Abstract: A wall hook includes an inserting head defining a rotational axis, and a levering handle. The inserting head has a front penetrating tip adapted for rotatably inserting into a wall surface of the wall and a rear fulcrum end rearwardly extended from the penetrating tip along the rotational axis. The levering handle has a transverse arm integrally and transversely extended from the fulcrum end of the inserting head to substantially prolong a torque distance along the transverse arm with respect to the rotational axis, and a controlling arm integrally extended from the transverse arm in such a manner that when the levering handle is rotated, the inserting head is driven to rotate for rotatably penetrating into the wall so as to minimize a torque required to directly apply at the inserting head.

Abstract: A vertical fuel tank support system for efficiently supporting a vertical propane tank above the ground. The vertical fuel tank support system generally includes a support pad including an internal cavity, wherein the internal cavity extends throughout the support pad, an inner platform defining a first portion of an upper surface of the elongated support pad, wherein the inner platform is comprised of circular configuration, an outer platform defining a second portion of an upper surface of the elongated support pad, wherein the outer platform is comprised of circular configuration and an internal ribbing structure extending within the internal cavity and beneath the inner platform and the outer platform. The internal ribbing structure includes a first ribbing portion and a second ribbing portion, wherein the first ribbing portion interconnects with the second ribbing portion.

Abstract: There is provided a substantially planar, resilient base adapted for receiving the lower portion of a circular pail containing a material needing stirring or mixing. A raised annular wall on the upper surface of the planar base encircles the circumference of the lower portion of the bucket thereby retaining the bucket. One or more radially projecting wings provide pads upon which the feet of the person stirring the bucket contents may be placed further securing the base to the floor or other surface. The resilient nature of the upwardly projecting, bucket encircling wall allows accommodating buckets of varying diameters.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an erectable and/or collapsible floral easel for holding a floral object, and more particularly but not by way of limitation, to an erectable or collapsible floral easel for holding a floral object. In one aspect, the present invention relates to a floral easel for holding and/or supporting a floral object. In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to methods of shipping a floral easel, methods of using a floral easel, methods of storing a floral easel, and methods of placing a floral object on a floral easel.

Abstract: A fastening device for an internal rear view mirror of motor vehicles to be installed on an inner side of a windshield contains a holding part which is held in position on the windshield by adhesive bonding, to which holding part is detachably fastened a mirror foot of the internal rear view mirror. In order to obtain a statically precisely defined, highly rigid connection between the holding part and mirror foot, it is provided that the mirror foot, in its mounted operating position, is supported directly on the holding part merely by a six-point support and is fastened to the holding part by a separate retaining device.

Abstract: The invention provides improvements to an external vehicle mirror assembly. The pivot point is located at an outboard side of the mirror housing. The power pack is mounted at an inboard side of the mirror housing. The mirror case is molded with no obstructions in a recessed base for holding the mirror, and the pivotable socket is molded at one side of the mirror case. The mirror assembly is mounted to the vehicle through an improved mounting mechanism. Trim seals seal the mirror assembly to the vehicle with improved wind noise, moisture, and dust resistance, and fewer components.

Abstract: A transfer device for transferring an actuator displacement, has a housing with a first recess having a first and second plunger displaceably mounted. These plungers are actively connected via at least one transfer chamber by a fluid. The active connection causes the second plunger to be displaced when the first plunger is moved and vice versa. The transfer chamber is hydraulically coupled via a sealing gap to a compensating chamber compensating the pressure differences, in a delayed manner. The transfer device also has a chamber device with a compensating chamber, a chamber housing, and a first plunger. The chamber device has a device with a first body with a recess including a second body, and with an elastomer placed in the recess between the first and second body. The elastomer has a first groove extending at least partially along the recess.

Abstract: A damper device may include a frame, a baffle turnably supported on the frame, a drive unit for turnably driving the baffle, a first and a second turnable support parts for supporting the baffle on the frame, and a mechanical connecting part between the drive unit and the baffle which is structured at a position apart from a turning center axial line of the baffle. The first and second turnable support parts are structured by using a shaft part made of resin which is formed in one of the baffle and the frame, and a shaft hole which is formed in the other of the baffle and the frame. A passage through which cold air is passed is opened and closed by the baffle.

