Abstract: A sliding mechanism includes a sheet position limiting member having a sheet position limiting surface, the sheet position limiting member being configured to slide in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the sheet position limiting surface; and a guide member configured to guide the sliding of the sheet position limiting member.

Abstract: A paper feeding apparatus includes a cassette main body that stacks a paper therein, a sidewall that moves in a width direction of the cassette main body, an end wall that moves in a longitudinal direction of the cassette main body, a first movable member that is connected at one end to the sidewall and rotates around a shaft axially fixed to the cassette main body in connection with the sidewall, a second movable member that is connected at one end to the end wall and rotates around a shaft axially fixed to the cassette main body in connection with the end wall, a first detection unit that has a plurality of detection members and detects the size of the paper in the width direction, and a second detection unit that has a plurality of detection members and detects the size of the paper in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a duplexer are disclosed in which a guide directs a sheet to a first transport which continues to move the sheet in a first direction or moves the sheet in an opposite direction to subsequently overturn the sheet.

Abstract: At least two coaxially rotatable sheet conveyors, operating together with one another, are provided, of which the first sheet conveyor, with a jacket surface serving as placement for the sheet, specifies essentially a curvature path for the sheet to be conveyed, and the second sheet conveyor has at least one gripping element to grip the accepted front edge of the sheet, in such a way that the front edge of the sheet can be gripped and conveyed between the gripping element and the jacket sheet.

Abstract: A sheet transport method and apparatus are provided for improving the handling of sheets control in printing systems. This automatic sheet transport system and method includes transporting a sheet in the printing machine via a transport belt circulating in a direction of transport, wherein a sheet contact surface of the circulating transport belt is made of an electrically non-conducting material. The method includes placing a sheet on an area of the transport belt and sucking or holding the sheet to the circulating transport belt by a negative pressure applied through the belt and also applying electrical charges to generate electro-static holding forces between the circulating transport belt and the sheet.

Abstract: A sheet medium adjustment apparatus, e.g., in an image forming system, includes: an ejector to eject a conveyed sheet; a stacking device to stack each sheet ejected from the sheet ejector into a stack on a tray; a moving device to shift the stacking device in a movement direction perpendicular to a sheet-ejecting direction; a sheet aligning member to align ends of the sheets in the stack that are parallel to the sheet-ejecting direction; a stepping motor to move the sheet aligning member; and an evacuation device to evacuate the aligning member by an amount representing an evacuation displacement in the movement direction at a timing of aligning the sheet, the evacuation displacement being determined adaptively according to at least one of an attribute of a given sheet in the stack, an attribute of the stack as a whole and an attribute of the tray.

Abstract: A sheet handling system comprising a sheet registration system having sheet registration nips and a receiving system for a sheet including a capturing point for engaging said sheet. Auxiliary nips are positioned between the sheet registration nips and the receiving station. The auxiliary nips are moveable between an open and closed position. A controller receives a signal indicative of the length of the sheet and sends a signal to the auxiliary nips to be in a sheet engaging position when the length of the sheet is less than the distance between the sheet feeding nips and the capturing point of the receiving station and be in an open position if the length of the sheet is greater than the distance between the sheet registration nips and the capturing point of the receiving station. In another embodiment, the auxiliary nips are maintained in their open position until the trailing edge of a sheet is about to leave the sheet registration nips, at which point the auxiliary nips are closed.

Abstract: A paper guide adjusting mechanism of an office machine includes a main body, a plurality of elastic elements, a transmission member, a plurality of fixing elements and a pressing plate. The main body includes a plurality of confining elements, which have respective recess structures. The transmission member includes a roller axle and a plurality of rollers, wherein the roller axle is partially received in the recess structures and the rollers are sheathed around the roller axle. The fixing elements are disposed in respective recess structures of the confining elements, wherein each fixing element has a base and the base has a first surface sustained against a corresponding elastic element and a second surface sustained against the roller axle. The pressing plate is sustained against the elastic elements.

