Abstract: A steering mechanism includes a relay rod and an idler arm operatively attached to a first end thereof. A pitman arm includes a stud and is operatively attached to a second end of the relay rod. A bushing is configured to allow displacement of the pitman arm relative to the relay rod. The bushing includes an outer can, an inner metal member, and a bushing disposed therebetween. The inner metal member has a tapered receptacle configured to mate with a tapered portion of the stud. The resilient member may include voids, which may be oriented generally perpendicular to a turning direction and may be tapered from the base to the opening. The inner metal member may have a generally-cylindrical portion and substantially-opposing outer flats interrupting the same. The outer flats are spaced by a distance smaller than the cylinder diameter and may be substantially parallel to the turning direction.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present systems include, consist of, or consist essentially of a roadarm having a first end, a second end, and an opening near the first end; where the second end is configured for attachment to a passive spring (e.g., an air spring, a coil spring, a compressible fluid spring, or a leaf spring), and the opening is configured for interchangeable use with any of: (a) a passive suspension system damping element, (b) a semi-active suspension system damping element, and (c) an active suspension system actuator. Other systems are included, such as those with common control systems for the active and semi-active suspension systems. Methods relating to such systems.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system includes a pair of suspension assemblies mounted on a pair of spaced vehicle frame members for supporting a vehicle body on the vehicle wheels. A torsion axle extends between the pair of suspension assemblies and terminates in a pair of stub shafts. The axle is mounted on a pair of spaced frame brackets attached to the vehicle frame. An air spring extends between the vehicle frame and an outer end of a support arm pivotally mounted on each end of the torsion axle. The stub shafts are supported within an outer tube of the torsion axle by a plurality of elastomeric members. One end of each stub shaft is connected to a spindle arm which has a spindle extending from an opposite end of the arm.

Abstract: A steering mechanism is provided that steers by imparting a variable amount of toe or camber to a wheel, and is capable of imparting both toe and camber using a single mechanism. Some versions of the steering mechanism can provide extremely high stability during turns controlled by the simple leaning of the operator. Vehicles using the mechanism are provided, including lean-steered vehicles, and including a three-wheeled mobile elliptically driven device.

Abstract: A four wheeled, human-powered, striding cycle that uses the stepping and striding motion of the human legs to propel a rider forward. Two separate and dependent foot pedals are moved fore and aft along a concaved arc segment. The motion simulates the natural stepping and striding motion of a running human. A standing human steps on a pedal, then moves it down and aft in a striding motion. As one pedal is moved aft, the other pedal moves forward in a reciprocating fashion. A cable and pulley system connects each pedal with its respective rear wheel. Pedal motion aft applies torque to its respective drive shaft which in turn rotates its respective drive wheel. Pedal motion forward also provides torque to the opposing drive shaft creating additional torque for the opposite wheel. Forward motion begins when force is exerted down and aft on each pedal by the stepping and striding motion of the human leg.

Abstract: A bicycle is provided having a unitary steering tube-crown member and a unitary crank arm-spindle member. A multistage aluminum 3D forging process is used to form the unitary members. This may allow the fabrication of components with substantially hollow interior areas to reduce weight, reduce part count while maintaining high strength and ductility. The multistage 3D forging process provided also allows the combination of multiple components into a single unitary part.

Abstract: A folding bicycle includes a frame, a steering unit, a shaft tube coupled to a first end of the frame and to the steering unit, a front fork linked with the steering unit through the shaft tube, a front wheel mounted onto the front fork, a rear fork coupled to a second end of the frame, a rear wheel mounted onto the rear fork, and a seat unit installed onto the frame. A folding unit is installed at a central position of the frame, and the first and second ends of the frame include a first pivot and a second pivot respectively, such that if the frame is folded by means of the folding unit, the first and second pivots are stacked with each other to achieve the effect of reducing the folding volume of the bicycle.

Abstract: A head tube assembly for a bicycle has a frame, a lower tube, an upper tube and a cover. The lower tube is mounted in the front end of the frame and has a top, a bottom and a lower bearing mounted in the bottom of the lower tube. The upper tube has a top, a bottom detachably connected to the top of the lower tube and an upper bearing mounted in the top of the upper tube. The cover is detachably mounted on the top at the front end of the frame and has a through hole mounted around the top of the upper tube.