Abstract: A damper device may include a frame, a baffle turnably supported on the frame for opening and closing a passage through which fluid is passed, and a drive unit for turnably driving the baffle. The drive unit may include an output member whose tip end side structures a slide mechanism together with the baffle, and a driving part which causes the output member to linearly advance and retreat to and from the baffle. The slide mechanism includes a groove formed in one of a tip end side of the output member and the baffle so that the groove is extended to move the baffle, and a slider part provided in the other so that the slider part is fitted into the groove, and the groove is formed in which at least one of both end portions of the groove is formed in an open end.

Abstract: This disclosure teaches a magnet valve, having a valve insert and a tappet which is guided movably via a tappet guide in the valve insert and which is braced via a restoring spring on a valve body, and the restoring spring acts between a first contact face of the tappet and a second contact face on the valve body. According to the invention, fixation means which define a position of the restoring spring relative to the tappet and the valve body are disposed on the second contact face of the valve body.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus comprising a counter bearing (8) provided with a first recess (9), having a conical bearing surface (10), and an actuator unit comprising an actuator (6) whose axial extension is dependent upon an actuating signal. The actuator unit has a shoulder which is formed in an area of the actuator unit which faces away from the output and which has a domed surface (11). The domed surface (11) of the actuator unit rests upon the conical bearing surface (10) of the counter-bearing (8). The injection valve comprises said lifting device and an injector needle which is coupled to the lifting apparatus on the output side thereof and which prevents the flow of fluid through the injector nozzle when closed and otherwise releases it.

Abstract: A valve flow-directing vessel (42) comprising a sleeve (44) having a threaded installation portion (84) for connection to a receiving member, a plunger (46) movable within the sleeve (44) between a closed position and an opened position, and an orifice insert (48/50) fixedly attached to the sleeve (44). The orifice insert (48/50) defines an orifice (132) that is sealed when the plunger (46) is in the closed position and unsealed when the plunger (46) is in the opened position. The orifice (132) is the entrance to a passageway (130) having an exit (134) communicating with a delivery passage of the receiving member, and this exit (134) is positioned beyond the threaded installation portion (84) of the sleeve (44).

Abstract: A tool is used to elevate and hold a garbage disposer against a sink fixture during removal and/or installation of a garbage disposer. The tool includes a flat base including a notch opening through a corner of a rectilinear base to allow an electric cord to pass around the tool. A flat load supporting platform includes a similar notch. A screw jack force applying mechanism allows the platform to be raised relative to the base. The tool works equally well with the base down or with the platform down so the user doesn't have to turn the tool over for it to work.

Abstract: High contention and energy absorption capacity system to contain vehicle's side impact configured by an anchoring plate, configured by a post having a base, a frontal plate and a base plate and said post affixed to the terrain at regular intervals, configured by two or more systems of continuous horizontal rails arranged longitudinally and attached to the post by a clamp placed in the inner side of the rail and also constituted by a separating device that is characterized by the post's leg to be comprised by two tubular profiles, mutually facing, the base plate of the post having frontal and lateral-rear openings that permit a certain controlled displacement of the post's leg, as a separating device between the post and the rail there is a shock-absorbing system having high energy capacity that serves to endow the system with a high capacity to absorb the energy resulting from the impact of a vehicle and allow it to be redirectioned.

Abstract: A molded plastic fence having a unitary front fence section and a unitary rear fence section is provided. The unitary front fence section and the unitary rear fence section are coupled together to form a fence without visible molding artifacts. To emulate a traditional wooden fence, the fence sections preferably include various fence elements such as posts, slats and rails. The fence elements on each fence section typically have a planar member with an inner side and a raised edge extending from the inner side. The molding artifacts are disposed on the inner sides of the fence elements. The unitary front fence section and a unitary rear fence section are coupled with the raised edges engaging each other. In this configuration the molding artifacts are hidden from view and the fence elements appear as solid.

Abstract: A system for tensioning and locking a safety strand to a number of sequentially arranged stanchions is provided. The system includes tensioning means for applying a tensile force to one end of the safety strand when the safety strand is passed through a passage bore of each of the sequentially arranged stanchions and the other end of the safety strand is secured to an immovable object. Locking mechanisms are provided that each include a cable cradle having a receiving channel for receiving a portion of the safety strand, a clamping arrangement for engaging and trapping the portion of the safety strand within the receiving channel, and a device for securing the cable cradle and clamping arrangement to a stanchion. The cable cradle and securing device are configured so that when the cable cradle is secured to the selected stanchion, the receiving channel is in registry with the passage bore.

