tube is wider in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction (24) of the frame than in the longitudinal direction (24) of the frame. According to the invention, the saddle tube (18) has a flat portion (32) at the chain ring side.

Abstract: A slide rail assembly for a fifth wheel hitch assembly is disclosed that includes an angle member for directly mounting the assembly to a truck frame member, and a t-shaped slide rail attached to a horizontal portion of the angle member, the t-shaped slide rail including a row of spaced gaps.

Abstract: In order for a trailer coupling comprising a ball neck which can be moved between an operating position and a rest position and has a coupling ball, also comprising a vehicle-mounted pivot-bearing unit, in which the pivot-bearing body is accommodated such that it can be pivoted about a pivot axis, and further comprising a rotation-blocking device which can be driven by a drive, to be improved such that it can absorb, in constructional terms, the highest possible load moments, it is proposed that the rotation-blocking device has at least one rotation-blocking body, that the rotation-blocking body can be engaged with, and disengaged from, a holder by movement in a guide direction, that there is provided an actuating body which has a pressure-exerting surface and the movement of which allows the at least one rotation-blocking body to be moved and acted on, and that the drive is an actuating drive by means of which the actuating body can be moved between at least one rotation-blocking position and a freewheeling

Abstract: An anti-theft device for a towed trailer vehicle wherein a pivotable cover housing is mounted to the tongue of the trailer in spaced relation to the socket lock mechanism of a conventional ball socket attachment of a trailer hitch bar. The protective housing adapts to all standard ball and socket arrangements, does not require extensive rework of the tongue of the trailer, has adequate securing means, is low cost, and provides anti-theft protection while the trailer is in tow, as well as when the trailer is parked and/or unhitched from the towing vehicle.

Abstract: Provided is a liquid silicone rubber coating agent composition, including: (A) an organopolysiloxane containing at least one alkenyl group bonded to a silicon atom within each molecule, (B) a straight-chain organohydrogenpolysiloxane containing a single silicon atom-bonded hydrogen atom only at each molecular chain terminal, with a viscosity at 25° C. within a range from 0.001 to 1.0 Pa·s, (C) an organohydrogenpolysiloxane containing at least three silicon atom-bonded hydrogen atoms within each molecule, with a viscosity at 25° C. within a range from 0.001 to 10 Pa·s, (D) an addition reaction catalyst, (E) a finely powdered silica with a BET specific surface area of at least 50 m2/g, and (F) an adhesion imparting agent. Also provided is a curtain air bag with a rubber coating layer formed by curing this composition.

Abstract: A passenger airbag module removably connectable to an automotive interior component. The passenger airbag module may include a front bracket engageable with an automotive interior component and a rear connector having a detent or an aperture. A rear bracket may be removably connectable with the rear connector by an aperture or detent for respectively receiving or insertion into the detent or aperture of the rear connector. The rear bracket may be further configured to engage the automotive interior component.

Abstract: There is provided a bracket for securing a side airbag for an automotive vehicle. The bracket includes a support plate, an installation plate positioned at upper part of the support plate and including an installation aperture, and fixing plates formed by being forwardly bent from the right and left edges, with respect to the installation plate, of the support plate.

Abstract: According to the air bag apparatus, for example, a side air bag apparatus 20, in a mode in which a portion on a side of a connector portion 33 of an inflator 30 is exposed from a cylindrical portion 51 of a retainer 50, the inflator 30 is contained in the retainer 50. Further, an exposed portion of the inflator 30, that is, a portion thereof exposed from the cylindrical portion 51 of the retainer 50 is fastened together with an extended portion 52 substantially in a shape of a half cylinder extended from the cylindrical portion 51 of the retainer 50 by a clamp mechanism 60 in a state of being covered by an extraneous portion of a base cloth extended from an opening portion 41 of the air bag 40.

Abstract: A planing boat, particularly of a small size, is provided with an airbag system. The airbag system includes at least one bag-shaped airbag body, a housing which accommodates the airbag body, a detector for detecting a collision of the boat, an expanding unit which inflates the airbag body at the time of collision of the boat, and a controller for controlling the detector and the inflation of the airbag body. In a preferred embodiment, the airbag system includes a first airbag body in the handle cover which is blown up from the handle bar to a rear side of the boat and a second airbag body in the handle cover which is blown up toward a front side of knees of a rider.