Abstract: A pivot-steered vehicle, in particular a pivot-steered construction vehicle or machine, is provided. The vehicle includes a front frame and a rear frame which are connected to each other via a pivot steering gear and a steering drive. The pivot steering gear has a first and a second vertical pivot axis which are arranged opposing each other with respect to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle in a neutral position, the pivot steering gear being embodied in a first steering range for relative swiveling of the front frame and the rear frame about the first pivot axis and in a second steering range for relative swiveling of the front frame and the rear frame about the second pivot axis, the first and the second steering ranges being separated from each other via the neutral position.

Abstract: A drawn agricultural machine comprising a carrier frame for carrying processing members, the carrier frame supportable on the ground, at least during transport, by means of a wheel set comprising at least a wheel, a coupling frame for coupling the agricultural machine 1 to the three-point suspension of a tractor, the coupling frame comprising two lower coupling points and an upper coupling point and the coupling frame being rotatable about a vertical axis of rotation relative to the carrier frame. The machine also comprises a drawing element for exerting a force on the coupling frame, wherein the coupling frame, the carrier frame and the drawing element are interconnected in such a manner that a downward force component is exerted on the lower coupling points when the drawing element exerts a force on the coupling frame.

Abstract: In a method for folding in or folding out an electrically operated trailer coupling for vehicles which can be moved electrically between a folded-out use position and a folded-in rest position with excess force limitation, an actuating device is provided for activating the trailer coupling. A brief actuation of the actuating device results in an automatic adjusting movement of the trailer coupling in the folding-in or folding-out direction. In the method, in the event of a continuous actuation of the actuating device, the excess force limitation threshold is increased during the automatic adjusting process of the trailer coupling, and after the actuating device is released, the automatic adjusting process is continued with the original excess force limitation threshold until the trailer coupling has reached its use or rest position.

Abstract: A trailer hitch guide for restraining a trailer hitch may include an upper member to restrain the movement of the trailer hitch and a lower member to connect to the upper member and to connect to a vehicle. The upper member may be rotatably connected to the lower member. The upper member may be substantially U-shaped. The lower member may be substantially U-shaped. The upper member may include a upper side section. The upper side section may include a upper arm section. The lower member may include a lower side section. The lower side section may include a lower arm section. The upper arm section may be connected to a upper connecting plate. The lower arm section may be connected to a lower arm connecting plate which may cooperate with the upper connecting plate to restrain the upper member from rotating with respect to the lower member. The upper connecting plate may be connected to the lower connecting plate with a fastening device.

Abstract: A juvenile product includes a frame, a hub assembly mounted on the frame and including first and second hubs, and first and second seat supports coupled to the first and second hubs, respectively, for pivotal movement between an in-use orientation and a folded orientation. The first hub includes a cam to release the first and second seat supports for the pivotable movement toward the folded orientation in response to rotation of the first seat support.

Abstract: A cart includes: a chassis connected to a plurality of wheels; a basket mounted on the chassis and adapted to store one or more items therein; and a bridge element adapted to fit onto an edge of a vehicular trunk, wherein the bridge element is connected at a point located between said basket and said wheels.

Abstract: An airbag module protects a rider in a vehicle from impacting the interior of the occupant enclosure of the vehicle. A rigid support collar is attached to the occupant enclosure proximate an airbag deployment window. An inflatable cushion has a neck portion that accommodates pressurized gas for driving the cushion through the deployment window into an inflated condition in the occupant enclosure. The cushion is attached by the neck portion directly to the support collar, while that substantial balance of the cushion is housed in a compact condition within the support collar. An attachment tab is secured to the exterior of the neck portion of the cushion with a restraining aperture formed therethrough. A cushion hook on the exterior of the support collar extends through the restraining aperture and prevents displacement of the neck portion of the cushion out of the support collar, when pressurized gas inflates the cushion. The cushion includes a flexible packaging cover having opposed first and second edges.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for securing an airbag (25) to a motor vehicle. Said method consists of the following steps: an airbag (25) that comprises a securing lug (20) and that can be filled with a gas is secured to a securing device (10) that comprises a plate (11) and an attachment device (16) that is secured to the plate. Said plate comprises a first plate section (12) having a first opening (14) provided with a screw thread (15) and a second plate section (13). Said attachment device (16) is secured to the first plate section (12) and the airbag is secured to the securing device (10) by bending the second plate section (13) in such a manner that the first plate section (12) and the second plate section (13) at least partially surround the securing lug (20) on both sides. The invention also relates to a securing device for an airbag, an airbag module and a motor vehicle.

