Abstract: In one aspect, a vehicle steer axle has a horizontal axle member that has a steering axis male feature integrally formed on an end, wherein a vehicle steering knuckle, which forms a vehicle steering axis female feature, is directly rotatably coupled to the vehicle steer axle. In another aspect, a vehicle steering knuckle has a horizontal steering knuckle member that has a steering axis male feature integrally formed on an end, wherein the vehicle steering knuckle is directly rotatably coupled to a vehicle steer axle, which forms a vehicle steering axis female feature. Neither of these aspects utilize a separable kingpin.

Abstract: A wheeled work machine in which the center of gravity of a machine body is positioned low and the stability of the machine in a working position is secured without regard to the movement of the center of gravity caused by the rotation of a rotation table during work. An operation body (111) integrally rocking with a front axle case (96) is provided at the center in the left-right direction of the front axle case (96), and a rocking lock mechanism (112) for limiting the rocking of the operation body (111) is provided at a machine body frame (6). The rocking lock mechanism (112) has a lock cylinder (115) in which a piston rod (120) is horizontally fixed to the machine frame (6) and a switchover valve (118) for switching two oil chambers (124A, 124B) of the lock cylinder (115) between a communicated state and a closed state. A cylinder tube (116) of the lock cylinder (115) is operably connected to the operation body (111).

Abstract: A suspension beam with a captured axle is described, including a top and bottom plate, a pivot mount, and a spring mount, and side plates. Optional embodiments include an axle sleeve, multiple top and bottom plates, a u-shaped member in place of the side plates. The pivot mount includes a bush housing and a bush housing clamp. The side walls may be recessed, flush or outboard with respect to the top and bottom plates. The top and bottom plates are directly attached to the axle or axle sleeve, and to the pivot mount.

Abstract: An active, independent suspension system has dual piston, compressible fluid struts (22). Each of the dual piston struts (22) has an outer cylinder (24) and an outer piston rod (30), which each respectively define exterior peripheries for an outer pressure chamber (32) and an inner pressure chamber (54). Pressures applied to a compressible fluid (56) in respective ones of the outer and inner pressure chambers (32, 54) urge the outer piston to extend from within the outer cylinder (24). A control system (240) is provided for actively controlling an amount of compressible fluid (56) disposed within each of the outer and inner chambers (32, 54).

Abstract: An air suspension system for a multi-axle vehicle has an air bag system including at least one air bag operatively associated with the vehicle wheels on selected wheel and axle sets to control relative movement between each of the selected wheels and a supporting frame structure of the vehicle. The system has an air-flow control arrangement to control the flow of air into each air bag to thereby control the relative movement of the wheels and vehicle frame structure. A pressurizing arrangement is provided to maintain a selected, predetermined pressure in the air bag system when the vehicle is at rest to thereby maintain a desired vehicle height. The pressurizing arrangement includes a valve to admit pressurized air to or exhaust air from the air bag system to maintain the predetermined vehicle height. The valve is actuated by a link associated with a rocker member connected to spaced axles of the vehicle.

Abstract: A trailer slider assembly includes a handle that moves a trailer slider locking mechanism between an unlocked position and a locked position. A suspension side rail has a retaining feature that holds the handle in the unlocked position. A release mechanism releases the handle from the retaining feature in response to a release of a parking brake. This prevents a vehicle from driving off with the trailer slider locking mechanism in the unlocked position.

Abstract: A materials handling vehicle is provided comprising a frame including an operator compartment having at least one entrance and a floorboard. The vehicle further comprises at least one step capable of being positioned across the entrance a spaced distance from the floorboard such that an operator may stand on the step when the step is positioned across the entrance to gain access to an elevated storage location.

Abstract: A vehicle step assembly uses hinged pedestals and attitude links to position step stringers and an attached step beam in a generally horizontal and elevated deployed position, while permitting a space-saving tucked-in stowed position.