Abstract: A curtain air bag formed so that an auxiliary inflatable chamber adapted to reduce to as great an extent as possible a substantial decrease in a protective region of an air bag body 1 can be formed. The air bag body 1 is deployed into the interior of an automobile 8 by introducing a high-pressure gas, which is ejected from an inflator at the time of the occurrence of collision of the automobile 8 with something, into the interior of the air bag body. An auxiliary inflatable chamber 5 defined with respect to a main inflatable chamber 3 is obtained by sewing the air bag body by a substantially one sewing line using a multi-thread chain stitch method or the like. The auxiliary and main inflatable chambers 5, 3 are communicated with each other via a narrow orifice type gas flow restriction passage 6.

Abstract: A side curtain air bag unit includes a cover; an air bag housed in the cover; at least one mounting flap extending from the air bag and fastened to a vehicle body; a ramp holding the air bag and cover therein, mounted adjacent to an upper end of a B-pillar trim to guide deployment of the air bag such that the B-pillar trim does not interfere with the deployment; and a fastening member having a first end secured to the cover, and a second end which passes through the ramp and is secured to the body of the vehicle.

Abstract: A steering device including a column rotatably supporting a steering shaft on which a steering wheel is mounted; a vehicle body attaching bracket that is attachable to a vehicle body and has a pair of right and left side plates for holding right and left side surfaces of the column therebetween; a fastening rod spaced from the axis of the column and inserted into the side plates of the vehicle body attaching bracket and the column; and fastening members arranged at both ends of the fastening rod to fasten the inner surfaces of the side plates to the side surfaces of the column, wherein contact surfaces of the right and left side surface of the column and the inner surfaces of the side plates are formed in two parts including a part near the axis of the fastening rod and a part spaced from the axis of the fastening rod.

Abstract: The invention concerns a cover for a motor vehicle steering column (10), said motor vehicle comprising an instrument panel (12), said steering column (10) comprising a fixed portion (16) and a mobile portion (18), said fixed portion (16) being mounted in fixed position through said instrument panel (12), while said mobile part (18) is mounted sliding on the fixed part (16), said cover including a shell (14) for covering the steering column (10), said shell being adapted to be mounted secured in translation to the mobile portion (18), said cover further comprising means for guiding in translation (22, 24). The invention is characterized in that said guiding means (22, 24) are adapted to be installed between said fixed portion (16) and said shell (14) to guide said shell (14) in translation relative to said fixed portion (16).

Abstract: A force redistributing system operably attached to a vehicle. The system includes a first cross-car member, a first side load distributor and a second side load distributor. The first and second side load distributors are parallel to and spaced apart from each other and are attached at respective first ends to opposing ends of the first cross-car member. The system includes a second cross-car member having opposing ends, which are attached to second ends of the first and second side load distributors. The system establishes cross vehicle loading of force from a rear impact wherein the force from the rear impact on the vehicle is transferred along an upper path and a lower path.

Abstract: A system for absorbing impact energy includes a container formed with a plurality of faces. An energy absorbing material is substantially contained within the container. A first elongated member has a proximate end and a distal end. The proximate end is proximate and approximately perpendicular to a first face of the container. A long axis of the first elongated member intersects the first face. A first bumper is connected to the distal end of the first elongated member. A second elongated member has a proximate end and a distal end. The proximate end is proximate and approximately perpendicular to a second face of the container. A long axis of the second elongated member intersects the second face. The second elongated member is approximately perpendicular to the first elongated member. A second bumper connected to the distal end of the second elongated member.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for enabling a safe and secure environment for a pet traveling in a vehicle during a collision or sudden breaking of the vehicle by using a seat belt system to flexibly restrain the pet with a safety restrainer or a detachable safety belt. In one embodiment, a safety restrainer may secure a pet in a vehicle having a seat belt with a first seat belt prong that latches into a first seat belt buckle. The safety restrainer may comprise a restraint assembly including a restraint strap removably couplable to a body portion of the pet. The restraint assembly may be positionable about the body of the pet and the restrain strap positionable between a pair of fore legs and a pair of hind legs of the pet. The restraint strap may include a first strap end and a second strap end being releasably couplable to each other such that the restraint strap forms a loop having a hole when the first and second strap ends are releasably coupled together.