Abstract: Apparatus for stabilizing the deployment of an airbag includes an airbag housing in which a folded up airbag is housed. The housing has an open side through which the airbag is deployed and a door is pivoted to the housing and is pivoted open by the deploying airbag. An extension panel is mounted on the door by a track mechanism so that the extension panel is movable between a normal retracted position along side the door and an extended position in which the extension panel extends beyond the door. An extension mechanism for causes the extension panel to be moved to the extended position when the airbag is deploying so that the door and the extension panel direct and stabilize the deploying airbag.

Abstract: An integrated air bag chute structure that provides means for providing automatic interlocking attachment of the chute to the substrate of an instrument panel. By inserting the air bag chute into a substrate aperture and utilizing slots, depressions and notches formed in the chute structure beneath a surrounding flange, the aperture edges are captured and retained to thereby lock the chute in place.

Abstract: An integrated air bag chute structure that provides sealing of an air bag aperture in an instrument panel substrate during a foam-in-place process. The structure provides an extended flange with flexible tapered edges that surround the aperture. The tapered edges are compressed against the upper surface of the substrate to seal and surround the substrate aperture when the chute structure is inserted into and retained in the substrate aperture. The air bag chute structure further defines a door support panel with pre-weakened molded edges and a hinge which are all integrally connected to the structure and flange without gaps that would allow for leakage during the foam-in-place process.

Abstract: In an airbag arrangement for a front seat passenger in a motor vehicle, an airbag 10 which is mounted, in its stowed condition, in the dashboard 18 of the vehicle, the airbag 10 is so configured that it its inflated, deployed condition in which it is interposed between, the dashboard and the front seat passenger, the inflated bag is wider on its upper side, over an impact region 24C nearer the front seat passenger, than on its lower side adjacent the dashboard, and is narrower at its end adjacent the vehicle dashboard than at its end nearer to the front seat passenger.

Abstract: A restraining system includes a restraining volume that is bounded by a cladding, and is deployable by expansion of the restraining volume, to restrain or protect an object or person. Deployment of the restraining volume by expanding it into a restraining position is performed by a mechanical enlarging unit, rather than by a pyrotechnic gas generator, so that the restraining system may be restored to a storage position following a deployment.

Abstract: A gas generator comprising a housing having a mixing chamber and a pyrotechnic charge in the housing. A container having a liquid therein is disposed in the housing and has an open end and a closed end, with an end cap closing the open end and having a piston portion removably connected thereto and being movable within the liquid container to pressurize the liquid therein when the piston portion is separated from the end cap. The piston portion is positioned to be exposed to combustion gas from the pyrotechnic charge when it is ignited and is separable from the end cap when the combustion gas exceeds a predetermined pressure. In another embodiment, the liquid container may be a collapsible tube. The closed end of the liquid container has a weakened portion constructed to be opened when the pressure of the liquid in the container exceeds a predetermined pressure.

Abstract: An inflator device for an airbag module of a motor vehicle is provided. The inflator device comprising a combustion chamber for accommodating a gas charge from which as gas for inflating a gas bag can be generated, and a combustion chamber housing which surrounds an interior space of the combustion chamber, in which space the gas charge is housed. The combustion chamber housing is enclosed by a housing receptacle such that the combustion chamber housing can be supported on the housing receptacle in order to prevent a deformation or a break-up of the combustion chamber housing upon generation of gas according to its intended purposes in the combustion chamber. The housing receptacle is part of a module housing for receiving at least one gas bag of the airbag module.