Abstract: A gripper system for controlling the loading and unloading of sheets on a cylindrical sheet guide. The gripper system comprises one or more grippers, which are positioned at an outer edge of the cylindrical sheet guide. Each gripper is coupled to a cam follower. The gripper system further comprises a cam, which is configured for affecting the elevation of the gripper(s) by moving the cam follower(s), and a servomotor, which is adapted for steering the cam. A cam-gripper controller is provided for controlling the servomotor according to a current printing profile.

Abstract: A configurable manual controller (10, 140) for manipulating images or symbols on a display is adapted for construction with matable building elements (122) arranged by a user. The user forms the manual controller to exhibit a customized shape and ornamental appearance reflecting the user's game-inspired, ergonomic, or style preferences.

Abstract: The construction and balancing puzzle of the present invention utilizes multiple differently shaped parts which are assembled vertically on a stand to form particular designs. During the assembling or construction, the assembled parts must be balanced at all times. The basic puzzle piece is an injection molded cube and the remaining puzzle pieces are fabricated by joining several cubes together in a single plane. The stand or base includes a flat bottom to be supported on a table and the upper portion is made from two upwardly facing walls that are at an angle of 90 degrees with respect to each other to form a V. Each of the two walls of the base has a length that is preferably one and one-half times the length of the cube that makes the basic puzzle piece.

Abstract: In a guts game variation, one or more players play against one another and a sole participant must beat two “dead man” hands to win. For example, each player bets the ante and is dealt a hand of two cards. Each player is then given the option to participate in the hand or withdraw. All participating hands are revealed by turning the cards face-up. The player with the highest hand collects the pot, and all other participating players must put into the pot an amount equal to the value of winner's pot. When only one participant has elected to remain in the hand, the participant must beat both “dead man” hands in order to win the pot. The game ends when a sole participant beats both “dead man” hands, whereupon the cards are reshuffled and re-dealt to commence a new round of play.

Abstract: An article of manufacture for use by a player in a game or as a collectible figure, comprising a first portion comprising a representational figure and a second portion affixed to the first portion and comprising a coupling member arranged to be coupled with a preexisting support structure so that a user of the article of manufacture is enabled to couple it with the support structure and uncouple it therefrom.

Abstract: A method of conducting a video poker game is disclosed. The method comprises offering players an option to draw cards a second time in response to an initial hand meeting certain pre-established requirements. For example, if an initial hand having five cards includes four cards to a royal flush or straight flush, or three cards to a four of a kind, the player may be provided with the second draw opportunity. The player may also have to hold the pre-established cards. To participate in the second draw opportunity the player places a second wager such that payouts are provided from a second pay table wherein certain payouts are decreased over those found in a pay table associated with one draw outcomes. In some versions, the second draw opportunity is only provided to players placing a first wager meeting or exceeding a minimum threshold value (e.g., maximum coins or units).

Abstract: A projectile having multiple openings for tossing onto a game field for encouraging and developing hand-eye coordination. The projectiles have plural fingers extending from a central hub of the projectile. The game field includes plural targets sized to fit within the projectile openings. Points are scored by using hand-eye coordination to toss the projectile so that it comes to rest on the field with one or more openings enclosing or partially enclosing a target or targets. This is a game that is safe and can be played indoors or outdoors by the entire family. The tossed projectile is designed to be lightweight and the targets are designed to minimize possible injury. The pegs can fold to a horizontal position in case of an accident.

Abstract: An automatic reset target plate rack has a plurality of target plates and latches, a reset plate, and a reset mechanism. In operation, the user strikes one or more of the target plates, which travel rearward and are captured by the latches, and the user next strikes the reset plate to activate the reset mechanism and free the captured target plates, returning them to their upright position. In one aspect, a target plate rack consistent with the invention includes a target plate pivoting on a first axis; and a latch pivoting on a second axis. The latch is positioned to contact and capture the target plate when the target plate is pivoted to a predetermined rotational position. In another aspect, a target plate rack consistent with the invention includes a target plate pivotally disposed on a pivot rod and biased toward a first predetermined rotational position.

