Abstract: There is provided a double-hinged wheel hanger for hanging a wheel on a hoist arm. The wheel hanger includes a clevis with parallel top plate and bottom plate connected by a perpendicular base plate. In one preferred embodiment the distance between the top plate and the bottom plate is substantially the same as the height dimension of the hoist arm so that the hoist arm can be received between the top plate and the bottom plate. The wheel hanger has an elongate support arm. A proximal end of the support arm is rotatably received by a recess in a distal end of an arm-connector. A proximal end of the arm-connector is rotatably received between the top plate and the bottom plate of the clevis by means of a vertical hinge. The support arm is rotatable both in the horizontal plane and the vertical plane.

Abstract: A vehicle seat sliding apparatus includes a first rail adapted to be fixed to any one of a vehicle floor and a seat; and a second rail adapted to be fixed to the other one of the vehicle floor and the seat. The second rail includes an in-rail functional portion formed at an end portion of the first rail in terms of the longitudinal direction so as to project into an internal space formed by the first rail to achieve a predetermined function; a recessed portion formed around the in-rail functional portion in association with the formation of the in-rail functional portion; and a protector adapted to be mounted on an end portion of the first rail in terms of the longitudinal direction and cover the end portion thereof. The protector is formed with a projection adapted to fit the recessed portion to couple the protector and the first rail.

Abstract: A mandrel for use as a substrate in the manufacture of woven or braided articles may comprise an inner core of foam; at least a first intermediate layer of carbon fiber-reinforced resin; and an outer layer of glass fiber-reinforced resin. The foam core may comprise a high density, closed cell polyurethane foam that is formed of a desired size and shape. The fibers in the intermediate layer and outer layer may be, for example, chopped fibers, continuous longitudinally aligned fibers, circumferentially wound fibers, obliquely aligned fibers, or the fibers may have a woven or braided pattern. Multiple mandrel may be joined together to form complex mandrel shapes such as curves, ovals, and circles.

Abstract: A compact valve using a shape memory alloy comprises: a moving valve body that contacts an inner periphery of a guide pipe having an built-in orifice, is freely movable and has a sealing portion to seal the orifice; a biasing coil provided between the orifice and the moving valve body; and a wire formed of a shape memory alloy and held between a stationary electrode of the guide pipe and a moving electrode of the moving valve body. The orifice is sealed by moving the moving valve body due to transformation of the shape memory alloy by heating the wire. The moving valve body is enabled to be elastically deformable by providing a coil spring to reduce a stress, so that an overload to the moving valve body due to contraction of the wire is absorbed by elastic deformation of the moving valve body. Thereby, the overload to the shape memory alloy is reduced to prevent deterioration of repeatability of memorized shape, to increase durability and reliability of the valve.

Abstract: The invention concerns a valve arrangement (1) with a housing (2), an inlet connection (3) and an outlet connection (4), which are connected with each other via a flow path, in which is located a dosing device (5), which has a valve seat (7) and a valve element (6) interacting with the valve seat (7), the valve element (6) being loaded in the direction of the valve seat (7) by a resetting device (8) and being acted upon on the side facing the valve seat (7) by a pressure in a first pressure chamber (9), said pressure corresponding to the pressure in the inlet connection (3), when the dosing device (5) is dosed, and on the side facing away from the valve seat (7) by the pressure in a second pressure chamber (11), which is connected with the outlet connection (4) via a channel arrangement (14), in which is located at least one auxiliary valve (15), and with the first pressure chamber (9) via a throttle (13). It is endeavoured to reliably ensure that the closing device (5) opens.

Abstract: A noise suppression wedge for a butterfly valve comprises a wedge-shaped structure having a plurality of fingers and a plurality of slots. The noise suppression wedge is positioned in contact with the butterfly plate and reduces noise by disrupting the flow through the valve.

Abstract: A low noise valve assembly (24) mitigates noise induced by near sonic gas flow encountering stagnant flow in the region of the valve (24). An inlet tube (10) terminates in an annular chamber (12). An outlet tube (17) has a generally annular valve seat (14) disposed within the chamber (12). The valve (24) moves toward and away from a closed condition in direct contact with the valve seat (14). The valve (24) includes an insert body (26) that is spatially segregated from direct contact with the outlet tube (17) while partially filling the flow channel (16) of the outlet tube (17) when the valve (24) is in its closed condition. The insert body (26) has a generally circular base with a diameter that is larger than the throat diameter (T), which is the internal diameter of the flow channel (16) adjacent the valve (24).