Abstract: An attachment clip used in combination with a steel fence post for affixing a horizontal support member thereto. The clip, the steel fence post and the horizontal support member when combined provide additional stability and reduce tilting and settling thereof. This in turn facilitates to maintain the overall height and alignment of the fence line. The clip is a unitary member having a rear elongated gripping channel, an elongated vertical centralized trough, upper and lower attachment flanges and clearance slots.

Abstract: A quiet, non-binding collapsible spring mechanism for resiliently supporting a mattress includes a system of collapsible, sinuous springs, each having hooked ends for silencing the mechanism during use or collapse, as well as central offset portions for enabling the sinuous springs to compress to a greater extent than heretofore. Both rigid and yieldable support structures connect the spring mechanism to an item of furniture.

Abstract: A reconfigurable clamp is provided, where the clamp includes: a clamp body including a plurality of through holes formed within the clamp body; a plurality of movable pins which slidably fit within the through holes in the clamp body; wherein the movable pins incorporate a tapered section to facilitate locking of the movable pins; and wherein the clamp is reconfigurable by movement of the pins to conform to a surface geometry of an object of arbitrary shape through contact with that object. The clamped surface is represented as a series of discrete points corresponding to the ends of the plurality of pins.

Abstract: Provided is a sheet processing apparatus for performing a bookbinding process by folding a sheet stack, including: a folding roller pair including a first roller and a second roller brought into press contact with the first roller to be contacted/separated with/from the first roller, for conveying the sheet stack while folding the sheet stack; a plurality of urging members capable of urging the second roller in a direction of the first roller; and an urging mechanism for changing a number of the urging members for urging the second roller according to a thickness of the sheet stack to be folded.

Abstract: When a new paper sheet is supplied onto a compiling tray, a sub-paddle holds down paper sheets having already been stacked on the compiling tray until a leading edge of the new paper sheet S touches the stacked paper sheets. Thereafter, the sub-paddle gets apart from the sheets stacked on the compiling tray with timing, with which the rear edge of the new paper sheet falls on the compiling tray.

Abstract: A sheet cutting apparatus, including: a cutting knife for cutting a sheet bundle including a plurality of sheets; a sub-waste box capable of temporally receiving cutting wastage of a sheet bundle which has been cut; and a main waste box capable of receiving the cutting wastage received in the sub-waste box, in which the main waste box is constructed so that a wastage disposal operation of the cutting wastage received in the main waste box can be made while the sub-waste box temporally receives the cutting wastage.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus which enables the user to easily remove a sheet bundle left in the apparatus after a bookbinding-mode job is stopped in the middle of execution thereof. In a bookbinding mode of the apparatus, in a sheet stacking section, a plurality of sheets having images formed thereon are stacked as a sheet bundle; in a gluing section, glue is applied to an end face of the sheet bundle; and in a bonding section, a cover sheet is bonded to the sheet bundle to wrap the sheet bundle in the cover sheet. When a bookbinding-mode job is canceled during execution thereof, in the gluing section, glue is applied to the sheet bundle stacked in the stacking section before the job is stopped, and a discharge section discharges the glue-applied sheet bundle which is neither wrapped nor trimmed.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing flat media comprises a media storage bin at a first end and a discharge chute at a second end, with a coarse media separator located adjacent the media storage bin and a rear conveyor which is intermittently driven to convey the media towards a singulation separator, having a front conveyor which delivers media to a transport conveyor and to a discharge chute. A sensor senses media at a location just before the singulation separator. Media from the bottom of the storage bin are pass through the coarse media separator and lie on the rear conveyor in shingled arrangement, and are pulled into the singulation separator one at a time. The rear conveyor works only when the sensor senses the absence of media.

Abstract: A friction feeder apparatus for handling sheets of paper of differing thicknesses includes a first plurality of laterally spaced apart transport belts positioned in underlying relation to the paper and a second plurality of laterally spaced apart separator wheels positioned in overlying relation to the paper. The transport belts are staggered with respect to the separator wheels. A sheet of paper passing through the feeder apparatus is undeflected from the top as it encounters the transport belts and is unsupported from the bottom as it encounters the separator wheels so that the sheet of paper is not held flat as it passes through the feeder but instead is forced into a wave-like, sinusoidal-like shape. In a first embodiment, the separator wheels are downstream of a fixed nip roller and in a second embodiment, the separator wheels are upstream of the fixed nip roller.