Abstract: A label including a first layer having a first surface adapted to being printed on and a second layer proximate to a second surface of the first layer. The second layer includes two or more sections having a gap therebetween. Each gap in the second layer defines a fold-line section in the first layer. The second layer covers substantially all of the bottom surface of the first layer except for the fold-line section. Another aspect provides a label having a first layer and a second layer attached to the first layer and having at least two sections separated by a gap, the gap being discernible through the first layer.

Abstract: A security element 2, 4 for embedding in or application to a security document in such a way that it is visually recognizable from both sides of the security document 1, is structured in a multilayer fashion and includes two interference elements I1, I2 with color shift effect, a metallic reflection layer R located in between as well as, optionally, diffraction structures 8. Depending on the disposition of the layers I1, R, I2 and the optionally present diffraction structures 8 on a transparent substrate S the color shift effect and/or the diffractive effects are perceptible from one or from both sides of the security element 2, 4. The security element is particularly suitable as a two-sided window thread 4 and as a label or transfer element 2 above a hole 3 in the security document 1.

Abstract: A security object has a substrate (1) carrying a first motif (6) and mutually aligned thereto a second motif (7). The first motif (6) is formed by a volume hologram (8) and visible under a given viewing condition only. The second motif (7) can e.g. be a dye, a surface hologram, a perforation or any other non-variable or optically variable device. The first and the second motif (6, 7) combine to form a third motif, e.g. a legible text. The combination of the first motif (6) formed by a volume hologram (8) with the second motif provides an increased level of security.

Abstract: A method for producing a continuous web of printed material for use in creating mailpieces. The continuous web has a width and a length, the length comprised of a series of attached sheets. The series of attached sheets are comprising envelope sheets and rectangular content pages. The content pages are rectangular in shape and may be oriented relative to the envelope sheets in a number of different configurations. In some configurations, two sets of content pages and/or envelope sheets can be printed across the width of the web. Sheets for forming business return envelopes may be printed in series with the content pages and envelope sheets. BREs may include individualized return addresses. A control code may be printed on one or more of the sheets for a given mailpiece, providing information for controlling assembly of the mailpiece.

Abstract: A method including providing a first umbilical, coupling an end of the first umbilical to a first end of a compliant splice system, providing a second umbilical, and coupling an end to the second umbilical to a second end of the compliant splice system.

Abstract: A marine riser assembly having a first tubular member having an external surface with a plurality of first axially spaced formations, a second tubular member having an external surface with a plurality of second axially spaced formations thereon, a segmented ring in surrounding relationship to the first and second tubular members, the segmented ring having an inner surface with a plurality of formations engageable with the formations on the first and second tubular members, the engageable formations serving to urge the first and second tubular members toward each other when the segmented ring is subjected to radially inwardly directed compressive forces, a sleeve in surrounding relationship to force the engageable formations together and a seal assembly for sealing against external and internal pressure.

Abstract: This variable-angle tubular connection includes a first tubular section (4) which has a flange ring (10), a second tubular section (6) which has an end flange (12) and a clamping device (8) for clamping the flange ring (10) against the end flange (12). The clamping device (8) has at least one linking segment (22), suitable for being applied against the flange ring (10), and components (24) for clamping the linking segment (22) against the flange ring. The end flange (12) has traversing recesses (20) through which the clamping components extend. The end flange is fixed to the second tubular section (6). Application to the sealed junction of tubing elements.

Abstract: A quick connector coupling has either a linear or an angled female coupling member, a male coupling member which is attached to a radiator, a bushing, a sealing means, and a locking ring, which maintains the connection of the male coupling member and the female coupling member. The male member has at least one chamfered surface, which is complementary to a chamfered surface on the bushing element. The locking ring is disposed around the female coupling member and has a plurality of indentations which pass through apertures positioned around the collar end of the female member. These indentations interconnect with an annular groove around the male member when coupled to the female member, securing the connection.