Abstract: A present invention is advantageously applied to a purge valve for purging evaporated fuel stored in a canister to an intake pipe of an engine. The purge valve has a fluid passage connecting an inlet port and an outlet port, and a normally closed valve port that is selectively opened by operation of an electromagnetic actuator is disposed in the fluid passage. A barrier pillar is disposed in the fluid passage between the inlet port and the valve port to suppress transmission of pulsating waves generated in the purge valve to the canister. Flow resistance of the barrier pillar is higher in a reverse flow direction from the valve port to the inlet port than in a normal flow direction from the inlet port to the valve port. The transmission of the pulsating waves is well suppressed by the barrier pillar while allowing a smooth flow from the canister into the purge valve.

Abstract: An electrodynamic drive of a compact design is provided, particularly for a respiration system dispensing valve. The electrodynamic drive has a velocity measuring system that is uncoupled from the electrodynamic drive. The velocity measuring system is provided directly above a moving coil system, wherein the velocity measuring system has a short-circuit sleeve (15) for forming a separate magnetic circuit (221).

Abstract: A valve for adjusting the air flow rate in an internal combustion engine; the valve presents: a valve body; a cylindrical tubular pipe obtained within the valve body and in which an air introduction channel is defined; a valve seat obtained along the air introduction channel of the tubular pipe; an actuation system; a shutter, mobile under the bias of the actuation system; and a connection flange, which is integral with a first end of the tubular pipe and presents a plurality of through holes which are crossed in use by corresponding fastening screws for rigidly fixing the valve body; the connection flange is provided with a lower plate and an upper plate, which are reciprocally parallel, facing and distanced and are arranged radially with respect to the cylindrical tubular pipe, and a number of ribs, which reciprocally connect the plates, are arranged perpendicularly to the plates, and are arranged axially with respect to the cylindrical tubular pipe.

Abstract: A medical valve transitions between an open mode that permits fluid flow, and a closed mode that prevents fluid flow. To that end, the valve has a housing with an inlet and an outlet, and a rotating member with a member channel. The rotating member is rotatable to cause the valve to transition from the closed mode to the open mode after insertion of a medical implement into the inlet. The member channel fluidly communicates the inlet and the outlet when in the open mode. The medical valve also has a resilient member biasing the rotating member toward the closed mode. The rotating member slides along the resilient member when rotating between the open mode and closed mode.

Abstract: A quick coupling, for example of a female type, to be connected with a counterpart, of a male type, comprises, inside a valve body, downstream of an inlet fitting for receiving a pressurized fluid flow (F), a guide and conveying body (7) having a parabolic cross section, and a plurality of radially outwardly extending ribs, delimiting, circumferentially of the guide and conveying body, a plurality of flow channels communicating with an annular chamber (6) closed by a valve body (3).

Abstract: A knife gate valve includes a reinforced valve seat which prevents displacement of the valve seat when the valve is opened and closed. The valve includes a valve body defined by a first and second body halves. The valve halves are assembled to define a flow path, a knife gate channel and a seat channel. A knife gate is disposed between the body halves and is adapted to traverse the gate channel. The knife gate is configured to be in an open position to allow process flow through the valve and a closed position to prevent process flow through the valve. A seat assembly is positioned within the channel guide and is defined by a horizontal segment, a pair of vertical segments and a lower segment. The seat assembly is compressed between the first and second valve body halves. At least one reinforcing plate is disposed within a portion of the horizontal segment, such that the horizontal segment maintains its rigidity when the knife gate traverses the seat assembly.

Abstract: Method in which a gas and a liquid are mixed and distributed in a chamber that comprises a distribution means that consists of a compartment that is filled with liquid through which a gas stream passes. Said method is characterized in that liquid is injected either in gas countercurrent or in gas co-current into the gas passage section or sections through at least two orifices that are present in said compartment, whereby said two orifices are arranged approximately facing one another, and in that the diameter and the number of orifices and/or the speed V of the liquid at the outlet of each of the orifices and/or the distance d between two injection points placed facing one another are selected such that the Froude number Fr, defined by the equation: Fr = V g × d in which g is the gravitational constant, is greater than 0.5.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system, comprising a tank and an elongate draft tube. The tank comprises a bottom and at least one partition wall extending short of a tank curved turning wall to form at least a pair of channels for movement of a volume of a liquid. The elongate draft tube is at least partially submerged beneath the liquid and is rotated about its longitudinal axis for orbitally moving the liquid through the at least a pair of channels of the tank in a fixed direction. A process for treating wastewater is also provided.

Abstract: A cooler includes a body, a water tank installed in the body for storing cooling water, a pump fixed in the water tank, a water pipe connected to the pump and extending upward, a spray pipe connected to the water pipe, at least one gas cooling device located above the spray pipe, at least one fan fixed on top of the body, at least one wind hole formed in a side of the body, at least one cooling pipe uprightly installed in the body and having an upper portion passing through heat-dispersing chips of the gas cooling device and a lower portion passing through heat-dispersing chips of the water cooling device, and at least one water-heat exchanger below the spray pipe and having a heat-dispersing element. The cooler has two stages of cooling by air and water, having a high effect of swift cooling high temperature to low temperature.