Abstract: A retractable vehicle step is attachable to a rear portion of a vehicle or truck. The vehicle step facilitates access to a cargo hold of the vehicle. Advantageously, the vehicle step provides clearance space relative to a tailgate of the vehicle by displacing a stepping member of the vehicle step in a generally lateral direction. The vehicle step desirably has a covered and protected biasing mechanism for transitioning between retracted and extended positions of the stepping member. Another advantage is that the vehicle step is readily attachable to the vehicle using already existing connection members, thereby generally eliminating or mitigating the need for customized retrofitting and avoiding undesirable installation cost and time.

Abstract: A bicycle frame may include handlebars having a rise and range of handlebar angle adjustment and a seat tube mounted at an angle a fixed distance rearward of the bottom bracket. The combination of the handlebar rise, the fixed distance and seat tube angle, as well as the ranges of handlebar angle and saddle height adjustments, result in the handlebar angle and saddle height being sufficiently adjustable so that almost all riders can comfortably sit upright on the saddle using substantially the same leg extension to place a foot flat on the ground when stopped and while pedaling.

Abstract: A front wheel supporting structure for a motorcycle (1) includes a pair of front forks (10, 20) provided on the right and left sides of a front wheel (2) for supporting the front wheel (2) to a frame (5) of the motorcycle (1). The front forks (10, 20) includes a first front fork (20) which generates a damping force for damping a vibration of the front wheel (2) depending on an amplitude of the vibration, and a second front fork (10) which generates a damping force for damping a vibration of the front wheel not depending on the amplitude of the vibration. By thus combining the front forks (10, 20) having different damping force characteristics, the front wheel supporting structure can absorb vibrations of various velocities and amplitudes.

Abstract: A stem connecting the handlebars and steerable fork of a cycle has one tube attached to the handlebars and another tube attached to the steerable fork with the tubes capable of being rotated and locked with respect to one another. This arrangement allows for various configurations of the handlebars and fork including the typical riding configuration as well as an alternate configuration where the handlebars are ‘folded’ with respect to the fork. Change in configuration is accomplished without tools by way of a biased locking arrangement for the tubes.

Abstract: A tractor dolly assembly is disclosed for use with a semi tractor or other vehicle to be towed in either a forward or reverse direction. The tractor dolly assembly is configured to be coupled to the rear frame of a semi tractor or other vehicle and lift the rear wheels off the ground for towing. In a forward tow direction, a conventional tow truck with a hydraulically operated boom for lifting the front of the semi tractor off the ground. In a reverse direction, virtually any truck with a pintle or other means for connection to a tow bar can be used for towing the disabled vehicle. In accordance with an important aspect of the invention, the tractor dolly assembly is provided with self steering wheels which allow the disabled vehicle to be towed in a reverse tow direction.

Abstract: A system is described for attenuating intermittent forces at the interconnection between a towing vehicle and a trailer. The system includes a linear rocking member suspended between the towing vehicle and the trailer, a shock absorber between the linear rocking member and the vehicle, and a pendulum having a fulcrum connected to the vehicle and a swinging component rotationally connected to the linear rocking member, and a fastening device connecting the linear rocking member to the trailer to be towed.

Abstract: A nesting stabilizing device for limiting the rotation of accessories connecting to a hitch receiver with an outward end defining an opening. The outward end of the hitch receiver has a protruding ring about an outward surface. The nesting stabilizer has a base with a body portion receivable in the hitch receiver and also has a flanged collar for engaging the protruding ring on the hitch receiver in an interference fit, the flanged collar further being coupled with an accessory. In addition, the nesting stabilizer includes a fastener operatively connected with the base for urging the flanged collar against the outward end to cause the flanged collar to engage the protruding ring on the outward end. The nesting stabilizer connects the accessory to the hitch receiver upon engagement of the flanged collar with the protruding ring on the hitch receiver.

Abstract: An airbag fastening system in an airbag module has a clamping connection and includes a retaining ring for an injection orifice of the airbag in an airbag receptacle surrounding both the airbag module and the retaining ring. The retaining ring has a reducing width on an outer face in a main pulling direction when the airbag unfolds. At least a portion of the airbag receptacle or a component associated with the airbag receptacle has a smaller width above the retaining ring than a greatest width of the retaining ring. A lower end of the airbag forms the injection orifice, is folded over the retaining ring, and extends between the retaining ring and the airbag receptacle or the component. The retaining ring includes at least one portion having a conically tapered cross-section on the outer face in the main pulling direction when the airbag unfolds.