Abstract: There is described a paper sheet conveyance apparatus and an image forming apparatus, which makes it possible not only to achieve the minimization and the cost reduction of the apparatus; but also to achieve the high-speed conveyance operation of the paper sheet without generating any step out of the stepping motor. The paper sheet conveyance apparatus, includes: a pair of conveyance rollers to convey a paper sheet; and a stepping motor to drive one of the pair of conveyance rollers. At least one of the conveyance rollers is a roller made of aluminum alloy metal. Further, the roller made of the aluminum alloy metal is shaped in a hallow cylinder. Still further, a surface hardening treatment is applied to a circumferential surface of the roller made of the aluminum alloy metal.

Abstract: A store for storing value sheets such as banknotes in a stack and for dispensing the value notes from the stack. When more than a single value sheet is dispensed from the stack, the store returns all but one of the value sheets to the stack while moving the stack to reduce friction between the returning value sheet and the topmost value sheet of the stack. Means for securing the stack are also provided: a support for the stack is anchored and/or extra pressure is applied to the stack. The store includes means for indicating when the stack contains more than a predetermined number of value sheets and means for preventing securing of the store when the predetermined number of value sheets is exceeded. A value sheet store with part of a sidewall integrally formed with the lid. A value sheet store which includes a lid attached to a housing by a hinge located on an edge of the housing. Apparatus and a method for determining the height of a stack of value sheets.

Abstract: A sheet in accordance with the present invention includes sheets as print mediums for a printer and a package member surrounding the sheets which have been stacked up. The sheet package is configured so that the sheets can be set in the printer together with the package member exposing part of the sheets. The package member is integrally provided with a flap part which can expose part of the sheets by being opened when the sheet package is set in the printer and cover the exposed part of the sheets by being closed when the sheet package is not used.

Abstract: A sheet feed mechanism includes a chassis for supporting a stack of sheets; a top sheet engaging member for engaging a top most sheet of the stack; a stack engaging structure for engaging the stack and biasing the top most sheet against the top sheet engaging member, the stack engaging structure hingedly connected to the chassis at a hinge axis; a friction surface extending from the stack engaging structure, the friction surface extending in a curvature parallel to a locus of the stack engaging structure about the hinge axis; a lock mechanism having a lock arm hingedly connected to the chassis at the hinge axis, the lock mechanism further having a biased contact foot for engaging the friction surface to retard a movement of the stack engaging structure about the hinge axis; and an actuator for engaging and disengaging the contact foot from the friction surface.

Abstract: A sheet conveying device includes a first conveying path configured to pass a sheet of a recording medium (e.g., paper) therethrough to a sheet processing device, a second conveying path branched from the first conveying path and configured to temporarily store the paper sheet conveyed therein, a sheet conveying mechanism configured to selectably convey the paper sheet in one of forward and backward directions to the sheet processing device, a guide member mounted at a branch point of the first and second conveying paths and configured to guide the paper sheet when the paper sheet is conveyed in the backward direction by the sheet conveying mechanism to the second conveying path, and a control unit configured to control the sheet conveying mechanism to change a distance between the branch point and the sheet conveying mechanism according to a length of the paper sheet in a forward sheet conveying direction.

Abstract: In a sheet transport system for a reproduction machine, the transport system defining a transport channel through which the sheet travels in a transport direction, an improvement comprises one or more plenums associated with the transport channel, each plenum connectable to an air flow supply, and one or more openings between each plenum and the transport channel. At least one of the one or more openings is arranged to direct air flowing through the plenum into the transport channel in the transport direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic document feeder having a mechanism for releasing paper jam by disconnecting the transmission device. The automatic document feeder includes a driving motor, a transmission device, a plurality of paper transfer rollers, a swing arm and a releasing arm. The driving motor is used for providing driving power. The transmission device and is coupled to the driving motor for transmitting the driving power. The swing arm is coupled to some of the transmission elements and operated in either a connection state or a disconnection state. The releasing arm is selectively contacted with the swing arm to have the swing arm enter the disconnection state or separated from the swing arm to have the swing arm enter the connection state. The paper jam is released when the swing arm is operated in the disconnection state.

Abstract: An apparatus for ejecting sheets from a sheet transport path onto an auxiliary stack disposed upstream of a main stack, includes a planar sheet guide surface having a sheet ejection opening formed therein. The sheet ejection opening is closed by a sheet separating element and a flap, in a closed state. The separating element and the flap also serve as guide elements during the ejection of sheets.

Abstract: A system, method and lottery ticket that implement a lottery game that uses a geometric figure having a plurality of selection spaces from which a player selects at least one selection space. The selection spaces are then populated with one or more game indicia, with each game indicia having a point value, and prizes are awarded based upon the total number of points associated with the game indicia populated into the player-selected selection spaces. Other lottery games can also be played simultaneously therewith on the same ticket or round of play.