Abstract: A vibration isolator which is capable of stably opening and closing an orifice is provided at low manufacturing cost. A plunger for opening and closing an idle orifice is disposed in a manner that is slidably engaged with the inner wall surface of an orifice-forming member. A shaft portion extending downward is formed in the central portion of the plunger. A convex portion which is formed with a through-hole in which the shaft portion is slidably is provided on the bottom of the orifice-forming member so as to provide a bearing portion. The shaft portion of the plunger and the bearing portion of the orifice-forming member constitute a guide member for guiding the reciprocating motion of this plunger.

Abstract: A method of operating a clamp that includes a first clamping jaw, a support element to which the first clamping jaw is attached and a trigger handle pivotably mounted to a clamp body. The method includes actuating the trigger handle causing the first clamping jaw to experience incremental motion and varying the incremental motion as a function of a load encountered by the support element by varying an effective lever arm of the trigger handle by moving a fulcrum point into contact or out of contact with the trigger handle based on the load.

Abstract: A pin clamp assembly is provided. The assembly includes a housing, a locating pin, a body, and first and second locks. The locating pin extends from the housing. The body extends from the locating pin. At least a portion of the body is located interior of the housing. The body and locating pin are movable with respect to the housing. The first lock is located on the body and the second lock is configured to selectively couple with the first lock. Selective coupling of the locks prevent the body from moving.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for aligning and/or retaining pallets to be repaired and/or pallet elements used in repairing pallets. The apparatus comprises a base frame comprising at least one fixed lateral stop member and at least one movable lateral stop member for each bottom deck board member and/or for each connecting block member of a pallet. The movable lateral stop member is adapted to press the particular bottom deck board member and/or the assigned connecting block members against the cooperating fixed lateral stop member, such that the particular bottom deck board member and/or the connecting block members is/are aligned with reference to a line running perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pallet and retained in that position. Preferably, a movable lateral stop member is assigned to each fixed lateral stop member. Additionally, the apparatus comprises at least one fixed longitudinal stop member and at least one movable longitudinal stop member.

Abstract: A device allowing essentially simultaneous clamping of at least two clamps, that may have different clamping strengths and/or clearance capacities.

Abstract: A sheet finishing apparatus includes a punch unit to punch a sheet, and a saddle unit to bundle and to fold the sheets. A position and an inclination angle of a puncher are changed according to a skew amount of the sheet, the puncher is controlled to form punch holes in the sheet at positions symmetric with respect to a folding line, and punching is performed so that an interval between the folding line and the punch hole becomes small at the inside of a bundle of the sheets and becomes large at the front cover side.

Abstract: A device for manufacturing thread-stitched book blocks which comprise folded printed sheets has a conveying apparatus which transports the printed sheets astride a stitching saddle into a stitching position and to which the printed sheets are fed. A stitching apparatus is arranged at a lateral spacing from the stitching saddle which can be driven in an oscillating manner and can be supplied with printed sheets by the stitching saddle. The conveying apparatus is controlled in order to change the conveying speed and/or the stitching position of the printed sheets on the stitching saddle, in that the conveying apparatus is drive-connected to a controlled-rotation electric motor which is controlled by a computer-connected controller.

Abstract: A recording apparatus includes a recording head, a transport driving roller, and a transport driven roller. The recording head discharges ink onto a transported recording medium, thereby performing recording. The transport driving roller is provided on the upstream side of the recording head in the transport direction and includes driving side roller portions and depressed portions. The driving side roller portions are rotationally driven, thereby transporting the recording medium. The diameter of the depressed portions is smaller than that of the driving side roller portions. The driving side roller portions and the depressed portions are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the recording medium in such a manner that at least one driving side roller portion alternates with at least one depressed portion. The transport driven roller is provided opposite the transport driving roller and includes driven side roller portions and presser rollers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for providing paper stack level calibration in a reproduction apparatus. According to various aspects of the invention, methods are provided for continuous feeding with a transition from one supply to another, and leaving a controlled number of sheets in the prior supply.

Abstract: A device (10) for extracting and feeding sheets from two trays, comprising a first tray (20) to contain a first ream (21a) of sheets (21), a second tray (30) to contain a second ream (31a) of sheets (31), and a feeding member (50, 53, 53a, 53b) for extracting and feeding one sheet (21, 31) at a time from said first ream (21a) or from said second ream (31a), wherein the two trays (20, 30) are positioned one on top of the other on the same side of the feeding member (50), and the second tray (30), in an intermediate position between the first tray (20) and the feeding member (50), comprises a fixed wall (32, 32a, 32b), to support the second ream (31a), which is configured in order to define an opening or cooperation zone (41) between the first tray (20) and the feeding member (50), so that, when the second ream is not present in the second tray (30) the feeding member (50, 53, 53a) and the first ream (21a) are intended to cooperate in contact with each other, through said cooperation zone (41) in order to extra

Abstract: A take-out device includes a take-out mechanism which takes out postal matters supplied to a take-out position at one end of a deposit section one by one, a separating mechanism which separates second and subsequent postal matters that are carried along with a postal matter to be taken out from the take-out position, and an auxiliary mechanism which applies a negative pressure to the postal matter on the take-out position so as to feed it in both forward and opposite directions. The separating mechanism applies a negative pressure to the postal matter on the conveyance path via a plurality of adsorption holes of a separating roller so as to adsorb it, and applies a separating torque in an opposite direction to the take-out direction thereto.