Abstract: In a hood airbag device for use in a vehicle, left and right bag-expansion openings are formed at the rear end portion of the outer hood panel in a hood width direction, and the deployment positions of corresponding left and right airbags are controlled or restrained by the bag-expansion openings, respectively. Further, the hood-center side ends (60L?) of the left air bag (60L) and the hood-center side ends (60R?) of the right air bag (60R) are adapted to press against each other when they are deployed. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the airbags from being raised up by a wind pressure or the like and to quickly deploy the airbags over a broad extent.

Abstract: A gas generant for an inflatable restraint device (for example, an airbag system for a vehicle) is a monolithic compressed solid that has a linear burn rate of greater than or equal to about 1.6 inches per second at a pressure of about 3,000 pounds per square inch. The gas generant can be in the form of an annular disk having a plurality of apertures. The gas generant may be substantially free of binder and may have a low initial surface area which progressively increases during burning. The gas generant provides a gas generation profile that improves restraint of vehicle occupants, including those occupants that are out-of-position. Additionally, the shaped gas generant decreases occupant exposure to toxic effluent combustion products and solid respirable particulates.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide a printed matter that provides optically readable information, has excellent durability against wind, rain, and light, and that can be produced more simply and at low cost. In addition, to provide a printed matter set that contains a plurality of the aforementioned printed matters, and a method for producing this printed matter set. [Solution] A printed matter characterized by a non-woven fabric base material having a basis weight of 20.0-120.0 g/m2 and a thickness of 0.020-0.400 mm, and optically readable information formed by printing an ultraviolet-curable ink on this base material using an inkjet printing method.

Abstract: A soil and/or moisture resistant secure document and a method for producing such a secure document, are provided. The inventive method preferably employs a size press or other similar device to force a soil and/or moisture resistant formulation into the pores of the substrate and to remove excess formulation from opposing surfaces thereof. Soil and/or moisture resistant formulations when applied this way instead of by way of standard coating techniques do not obscure optically variable effects generated by non-porous OVDs that may be employed on or within these secure documents. In addition, thin layers of fibers (e.g., papermaking fibers) overlying and thus embedding portions of security devices in windowed secure documents that have been rendered soil and/or moisture resistant in accordance with this invention demonstrate increased durability.

Abstract: A coupling for joining a first pole section and a second pole section is provided. The coupling includes a male portion secured to the first pole section and a female portion secured to the second pole section. The male portion has a first male guide, a second male guide, and a first threaded section between the first and second male guides. The female portion has a first female guide, a second female guide, and a second threaded section between the first and second female guides. The guides are spaced from one another and from the first and second threaded sections so that the first male and female guides are engaged with one another and the second male and female guides are engaged with one another before the threaded sections engage with one another.

Abstract: A coupler for use with a sealing member for releasably securing together adjacent ends of grooved end pipe and forming a fluid-tight seal therebetween. The coupler includes a pair of arcuate segments, each segment having a generally inverted U-shaped cross-section so as to define a pair of depending leg portions and an outer spanning wall extending therebetween, each of the coupling segments further defining first and second end portions. The first end portions of each arcuate segment are joined together in a pivotal connection. A closure including a bail pivotally mounted on a release/locking lever, an attachment hook and a pair of abutment surfaces is provided at the second end portions of the arcuate segments for releasably joining and securing together the second end portions of the segments about the sealing gasket and adjacent pipe ends with the leg portions of the segments projecting into the grooves therein.

Abstract: Formation of a sterile connection includes inserting a first aseptic coupling device into a second aseptic coupling device, removing a first membrane from the first aseptic coupling device and a second membrane from the second aseptic coupling device, and rotating a locking clip on the first aseptic coupling device to compress a first seal member of the first aseptic coupling device with a second seal member of the second aseptic coupling device to form a sterile fluid passageway.

Abstract: A coupling device (1) including a first part (2) and a second part (3) is provided. The first and second parts are adapted to engage on another. The coupling device also includes an indicator seal (6) positioned on the first part. The indicator seal is visible when the coupling device is not fully engaged. Full engagement of the first and second part obscures the visibility of the indicator seal.