Abstract: A coupling includes a coupling housing and a coupling member. The coupling housing consists of a first housing part and a second housing part capable of being screwed together axially. Each of the first housing part and the second housing part has an internal conical surface, wherein, in a position that the first housing part and the second housing part are screwed together, the inner circumference of each of the internal conical surfaces generally lessen towards outward ends thereof, respectively. The coupling member is situated in the housing for clamping a tube inserted in the coupling housing. The coupling member is influenced axially by a conical clamping ring by cooperation with the conical surface in the first housing part and influences a resilient ring which causes sealing between the tube and the second housing part. One end of the coupling member is shaped as axial, flexible fingers separated by splits.

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 clamping assembly for a coupler comprises at least one clamping module which includes a clamping jaw (12) that is designed for connecting the coupler to a complementary means device and an actuating system that comprises a device of the screw/nut type which is driven by a motor. The actuating system is connected directly to the clamping jaw, and the clamping jaw is swivel-mounted to a support about a point that is fixed relative to the coupler.

Abstract: A novel design for the connection of lengths of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) casing. Each length of casing has a male end and a female end. The female end has a narrowing interior diameter with its wider interior diameter at its outermost end sufficient to receive the male end of similar length of casing for connection. The diameter of the female end narrows to a diameter which is less than the outer diameter of the male end. The male end has a lip at its leading edge and is slotted and compressible when forced through the narrowed diameter of the female end. A groove in the interior surface of the female end is sufficient to receive the lip at the leading edge of the male end. When the lip at the leading edge of the male end reaches the groove, it allows the compressed male end to expand with the groove receiving the lip therein. The connected lengths of casing are locked together in this manner.

Abstract: A tubular joint in which radial expansion caused by the passage of an expander, inclined shoulder fittings formed respectively on a peripheral surface of the female element facing radially inwards and on a peripheral surface of the male element facing radially outwards, are subjected to a relative axial displacement towards each other to be urged into sealed mutual contact with radial interference. The tubular joint is, for example, useful in hydrocarbon wells.

Abstract: An actuator has an actuator housing fixed to an open side of a concave accommodating portion of a latch housing in a latch body, and also has a drive source, which is accommodated in the actuator housing, and an open lever for releasing a meshing part from a striker by being release-operated by the drive source. The open lever is accommodated in the actuator housing. A block member blocks a gap between the accommodating portion of the latch housing and the actuator housing.

Abstract: A sliding door for a motor vehicle which is movable in a sliding motion into an opened and a closed position is provided with a main lock arrangement by which the sliding door can be fixed in the closed position, and an auxiliary lock arrangement which supplements the holding force of the main lock arrangement when the sliding door is in the closed position. In an improvement over conventional sliding door arrangements of this type, the auxiliary lock arrangement is used not only for supplementing the main lock arrangement when fixing the sliding door in the closed position, but also for fixing the door in the opened position.

Abstract: An exemplary housing of a foldable device includes a first cover, a second cover, a knob, a latching member, and an elastic member. The first cover includes a first latching portion. The second cover includes a fixing portion. The latching member includes a second latching portion configured for engaging with the first latching portion. The knob is rotatably positioned on the second cover. At least a portion of the knob is exposed out of the second cover. The knob connects with the latching member. The elastic member connects to the latching member. The knob is able to drive the latching member to rotate relative to the fixing portion along a first circular direction and the elastic member is able to drive the latching member to rotate relative to the fixing portion along a second circular direction opposite to the first circular direction.

Abstract: A sash lock for a sash window assembly where the sash window assembly includes an upper sash window and a lower sash window, each of the sash windows being mounted within opposed guide rails on a master frame wherein at least one of the sash windows is slidable within the frame relative to the other sash window. The sash lock has a housing for mounting on a stile of one of the sash windows and a keeper for mounting on a stile of a second sash of the window. The housing has a locking assembly comprising an actuator and a catch. The actuator is adapted to move the catch. The catch is adapted to engage and disengage a keeper as the actuator is moved from a first position to a second position. The movement of the catch from a first position to a second position causes an indicator in the housing to signal whether the locking assembly of the sash lock is in locking position.