Abstract: The present invention preferably relates to a casino card game played with a standard fifty-two card deck. The game is divided into a bonus round, progressive bonus round, and a challenge round. Each player places an ante and a bonus wager and, if desired, an optional progressive bonus wager at the start of the game and must place an additional wager to continue into the challenge round. The dealer pays winning hands at three points in the game, at the end of the bonus round, at the end of the progressive bonus round, and at the end of the challenge round. The bonus round is paid according to each player's two card hand plus a third (bonus) community card. The progressive bonus round is paid according to each player's two card hand plus a third (bonus) and fourth (progressive bonus) community card. The challenge round is played one-on-one with each player two card hand versus the dealer's.

Abstract: The present invention preferably relates to a casino card game played with a standard fifty-two card deck. The game is divided into a bonus round and a challenge round. Each player places an ante and a bonus wager at the start of the game and must place a third wager to continue into the challenge round. The dealer pays winning hands at two points in the game, at the end of the bonus round and at the end of the challenge round. The bonus round is paid according to each player's two card hand plus a third community card. The challenge round is played one-on-one with each player two card hand versus the dealer's. The player has the option to buy a new card and surrender a card of his choice during the challenge round for a predetermined price.

Abstract: A game to be modified in accordance with the invention involves a first random outcome and a second random outcome that are combined according to game rules to produce a game outcome. The game is administered by receiving a player request for a specific entry, the specific entry replacing one of the random outcomes and being selected from a finite set of possibilities not determined by chance. The requested specific entry affects the probable outcome of the game. The specific entry is combined with the remaining one of the random outcomes according to the game rules to determine the game outcome. According to one embodiment, the specific entry may be a score such as 18 which replaces the player's hand in the game of blackjack.

Abstract: A multi-section board is sandwiched by a fabric base and a fabric pillow-top, with the two fabric layers being stitched together along the edges and along the seams between the board sections. Pockets in the pillow-top receive fill which can be manmade or natural to form a cushion for the pitched elastomeric pitching shoes which are used with the pitching station. The stake is attached to a plate that is received in a pocket in the two fabrics. The stake and plate may be steel or plastic. The pitching station can be formed into a convenient triangular shape for storage and transport.

Abstract: A target stand system having at least two stand assemblies is provided. Each stand assembly comprises a post member configured at one end for insertion into a support surface and a support member connected to the post member by an attachment portion such that a gap is formed between the post member and the support member. The gap has a width sufficient to support a target. The stand assemblies are spaced apart a distance to support a target.

Abstract: A driven seal assembly is provided for a shaft rotated by a motor disposed in a motor housing and having a seal housing adjacent to the motor housing through which the shaft extends. A first rotary seal is frictionally fit on the shaft adjacent the first stationary seal seat. A second rotary seal is frictionally fit on the shaft adjacent a second stationary seal seat. A spring surrounds the shaft and provides bi-directional axial forces on the first and second rotary seals against the first and second stationary seal seats. A positive drive mechanism is mounted on the shaft between the first and second rotary seals in a driving, mating relationship therewith and includes a first driving element in driving engagement with the first rotary seal and a second driving element in driving engagement with the second rotary seal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a static pressure type non-contact gas seal which, even when supply of seal gas 6 to the space between sealing end surfaces 3a and 4a has stopped unexpectedly, can be safely used with no possibility that the sealing end surfaces 3a and 4a collide severely against each other and consequently the sealing end surfaces 3a and 4a are damaged or destructed. In this static pressure type non-contact gas seal, the seal gas 6 is supplied to the space between the sealing end surfaces 3a and 4a from a seal gas passage 5, thereby generating an opening force that acts on the stationary sealing ring 4 in a direction that the space between the sealing end surfaces 3a and 4a is opened.

Abstract: A non-contacting seal for sealing in high temperature applications includes at least one segment having an inner pad with a hydrodynamic/hydrostatic lift-off geometry enabling the seal to run in a non-contact mode, and at least one finger spring supported on the pad that aids in making the seal radially compliant while also being axially stiff, compared to the radial direction. In one embodiment, multiple segments are supported on a support member spaced from the pad to form a gap (g) therebetween. The pad preferably includes a wear resistant layer on its inner diameter (ID) which prevents excessive wear of the pad. In one embodiment, the hydrodynamic/hydrostatic lift-off geometry is in the form of a groove formed on the inner pad. A cover may also be provided between inner pads at the ID and the support ring at the outer diameter OD in order to prevent leakage through the gap.