Abstract: An end fitting 40 for a hose 10, the hose 10 comprising an inner portion 100 and an outer portion 102.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of fabricating a coaxial pipe element (1) comprising an outer pipe (1a) and an inner pipe (1b), and including at each of its ends a junction forging (2a, 2b), each forging having at least an inner first branch (32) set back (L1) from an outer first branch (31), in which all of the circular welds between said inner and outer pipe and said junction forgings are made form outside said pipes. The present invention also provides a coaxial pipe element (1) obtained by the method and characterized in that said inner pipe (1b) is subjected to traction stress.

Abstract: A method for making conduits includes inserting an inner tube into an outer tube and melting a portion of the inner tube to form a bond with the outer tube. The inner tube includes a polymeric material and the outer tube includes a material having a greater yield strength than the polymeric material. A conduit includes one or more inner tubes at least one of which is melt-bonded to one or more outer tubes. An analytical instrument includes a separation column, a solvent reservoir and pump, a sample injector, a detector to observe an eluent of the separation column, and tubing to transport fluid between components of the instrument.

Abstract: A flange for fastening a line to a pump casing, includes: a pump casing passage; and a plurality of stop members protruding in the passage and angularly distributed around the passage, the position of the flange being angularly adjustable by the stop members. A pump may include the fastening flange. A method for adjusting the position of the flange in relation to the pump is also disclosed. This method makes it possible to avoid the position of the pump casing being imposed by the orientation of the fastening flange of the pump casing.

Abstract: A seal designed, in particular, to connect together two ducts for carrying fluid or gas, including: a female endpiece having a first end, a male endpiece having a second end, the male endpiece being received in the female endpiece. Said seal includes a sliding element situated between the first end of the female endpiece and the second end of the male endpiece, said sliding element including a stack of at least two layers of an intermetallic material, making it possible to prevent the propagation of a crack from one layer to the next layer.

Abstract: A pipe joint wherein before insertion of the pipe, the cap nut and joint body are held in a state where the fastening ring is not pushed against the tapered inner surface and compressed and wherein, at the time of pipe insertion, the fastening ring is prevented from obstructing insertion of the pipe and from scratching the inserted pipe whereby leakage of fluid is prevented. This pipe joint is provided with a joint body having a male thread formed at one end and a shoulder continuing from the same, a cap nut having a female thread to be screwed over the male thread, and a C-shaped retainer ring arranged so that its outer surface abuts against a tapered inner surface formed in a through hole of the joint body or the cap nut, wherein a detachable spacer is arranged in a state held between the shoulder of the joint body and the cap nut.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coupling expandable tubular members.

Abstract: A low cost threaded pipe connection for virtually any service is provided, that has selectively, unique sealing threads for general use that can be supplemented with a pin nose seal when specified by the user.

Abstract: A system of genderless flanges suitable for high vacuum waveguides is provided, comprising a metallic gasket between a pair of identical flanges where the configuration of the gasket conforms to within 100 microns to the cross-section of the inner surface of the waveguides.

Abstract: Provided is a means for efficiently completing a high pressure seal and a connector assembly comprising two sealing members, each comprising an annular groove, and two elastomeric gasket members, each disposed into and fittingly received by the annular grooves of one of said sealing members, each gasket additionally comprising a sealing face not received into the annular grooves, wherein the sealing faces are in mutual aligned pressurized contact.

Abstract: The invention discloses a gasket assembly and a flanged joint system comprising a sealing member, a retaining ring having an outer periphery and an inner periphery wherein said inside periphery being coupled to said sealing member, and an alignment rim that is disposed outwardly from the outer periphery of said retaining ring, but only extends continuously along a portion of said outer periphery, the remainder of the periphery being open to facilitate placement between piping flanges.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a split retaining ring for a connection assembly adapted for connecting an instrument or other device to a vessel, such as a pressure vessel. The connection assembly includes a base, an instrument or device, and a split retaining ring wherein the split retaining ring includes overlapping end portions in order to substantially duplicate the strength and load resistance of a continuous retaining ring. The split retaining ring also includes an annular rib adapted for engaging a ferrule of the instrument or device in order to substantially sealing engage the instrument or device to the base. The retaining ring of the present invention can provide the required strength characteristics while be maintaining a thinner profile thereby making the split retaining ring compatible with a wider variety of instrumentation and devices.