Abstract: A ball returning tent net includes a frame that is supported on the ground on three or four contact points, and a ball-catch enclosure that is supported by the frame. The ball-catch enclosure includes an aperture that is adapted to pass a ball through, and a rear wall that is adapted to catch the ball and a bottom net. The frame includes a front frame member that supports the aperture and a rear frame member that supports the rear wall. The bottom net is inclined downward toward the front frame member. The ball-catch enclosure further includes an anti-sagging device that prevents sagging of the bottom net.

Abstract: A prize acquisition game apparatus is provided which does not require the effort of replacing an interchangeable discharging port structure unit but rather has a discharging port the size of which can be easily changed. The prize acquisition game apparatus comprises: operation means which is operated by a player; a prize housing section for housing a plurality of prizes; prize acquiring means for acquiring a said prize; a discharging port which is formed in the prize housing section for discharging the prize from the prize housing section; control means for controlling the prize acquiring means to operate in response to an operation signal from the operation means; a discharged prize receiving section for receiving the prize discharged through the discharging port by the prize acquiring means which operates under the control of the control means; and sliding means for sliding a frame which is provided on the discharging port to change the size of the discharging port according to a distance the frame is slid.

Abstract: A seal member with its base end connected to a metal core has three seal lips. The thickness of the tip end of the intermediate seal lip in the intermediate position is d1, and the thickness of the base end is d2. The thickness of the tip end of the innermost inner seal lip is D1 and that thickness of the base end is D2. In this case, at least part of the base end of the intermediate seal lip and inner seal lip has its thickness regulated to be 0.2·d1?d2?0.8·d1, and 0.5·D1?D2<D1. The tip edge of the inner seal lip is fitted onto the outer peripheral surface of the radially inside cylindrical portion of a slinger with substantially zero interference. Consequently, even if the slinger and metal core are displaced relative to each other, excellent seal performance is secured while increase of torque is inhibited.

Abstract: A work fixing device capable of stably fixing the work, without any biasing, in the longitudinal direction of the work, of the fastening force for fixing the work. The moving mechanism of clamps is constructed by comprising a scroll disc as working disc forming a circular hole in which to insert the work at the center and scroll guides in spiral shape the winding direction of which is opposite to each other from the center toward the outer circumference on the both side faces, a rotary drive mechanism for rotatably driving this scroll disc, and scroll pieces having a fitting portion to be engaged with the scroll guides of the scroll disc and disposed on both sides of the scroll disc in a way to correspond to a plurality of clamps respectively.

Abstract: A stabilizer is provided for a motor vehicle with two shafts (2, 3), which extend in the transverse direction of the vehicle, can be coupled with one another via a mechanical coupling (40) and are in functional connection with wheels of the motor vehicle with their ends facing away from the coupling (40). A first shaft is connected to a first coupling portion designed as a locking disk and a second shaft is connected to a second coupling portion, which cooperates with the locking disk (7) and is designed as a locking device (8).

Abstract: According to a method for controlling the air volume in a closed pneumatic spring system of a vehicle, an air-powered pump supplies at least two pneumatic springs and/or a compressed air reservoir with a specific air volume as needed such that the air pressure prevailing in the respective pneumatic spring and/or the compressed air reservoir is at a level which causes a vehicle body resting on the pneumatic spring to be positioned at a desired distance from the roadway or the vehicle axle.