Abstract: A vehicular air bag door is disclosed. More particularly, a vehicular air bag door for achieving a reduction in the number of constituent elements and a simplified manufacturing process thereof is disclosed. The vehicular air bag door includes a chute provided at an instrument panel to mount an air bag module thereon, a door plate provided in an opening of the chute and connected with a door section defined in the instrument panel, and a hinge provided between the chute and the door plate. The chute, the door plate, and the hinge are integrally formed with one another.

Abstract: A curtain air bag apparatus for protecting an occupant in a vehicle upon a vehicle collision, has an air bag body inflating and deploying in a curtain-like shape in a side surface of a vehicle interior with a high pressure gas jetted and introduced into the air bag body by an inflator. The air bag body has a main inflation chamber and a sub-inflation chamber which are defined by a partition portion formed by bonding inside surfaces of the air bag body, and a gas flow regulation passage formed as a partly non-bonding portion of the partition portion. The main and sub-inflation chambers are respectively located at an upper side and a lower side of the air bag body and communicate with each other through the gas flow regulation passage.

Abstract: An airbelt apparatus including a belt guide that is capable of moving so that an expansion portion of the airbelt may expand upward alongside an occupant's head. The belt guide also limits an expanding shape of the expansion portion.

Abstract: An airbag apparatus for a small vehicle for preventing an airbag from being inflated uselessly even when a rider is moved significantly on the vehicle. A first airbag module includes impact sensors, an electronic control unit for generating an output signal when an impact force is determined to be excessive from detection signals supplied from the impact sensors, an inflator which is activated by the output signal from the electronic control unit and an airbag which is inflated by gas generated from the inflator that is mounted on a small vehicle. A second airbag module includes an inflator and a wearing type airbag which is inflated by gas generated by the inflator that is mounted on a rider. The electronic control unit and the inflator of the second airbag module are connected by couplers that can input the output signal from the electronic control unit to the second airbag module.

Abstract: Airbag inflator system includes an inflatable airbag, a housing and a gas generating system arranged in the housing for generating gas. The gas generating system provides variable amounts of gas to the airbag as a function of temperature. A nozzle may be arranged between the gas generating system and an interior of the airbag, the nozzle being varied as a function of temperature. The housing may be movably arranged relative to a fixed base and mounted to vary its relation to the base. To this end, elastic or temperature-deformable supports may be used to support the housing on the base. When the housing defines a chamber containing generated gas, the properties of a conduit between the chamber and the interior of the airbag can be varied as function of the pressure in the chamber.

Abstract: Certain aspects and embodiments of the present invention provide an airbag having a vent that can adaptively release gas from the airbag upon impact with an occupant. The vent may include a membrane and/or diaphragm that can control the amount of gas released from the airbag based on the pressure in the airbag. During a collision, the airbag can be filled with gas and absorb the energy from an occupant causing the pressure in the airbag to increase. The adaptive vent can release gas from the airbag by opening when the occupant impacts the airbag. In some embodiments, the size of the vents changes depending on the pressure existing in the airbag.

Abstract: An airbag cushion is configured to be deployed by an introduced gas to provide a predetermined space therein, wherein a valley is configured to be formed at a center region which a passenger's face impacts when the airbag cushion is deployed. The airbag cushion includes a front panel, a rear panel provided rearward of the front panel, wherein the front panel and the rear panel are joined together and thus form the predetermined space when gas is introduced.

Abstract: A window restraint device includes a mesh screen having an upper end and a lower end. The restraint device includes an upper attachment device, such as a clip or strap, coupled to the screen upper end for removable attachment to an automobile door frame. The restraint device also includes a lower attachment device, such as a suction cup, coupled to the screen lower end for connecting the lower end of the screen to an automobile window. Neither the upper or lower attachment devices interfere with normal operation of the vehicle window, nor do they restrict a pet from normal movement within the vehicle. The restraint device may also include a spring-loaded reel from which the screen may be extended from or retracted into. The spring provides tension between upper and lower ends of the screen.