Abstract: A system and method for supporting a wave-energy generation device that features an adaptive floating platform, which under computer control, can autonomously adjust at least one of its design elements in order to increase or decrease the responsiveness of the floating wave-energy support system to varying wave-energy conditions. By, thereby, being able to tune the wave-energy support platform for varying wave conditions, a greater amount of power can be produced from a wave energy conversion generator selected to be compatible with the adaptive floating platform.

Abstract: A system for maintaining buoyant, energy-capture devices in general relative position in water in the presence of surface waves allows heeling of the energy capture devices while preventing collision. The system includes a grid of structural members that resists compression while permitting limited relative surface displacement between the first and second energy-capture devices. The structural members may be partially compressible and provide a restoring force, and they may allow heeling. Electricity from wave energy capture devices is combined in a way that smoothes variations inherent in wave action. Electricity from wind energy capture devices is combined with energy from wave energy capture devices for transmission to shore.

Abstract: A variable speed wind turbine including a variable speed rotor, a large constant speed generator, and a small variable speed generator is characterized by a three-shaft variable ratio gearbox connecting the shaft of the rotor with the two generator shafts. The variable ratio gearbox is an epicyclic gearbox which enables the combination of the high performance of a variable speed rotor with the low cost of a large constant speed generator. The torque of the small variable speed generator controls the rotor speed. Variable frequency power conditioning cost is less than that of a prior art variable speed wind turbine, reduced by the ratio of the rated capacity of the small generator to total rated capacity. Also, the small generator enables efficient low wind velocity energy capture. The low rotational inertia of the small variable speed generator further reduces drive train dynamic stress.

Abstract: A wind power generator in which a rotating force of front and rear blades, which rotate in opposite directions to each other against the wind, enables a permanent magnet and a coil body to rotate in opposite directions so as to provide high efficiency of power generation, wherein at a low wind speed, according to the wind direction, the wind power generator freely rotates towards the wind so as to face the wind, at a middle wind speed the wind power generator is forced to rotate toward the wind so as to face the wind using power of a driving motor, and at a high wind speed the wind power generator is forced to rotate perpendicular to the wind using power of the driving motor so as to prevent the front and rear blades from breaking in a strong wind.

Abstract: A complete fully-automated airborne wind energy generation system with three major components; a ground-based energy trailer anchored to the ground containing a reel, motor/generator, motor controller with regenerative braking, a low-friction capstan, and a microcontroller; an ‘aerie’ elevated launch and landing platform free to weathervane in the wind, with a tether flag deployment and collection device; a statically and dynamically stable rotor-glider with variable pitch rotor blades enabling jump-launch, on-board weather and load sensors, microcontroller, and cell or satellite phone data connections to a centralized database; and a high-strength low-weight tether connecting all the components together.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a liquid supply pipeline, for transforming energy of liquid passing therethrough into electrical energy, comprising: a housing configured to be received within the pipeline and having a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet defining a flow direction therebetween, at least one current generator including a rotor supported by the housing and having a shaft and a plurality of vanes attached thereto, the shaft extending in the housing along the flow direction allowing rotation of the vanes by liquid passing through the generator, and a stator associated with the rotor for producing electrical signals corresponding to the rotation of the rotor, and a power storage mean to which the at least one current generator is electrically connected, for receiving the electrical signals.

Abstract: A tanker with underneath revolving wheels, loaded with water and generators installed on its top, while it rolls on rails on a sloping runway, creates kinetic energy. Cross shafts, connected to the centers of turning wheels, interlock lower differential gears, which through vertical connective shafts, engage upper differential gears and cause upper cross shafts turn and activate generators. Generated electricity will be transmitted by generators' connective devices to receiving circuits. After power production, water in the tanker must be emptied before the tanker be pushed to the pond to sail towards ascending rails. By raising the level of water in this section of the canal by using a divider, a towing truck can pull out the raised empty tanker onto the ground through ascending rails, place it in the loading area to be loaded with water, then pushed onto descending rails to resume electricity production.