Abstract: The combination scooter/backpack is an article carrying device with the capacity to be converted into a wheeled land vehicle, and therefore has two modes of usage. The article carrying device resembles a conventional backpack with two straps positioned to be placed over the user's shoulders, entitled backpack mode. The wheeled land vehicle functions as a popular collapsible scooter, two wheels mounted upon a board member with propulsion means provided by user's contact with the ground, entitled scooter mode. A horizontal handlebar is positioned at the top of the combination and serves to steer the front wheel during scooter mode. Conversion between backpack mode and scooter mode is accomplished with the raising and lowering of said handlebar and the manipulation of releasable fasteners and latches. In both backpack and scooter modes, a cover circumferentially surrounds the combination scooter/backpack to secure and protect components that are not in use.

Abstract: A mobile saw stand brake system incorporates a pair of swing-out legs pivotally connected to a saw stand main frame. A first end of the main frame is supported on a pair of rotating wheels. A pair of brake lever arms, each having a brake shoe end and a distal actuating end, are pivotally connected to the main frame. A tension mechanism is interconnected with the pair of swing-out legs so as to actuate the brake lever arms to engage the wheels when the legs are extended in their swing-out position. The brakes are disengaged when the swing-out legs are folded into a stowed position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fork-lift truck comprising two steering wheels mounted on one axle, provided with a lifting and steering device arranged thereon and a fork-carrier frame mounted on the track rollers, comprising two supporting beams. The fork-carrier frame is mounted in such a manner that it interacts with the lifting and steering device. The fork-lift truck also comprises a set of wheels which can be disposed in the region of the front ends of the fork of the supporting beams on the fork-carrier frame. The aim of the invention is to enable a fork-lift truck to be fitted with an additional set of wheels if desired without having an adverse effect on the advantages of the use thereof. This is achieved by virtue of the fact that the fork-lift truck comprises overlapping tracks which extend the supporting beams and which can be detachably fixed to the fork-carrier frame and can be placed onto the supporting beams. The set of wheels are detachably arranged on the front side of the tracks.

Abstract: A mobile transport platform for the handling of aeronautical parts with a frame has an array of telescopic actuators vertically arranged in rows and columns, each telescopic actuator is coupled by one end to the frame, and has a coupled head (2c) at its opposite end; a control system connected to each telescopic actuator for individually controlling the actuation of each telescopic actuator so that the telescopic actuator can adapt a position between that of maximum extension in which the head and at least part of the shaft of the telescopic actuator project from the plane of the load surface, and that of maximum retraction in which at least the shaft of the telescopic actuator does not project from the plane of the load surface.

Abstract: A tag axle operating system comprises a gas circuit with gas at a prescribed pressure and a hydraulic circuit that delivers hydraulic fluid pressure to raise and establish the tag axle in an inactive condition and to lower and establish the tag axle in an active condition. The hydraulic circuit establishes a prescribed hydraulic pressure opposing the gas pressure and a resulting force forcing the tag axle tires to bear against a road surface and the tag axle to accept a predetermined load. A brake valve allows air pressure delivery to operate tag axle air brakes while the prescribed hydraulic pressure is maintained and prevents such delivery to disable the brakes when the prescribed hydraulic pressure is relieved. And the hydraulic circuit operates to relieve the prescribed hydraulic pressure to relieve the force on the tag axle and disable the brakes when the tag axle experiences a predetermined tilt angle.

Abstract: The present invention realizes a common use of left and right gear casings aims thus reducing a manufacturing cost by an amount corresponding to the common use of the left and right gear casings. According to the present invention, in a tractor in which a front axle case which extends in the lateral direction is mounted on a body frame, and a pair of left and right front wheels are respectively mounted on left and right end portions of the front axle case by way of left and right gear casings, the front axle case is constituted of a center casing forming body and left and right casing forming bodies which have respective proximal end portions thereof connected to left and right end portions of the center casing forming body, and proximal end portions of the left and right casing forming bodies have mounting positions thereof arranged adjustable about axes with respect to the left and right end portions of the center casing forming body.