Abstract: A motor vehicle, in particular cabriolet, has a rollover protection device disposed behind the seats. The rollover protection device has a supporting frame, which extends in a vehicle transverse direction and which is fastened to the adjoining vehicle supporting structure, and at least one rollover protection cassette which contains a deployable rollover body. The supporting frame contains lateral upright column sections, a transversely running connecting profile and support elements which are connected to the column sections. Here, it is important that the at least one rollover protection cassette or a housing thereof is a constituent supporting part of the multi-part supporting frame which extends in the vehicle transverse direction.

Abstract: A steering gearbox mounting structure having an intermediate bracket mounts a steering gearbox for steering wheels of a vehicle on a subframe of the vehicle. The intermediate bracket has a breakable portion which breaks when a force greater than a predetermined force is applied to the breakable portion to provide an impact absorbing stroke of an engine of the vehicle. The breakable portion may have a thin portion such as a plate or a recess portion and is more breakable in the traveling direction than the width direction. First and second intermediate brackets may be used which include first and second kinds of breakable portions that are breakable in different modes, respectively.

Abstract: A shoulder restraint attachment device for a motor vehicle (comprising a bolt, a mandrel, a cup and a nut) can be employed to deform a portion of the motor vehicle's roof in such a manner that a shoulder strap, such as those employed in three point restraint systems, can be securely and aesthetically mounted to the motor vehicle roof.

Abstract: In an embodiment, there is disclosed a product labeling system comprising: a first high energy electromagnetic or particle wave generator, at least one second high energy electromagnetic of particle wave generator; and a controller operatively configured to direct wave produced by said first generator and the wave produced by said second generator onto a portion of the subsurface of the product to mark the product at said subsurface without generating any substantial disruption of the surface of said product.

Abstract: A system for generating secure documents includes a station for generating a plain document and a security image generator that generates a security image. The security image is then incorporated into the plain document. Each security image consists of a plurality of secure elements, each secure element being defined by two sets of parallel lines. Each secure element defines an alphanumeric character or other unique image that is visible under certain conditions, i.e., when inspected through a viewer. The technique can also be used to provide security images on a web page as a means of indicating that the web page is genuine.

Abstract: A cable port identification system is disclosed that provides identification facilities for communication, data, other cabling and/or wires and the connectors to which they are coupled found in a multi-port station. In some implementations the identification facilities can include label retention and protection and may also include label magnification.

Abstract: A tube fitting for a tube end has a female member that cooperates with a male member. A tube gripping device in the form of a gripping ring or ferrule is retained with the female member. Upon a partial pull-up, the tube gripping device separates from the female member.

Abstract: A vented gas riser for use in a system for conducting pressurized gas through a gas carrier pipe from a gas supply source line located below ground level to a delivery point disposed above ground is provided. A fluid tight gas riser protective casing is disposed around said carrier pipe and creates a gas escape passageway in an elongate annular space between the carrier pipe and the casing. A containment chamber is disposed below ground level which creates a confined space which has, as its only egress, a fluid connection to a gas escape passageway. Any gas which leaks into the containment chamber is directed into the gas escape passageway. A riser transition head, which includes at least one vent passageway, provides a fluid connection with said gas escape passageway and with the atmosphere such that any gas which leaks into said containment chamber is directed through the gas escape passageway and through the at least one vent and into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A threaded joint for steel pipes comprised of a pin (1) and a box (2) each having a threaded portion (1a, 2b) and an unthreaded contact portion (1b, 2a) exhibits adequate leakage resistance and galling resistance when used for makeup of oil country tubular goods with application of a green dope or even without any dope. The threaded joint has a first plating layer of Sn—Bi—Cu alloy plating formed on the contact surface of at least one of the pin (1) or the box (2). The first plating layer may have a second plating layer selected from Sn plating, Cu plating, and Ni plating on its lower side and at least one layer of a lubricating coating, and particularly a solid lubricating coating on its upper side.

Abstract: A rotary transmission leadthrough is provided with a gas return line, in particular for filling a vehicle fuel tank comprising a rapid-action connection coupling, which is connected to the supply line and to a return line. The supply line and the return line are arranged in a coaxial manner in relation to each other.