Abstract: A pressure balanced shaft seal assembly that allows a seal to dynamically respond to angular or radial misalignment of a shaft is disclosed. The pressure balanced shaft seal assembly includes a fixed stator, a floating stator, and a labyrinth seal. In one embodiment, the floating stator and labyrinth seal are mounted within an annular groove formed in the fixed stator such that the floating stator and labyrinth seal may move a predetermined amount in the radial direction with respect to the fixed stator. A spherical interface between the labyrinth seal and floating stator may allow the labyrinth seal to pivot with respect to the floating stator during angular misalignment of a shaft around which the pressure balanced shaft seal assembly is mounted. A pressure balancing annular channel formed in the floating stator allows pressurized seal fluid to balance the axial pressure exerted on the floating stator by the process fluid.

Abstract: An embodiment provides a MLS gasket that includes a metal body portion having an external periphery, an upper body surface generally defining a first plane. At least one cylinder aperture formed in the metal body portion and defined by an inner aperture surface. The gasket also includes a combustion seal insert including a first insert layer having an outer first periphery, a top first insert surface and a bottom first insert surface. The outer first periphery is circumscribed by the inner aperture surface. The first insert layer includes a first insert bead portion. The gasket further includes a first sealing layer having a top first sealing surface and a bottom first sealing surface. Portions of the bottom first sealing surface are selectively in contact with each of the upper body surface and the top first insert surface. Compression of the first insert bead portion is selectively limited by the body portion.

Abstract: A drill chuck has a chuck body, a holder body, and a front sleeve surrounding the bodies, with jaws between them. A ring of teeth on one of the bodies can be engaged by a pawl angularly fixed on the other of the bodies. When engaged, the pawl and the array of teeth allow rotate relative to the chuck body in a tightening direction but not in a loosening direction. Respective interengaging stops on the other body and on the front sleeve limit relative angular movement of the front sleeve on the other body between a pair of angularly offset end positions. A back control sleeve has a cam formation engageable with the pawl in only one of the end positions to hold the pawl in the freeing position. The pawl is biased by a spring in the other end position into the locking position.

Abstract: A universal tool shank can include an elongate body having first and second portions. The first portion can include at least one flat thereon for engagement with a recess in a first tool. The second portion can include at least one protrusion extending radially outwardly therefrom for engagement with a recess in a second tool. The first and second portions can be disposed axially apart from one another.

Abstract: A suspension system for an agricultural or construction industry vehicle is described. The suspension system comprises two hydraulic cylinders, which support a frame in relation to an axle of the vehicle, the hydraulic cylinders each having a piston-side chamber and a piston rod-side chamber and each of the chambers of the hydraulic cylinders being connectable to one another via connecting lines provided with a switch valve, a first supply line, which can be connected via a switch valve to the piston-side connecting line of the first hydraulic cylinder, a second supply line, which can be connected via a switch valve to the piston-side connecting line of the second hydraulic cylinder, a hydraulic accumulator, in each case connectable to the supply lines via proportionally adjustable orifices, a hydraulic source, a hydraulic tank, a control valve device, and an electronic control unit.

Abstract: An actuator is provided for a two-part stabilizer, which builds up a spring rate in its opened position. A hydraulic absorbing unit (9) is arranged on the axle of the switchable coupling unit (8). The absorbing unit is connected to one stabilizer part (4), on the one hand, and to the other stabilizer part (5), on the other hand. The absorbing unit forms at least one pressure chamber (32) and a suction chamber (33) and assumes a blocked position in the locked position of the switchable coupling (8) and counteracts the relative twisting motion between the two stabilizer parts (4, 5) at a hydraulic spring rate in the opened position of the switchable coupling (8).

Abstract: A snow bike has a frame which can be either a custom frame or an existing bicycle frame. A pair of footrests consisting of two rods extending perpendicularly from the frame at a location usually set for the pedal means of a bicycle provides a user with a way of resting his feet while using the snow bike.

Abstract: A creeper is disclosed for protecting a user in a supine position when manoeuvring under a raised object. The creeper comprises a user support surface and a safety structure. The safety structure comprises at least one upwardly projecting rigid element defining a protective space above at least a portion of the support surface. A foldable creeper which folds into a work bench and comprises a similar safety structure is also disclosed.