Abstract: A vehicle having a chassis, front wheels each having an axis of rotation, and a suspension assembly for connecting the front wheels to the chassis. The suspension assembly is adapted to allow the front wheels to move transverse to their axes of rotation, but in opposite directions, in order to tilt the chassis. The suspension assembly includes a wheel orientation defining rod coupled to at least one of the front wheels, and a unit for pivotably coupling the wheel orientation defining rod to the chassis. The coupling unit ensures that a wheel orientation of the front wheel defined by the wheel orientation defining rod is essentially independent of movement of the front wheel transverse to the axis of rotation thereof.

Abstract: An axle/suspension system for a heavy-duty vehicle, in which the vehicle includes a frame that extends in a longitudinal direction relative to the vehicle. The axle/suspension system is attached to the vehicle frame via at least one hanger and includes at least one beam, which includes a first end and a second end. The first end of the beam is connected to the hanger, and the second end of the beam immovably captures an axle, which extends in a transverse direction relative to the vehicle. The beam is formed of a composite material and has a substantially constant cross section in the transverse direction to provide sufficient strength to control roll forces encountered by the vehicle during operation.

Abstract: A step assembly for a vehicle comprising an elongated main body having a substantially straight portion and two end portions; a generally U-shaped step bar having a substantially straight portion parallel to the main body and two bent portions, the bent portions welded to the main body and a step surface having a plurality of apertures that is affixed to the step bar to provide traction to the user. The main body is preferably welded to at least one support bracket. The installation of the step assembly is a two step process that comprises engagably attaching at least one mounting bracket to a vehicle and then engagably attaching the support bracket, which is preferably welded to the main body, to the mounting bracket.

Abstract: A bicycle attachment comprises a pair of spaced rotatable wheels for engaging with a support surface, a connecting portion extending between and secured to the wheels, and a securing portion hinged relative to the connecting portion such that the securing portion is able to pivot relative to the connecting portion. The securing portion is adapted to be secured relative to a fork of a bicycle such that swiveling the fork relative to a frame of the bicycle also swivels the wheels and the connecting portion relative to the frame, and such that pivoting the securing portion relative to the connecting portion also pivots the fork relative to the connecting portion.

Abstract: A suspension for a two-wheeled vehicle includes first and second fork legs. Each fork leg includes a dropout. Each dropout has an opening therethrough. At least a portion of one of the openings is threaded. Each of the dropouts includes a split-clamp pinch bearing defining the opening and operable between an open position and a locked position, and a hand operable actuator pivoted to the bearing for operation thereof. The suspension further includes a one-piece axle. The axle is disposed through the openings. The axle has a threaded first end engaged with the threaded portion. The axle has an ergonomic grip formed at a second end. The bearing tightly engages an outer surface of the axle in the locked position, thereby rotationally coupling the axle to the dropout.

Abstract: A method for the transmission of electrical, pneumatic, or hydraulic energy between a first vehicle and a second vehicle, coupled thereto, for example a tractor vehicle and a trailer and an energy transmission system. The aim of the invention is development of a method and an energy transmission system permitting an operationally-secure driving condition over a long period even with a partly or completely damaged plug coupling system. Said aim is achieved by means of, amongst other things, a method whereby the energy in the energy distribution line is introduced from the energy supply line in a controlled manner.

Abstract: A rollover prevention device for commercial tractor/trailers that senses when the tractor portion of the commercial truck has reached the critical height at which rollover of the trailer cannot be avoided. Once this critical height is reached pneumatic cylinders and pins automatically release the trailer from the tractor, thereby preserving human life and minimizing damage to property.

Abstract: A device for bringing the separated truck and trailer borne elements of a goose neck hitch arrangement fully into position for completing the mating of the two elements without requiring the vehicle operator to leave the vehicle; and then for completing the mating of the elements and locking the hitch into place with the vehicle. An open bottomed receiver well is located in the tow vehicle bed. The trailer borne hitch section that drops into the receiver well comprises a funnel shaped member having a rod shaped probe as its lower end. The rod shaped probe, dependent from the goose neck trailer tongue is used to visually align the hitch over the receiver well as the truck is backed beneath it. The driver then exits and the probe serves to guide the hitch into the receiver well as the trailer tongue is lowered toward the truck bed following which a pair of lock pins are used to complete the hitching.