Abstract: A flexible joint for transfer of especially a cryogenic fluid includes a first element (3) and a second element (4). The first element (3) comprising an internal, partly curved surface (6), the second element (4) comprising a corresponding outer partly curved surface (8) with at least a sealing element (12,12?) between the curved surfaces (6,8). The first element (3) comprises a first connection part (9) and the second element comprises a second connection part (10) connectable to the first connection part (9) with a flexible part (11, 11?) between the connection of the two connectable parts (9,10) and the sealing element (12). Thereby it is formed a void (16) which may be pressurized with an inert gas at a pressure equal to or higher than the pressure of the fluid to be transferred through the joint.

Abstract: A high-flow luer lock connector may include a connector body defining an interior region, a lumen, and an extended passageway. The interior region is bounded by a cylindrical side wall and a base wall. The lumen is defined at the base wall of the interior region and extends no more than 0.274 of an inch into the interior region. The extended passageway comprises a first and second end and passes through the connector body and the lumen. The extended passageway is in communication with the interior region to allow insufflation gas to flow through the interior region and extended passageway.

Abstract: An exemplary housing of a foldable electronic device includes a first cover, a second cover, and a button disposed on the second cover. The first cover includes a lock receiving portion. The button includes a main body, a lock portion, and a resilient portion. The lock portion is configured for engaging with the lock receiving portion. The lock portion and the resilient portion connect with the main body. The main body includes a contact portion and a pivot portion. The contact portion and the pivot portion are separated from each other at a predetermined distance. The main body is rotatably disposed on the second cover by the pivot portion. The resilient portion is located on another end opposite to the pivot portion.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a first housing, a first lock mechanism disposed in the first housing, a second housing, and a second lock mechanism disposed at the second housing. The first housing has a first surface. The second housing pivoted to the first housing is suitable for rotating relatively to the first housing. The second housing has a second surface and a third surface which are respectively disposed at the two opposite sides of the second housing. When the second surface is closed to the first surface and a first portion of the second slider is protruded from the second surface, the first portion is locked with the first lock mechanism. When the third surface is closed to the first surface and a second portion of the second slider is protruded from the third surface, the second portion is locked with the first lock mechanism.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a door handle assembly is provided. The door handle assembly includes a door handle and a mount. The door handle can be attached to the mount. The door handle is adapted to allow a bolt to move into and out of a wall aperture. A cam assembly is disposed adjacent the bolt. The cam assembly includes a locking cam. The locking cam is adapted to abut at least a portion of the bolt. The locking cam is moveable between a locked and an unlocked position. A lock release mechanism is coupled to the cam assembly and to the door handle. The lock release mechanism is adapted to disengage the locking cam from the bolt when the door handle is actuated such that the bolt is free to move.

Abstract: A mechanical tamper evident security seal for sealing a cargo container door includes a metallic pin having a head at an upper end and circumferential indents at a second end. An upper banner includes a portion non-removably encasing the head of the metallic pin. The banner includes first identifying indicia unique to a particular one of a plurality of like mechanical seals. A lock receptacle receives the second end of the metallic pin therein and includes a lock housing retaining at least two locks therein. A first of the locks engaging a first of the circumferential indents and a second of the locks simultaneously engages a second of the circumferential indents. Any attempt to withdraw the metallic pin results in visually identifiable destruction of the seal. A lower banner extending from the lock receptacle includes second unalterable identifying indicia identical to the first identifying indicia.

Abstract: A combination bumper cover and stiffener for vehicles maintains a good appearance and maximizes the absorption of shocks when a pedestrian is hit by the front of a vehicle. The combination bumper cover and stiffener includes a stiffener and a bumper cover. The stiffener includes a first mounting surface which contacts a front end module carrier of a vehicle, an extension surface which extends from the first mounting surface towards a front of the vehicle, and a second mounting surface which is formed by bending an edge of the extension surface towards a rear of the vehicle. The bumper cover is mounted at one surface thereof to the second mounting surface.