Abstract: A retracting tow system is disclosed which provides a spring loaded tow rope which automatically winds the tow rope around an included spool when not in use. The tow rope is affixed to a supplied shaft in a manner which prevents damage to the retracting mechanism while in use. An offset fairlead is also supplied which reduces the force on the shaft during a tow.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and other embodiments associated with a trailer tongue pivot hinge are described herein. In an embodiment, a pivot assembly for a tongue of a towing trailer includes a trailer arm adapter, a coupler arm adapter, and a pivot member. The trailer arm adapter includes an engagement face positioned at an angle, along with a pivot hinge member and a coupling hinge member extending from the engagement face, where the coupling hinge member is opposed to the pivot hinge member. The coupler arm adapter includes an engagement face positioned at an angle, along with a pivot hinge member and a coupler hinge member extending from the engagement face, where the second coupling hinge member is opposed to the second pivot hinge member. The pivot member is positioned to pivotally engage the trailer arm adapter to the couple arm adapter.

Abstract: A frame assembly for a double-seat baby stroller is provided. The frame assembly comprises: a first frame including a first main post, plural first bars, plural second bars, plural third bar, a central post and a first folding device pivotally connected to one another; and a second frame including a second main post, plural fourth bars, plural fifth bars, plural sixth bar, the central post and a second folding device pivotally connected to one another. The frame assembly is characterized by further comprising a linking mechanism connecting one of the bars of the first frame and one of the bars of the second frame, wherein when the second main post of the second frame and the central post become close to each other, the one of the bars of the first frame is driven to move via the linking mechanism by the one of the bars of the second frame, so that the first main post of the first frame and the central post become close to each other.

Abstract: A collapsible and transportable dolly including first and second rigid base portions hingedly secured together at a central location. First and second pairs of wheels secure to underside locations associated with the base portions. First and second substantially rectangular and frame shaped end supports secure in upwardly extending fashion to opposite end locations of the hingedly connected base portions and first and second pairs of top brackets secure in interconnecting and hinged fashion between the end supports, and such that associated angled bracket portions extend from end locations of each of the top brackets and telescopically engaging the end supports. In this fashion, the dolly is converted from a use to a folded storage/transport position by folding the base portions upwardly about the central hinged connection, concurrent with inwardly and downwardly folding the top brackets concurrent with telescoping the angled brackets along end support channels.

Abstract: An assembly and method for adapting a baby stroller to better travel over unstable ground, such as sand. A sledge is provided that has a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface is flat with a beveled front end that enables the sledge to be easily pulled over sand or mud. Retention features, such as semi-cylindrical depressions, are formed in the top surface of the sledge. The retention features enable a baby stroller to be placed atop the sledge without rolling off. Once the wheels of the stroller are attached to the sledge, the sledge can be pulled through sand and mud more easily. The sledge may be supported by wide wheels to help the sledge roll over unstable ground. Furthermore, the sledge may be collapsible so that it can be easily stored when not in use.

Abstract: Disclosed is an airbag module which can improve working efficiency because it is easy to assemble, reduce weight while maintaining sufficient rigidity, and ensure sufficient safety. The airbag module comprises: a cushion assembly including an airbag cushion; an inflator for supplying gas to the airbag cushion to deploy the airbag cushion; a housing for containing the cushion assembly, and having a through hole for arranging the inflator therethrough; and a cushion support for supporting the cushion assembly, and including through rings for passing the inflator therethrough so as to be supported by the inflator arranged through the through hole.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant (28) of a vehicle (12) that has a side structure (16) and a roof (18). The apparatus (10) includes an inflatable curtain (14) that is inflatable away from the vehicle roof (18) to a position between the side structure (16) of the vehicle (12) and the vehicle occupant (28). The inflatable curtain (14) includes a main portion (100) comprising at least one inflatable chamber (52). The inflatable curtain (14) also includes a mounting portion (102) constructed separately from the main portion (100). The mounting portion (102) has a lower edge portion (108) connectable to an upper edge portion (106) of the main portion (100). The mounting portion (102) when connected to the main portion (100) forms an upper edge portion of the inflatable curtain (14) that is connectable with the vehicle (12) to help secure the inflatable curtain in the vehicle.