Abstract: A vehicle protector having an elongated body with a front surface, a back surface, a top, a bottom, and a first and second end, the first and second ends disposed opposite from one another, with first and second top straps disposed on the front surface nearer to the top than the bottom, the first top strap having a distal end extending from the first body end and the second top strap having a distal end extending from the second body end. Upon the application of tensile forces to the first and second top straps and the first and second bottom straps, the top of the body is drawn towards the bottom of the body on the back surface.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for connecting attachments to a vehicle including in a first embodiment a bumper guard that provides a barrier of protection for vehicle bumpers. The bumper guard includes two pieces, a first piece or bumper guard locator and a second piece or bottom piece. The first piece is attached to a vehicle through the lower holes in a license plate and is secured or locked in place using a locking mechanism. The second piece attaches, or depends from the first piece and is dimensioned and configured to rest over a bumper of the vehicle. The second piece is removably connected to the first piece and may be replaced when damaged or worn. Alternatively, in a second embodiment of the invention, the second piece may be a different component such as a “tailgating platform tray”, or other component module that attaches to a “T” locking system. The bumper guard or platform tray can be easily attached to the vehicle, stored and removed.

Abstract: A gutter cleaning apparatus includes a pair of opposing reverse curved blades biased open and connected together at upper edges by spring hinges. A fixed blade attaches to an extendible pole. A movable blade includes a lever arm fixed to an end of a rope that extends down the axis of the pole to the user's hand. During operation, the end of the pole with the attached apparatus is lifted over the gutter; the blades are lowered into the gutter sidewalls, and slid along the gutter trough to pile up debris. The apparatus, with open blades, is lifted over the pile and lowered into the debris. The rope is then pulled taut to close the blades and grasp the debris. The apparatus and debris are lifted from the gutter. Tension on the rope is slackened to release the debris that falls to the ground for collection and disposal.

Abstract: A garment hanger carrier comprising an elongated body having a top and bottom and two sides, a channel provided proximate the bottom of the body and extending from side to side for receiving the garment hangers, a rail disposed proximate the bottom of the body and extending from side to side thereof below the channel for supporting the garment hangers and a carrying device for suspending the garment hanger carrier from a rail, rod or bracket wherein the garment hanger carrier may be used to carry and support a plurality of garment hangers.

Abstract: A human transporting system for efficiently removing an injured person out of water. The human transporting system generally includes a handle, a pair of straps attached to the handle, a pair of sliding loops attached to the straps forming looped portions for receiving the wrists of an injured human, and a pair of biasing members attached between the handle and the sliding loops. The looped portions receive the wrists of the injured human and the user pulls the injured human from the water by pulling upon the handle which tightens the looped portions upon the wrists. Once the injured human is pulled out of the water, the handle is lowered thereby allowing the biasing members to loosen the looped portions about the wrists.

Abstract: A lid is formed with a domed underside that faces the internal space of a vehicle console. The console includes an operating mechanism disposed within an end face of the console basic body and that lies in a plane perpendicular to the pivot axis underneath the lid. The operating mechanism can be used universally both for individual lids as well as for lid wings. The operating mechanism requires as little usable space as possible to accommodate the operating mechanism.

Abstract: An improved portable golf cart enclosure design featuring a top and two sides that wrap around a typical golf cart to protect occupants from wind, rain and cold. The improved enclosure features a roll-on and roll-up design that improves the installation and removal task over traditional golf cart enclosures. Finally, this invention improves ingress and egress through a horizontal swing away magnetic door design.

Abstract: There is provided a fuel lid including a case that is fixed to a body open of a vehicle body for fueling and is connected with a fuel pipe; and a lid that is turnably attached to the case so as to open or close a case open formed on the case for fueling. The lid includes a lid base having a hinge by which the lid base is axially supported on the case; and a cover that covers an outer face of the lid base, and an engagement means including an engaging unit and an engaged unit is provided between the lid base and the cover, in which the lid base is provided with one of the engaging unit and the engaged unit and the cover is provided with the other unit, and through the engagement means, the lid base engages with the cover by a relative displacement therebetween.

Abstract: A motor vehicle has a movable roof with a cover and whose front end can be secured indirectly or directly to the windshield frame. The roof, in its open position, can be stowed in the rear vehicle region. The roof has a rear region in the closed position with at least one rigid cross member and can be turned upside down and disposed on top of a part of the movable roof region adjoining it to the front in the direction of travel (F).