Abstract: In an airbag provided in a folded condition, a front end of the airbag includes a pulled-out section provided by pulling out the end of the airbag. In the airbag in a stored condition, an oblique path from a front end of the airbag to a fixed point of a front pillar can be reached by the pulled-out section. In the developed condition of the airbag, the pulled-out section can further draw the position of the front end of the airbag to the front side, thereby providing an increased protection range by the airbag.

Abstract: A vehicle side air bag assembly (16) includes a resilient bolster (17) that is located on or adjacent one lateral side of a vehicle seat back. The bolster (17) includes a frame (22) supporting a foam pad (30) within a trim (32) having a release seam (34). Deployment of an air bag module(36) the bolster (17) is controlled by an air bag guide (42) which has a pair of flexible panels (44, 46). One flexible panel (44) has an outer extremity including a first connection (50) to the bolster and the other flexible panel (46) has an outer extremity including a second connection (54) to the trim cover in a spaced relationship from the first connection.

Abstract: In a head protection airbag device according to the invention, non-inflating portions of an airbag includes a blocking portion which covers the vehicle interior side of windows when inflation of the airbag is completed. One blocking portion includes a downward movement inhibiting portion catching a passenger's head and inhibiting its downward movement when the head moves downward while moving toward the vehicle exterior and touches the blocking portion when inflation of the airbag is completed. The blocking portion comprises overlapping vehicle interior side and the vehicle exterior side portions which are mutually connected, with a portion of a vehicle interior member by the upper edge made to be the downward movement inhibiting portion.

Abstract: A steering wheel for a motor vehicle has a gas bag module (12) including a covering cap (14) and a gas bag (22). At least one vent opening (18) for diverting the gas is provided in the covering cap (14), in a foam (16) surrounding the steering wheel skeleton or in the hub region (20) of the steering wheel.

Abstract: A passenger airbag system is designed for an automotive vehicle with a passenger compartment, a windshield and an instrument panel disposed between the passenger compartment and the windshield. The instrument panel has a top portion adjacent the windshield, a lower surface generally directed toward the legs of an occupant and a mid-portion with a surface that extends between the top and lower portions. The system includes a first airbag and a second airbag both disposed in the instrument panel. Each airbag has a cushion deployable from the housing through the instrument panel along a predetermined path for direct contact with an occupant seated in the passenger compartment. The second airbag has a lower portion when deployed that fills a space between the occupant's lower extremities and the lower portion of the instrument panel and thus acts as a knee airbag.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant (20) of a vehicle (12) includes an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) inflatable from a stored condition to a deployed condition in which the protection device is positioned between an instrument panel (36) of the vehicle and the vehicle occupant. The protection device (14) includes upper portion (142) and a lower portion (144), each of which is at least one of rolled and folded. The upper portion (142) and the lower portion (144) are positioned overlying each other when in the stored condition. A deployment flap (120) includes a sheet of material having a first end portion (130) secured to the vehicle. The deployment flap (120) has a central portion (134) that wraps around the lower portion (144) and a second end portion (132), opposite the first end portion (130), that is tucked under the lower portion while the protection device (14) is in the stored condition.

Abstract: An airbag module comprising a housing with an inflatable airbag cushion disposed therein and at least one vent tube attached to the inflatable airbag cushion, wherein during inflatable airbag cushion deployment with an obstruction, the at least one vent tube remains open, and during inflatable airbag cushion deployment without an obstruction, the at least one vent tube at least partially closes.