Abstract: A mailpiece selector device for separating mailpieces one-by-one from a stack of mailpieces and for transporting them downstream. The mailpiece selector device includes a first guide cooperating with a plurality of opposite selector rollers to select the mailpieces one-by-one and for transporting them downstream. The first guide is able to pivot about a pivot axis in opposition to first resilient return and the first guide has a reference plate designed to cooperate with a magnet that is secured to a framework of the device to prevent the first guide from pivoting in this way below a predetermined mailpiece thickness.

Abstract: A cartridge includes a base, a tray and a latching element. The base has a boss. The tray is slidably mounted on the base. The base has a cartridge spring corresponding to the tray. The cartridge spring provides the tray a resilient force. The latching element has an eccentric hole that receives the boss of the base. A spring connects the latching element to the base so that the latching element can secure the tray to the base or release the tray from the base. It enhances the retaining of the tray so that even when the cartridge is impacted by an external force, the tray can still be kept closed. The cartridge of the invention provides advantages such as being highly stable, having fewer components, is easy to assemble, and costs less than prior art models.

Abstract: A roulette board includes: a roulette wheel on which a plurality of symbols are arranged in a circumferential direction of the roulette wheel; a plurality of ball reception portions that are provided in a one-to-one correspondence with the symbols, the ball reception portions being configured to receive a ball that rolls on the roulette wheel; a banked passage that is endlessly provided along an outer circumference of the roulette wheel, and allows the ball to roll in a circumferential orbit; and a ball discharging mechanism that is provided with a ball discharging member and discharges the ball received in one of the ball reception portions toward the banked passage by bringing the ball discharging member into contact with the ball.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can provide more surprises and greater fun and increase interest in game playing while being distinct from other models by adding a wide variety of representation by moving devices to specific symbols presented on the reels. The present invention provide a gaming machine that can provide more surprises and greater fun and increase interest in game playing while being distinct from other models by adding a wide variety of visual representations by moving device to part of symbols presented on the reels.

Abstract: This patent discloses a playing card game accessories kit. The kit may include a playing card handler, a gunfighter figurine, a card deck, an advanced card deck, a card cover, chips, and a game card rules book that may provide instructions on how to play continuous draw poker. The playing card handler may include a housing, a controls areas supported by the housing, a distribution area supported by the housing and positioned adjacent to the controls area, and electrical components such as a memory and processor. The controls area may include a two-screen monitor and control keys. The distribution area may include a distribution area divided into a deck tray and a card tray. Arranged rollers may pass cards between the deck tray and card tray. A bridge having a mode screen may divide the deck tray and a card tray.

Abstract: A jigsaw puzzle has a blank and computer-printable face. The jigsaw puzzle has a thick substrate which forms a thick substrate sheet. The thick substrate sheet has been die-cut, into thick puzzle pieces. The thick puzzle pieces are joined together by uncut lands between the thick puzzle pieces. The cuts and said lands are in such proportions as to allow users to separate the thick puzzle pieces from each other. The thick substrate is at least 0.020? thick.

Abstract: An open rectangular prism with rotating cubes on dowel rods, two 12-sided dice, and three 20-sided dice invented with an accompanying method of use to function as a game to assist students in remembering the basic math facts including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

Abstract: A target system having a base, a stationary member inclined from the base and having a cap, a rotating tube having a cap and positioned over the stationary tube, a bearing between the caps of the stationary member and the rotating tube to permit substantially free rotation of the rotating tube, and a plurality of target sides secured to the rotating tube, with impact of a fired round onto one of the target sides initiating movement of the rotating tube relative to the stationary member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dry-running piston rod sealing arrangement (1) for sealing a piston rod (2) mounted in a longitudinally displaceable manner. The sealing arrangement comprises at least one sealing ring (5) having a sealing surface (5a), an actuator (7), a sensor (8), and a chamber ring (3) containing the sealing ring (5). The actuator (7) comprises an active connection in relation to the sealing ring (5), such that the sealing surface (5a) can be radially displaced in relation to the piston rod (2). The actuator (7) can be controlled according to a measuring value detected by the sensor (8).

Abstract: A mechanical seal 4 includes a rotary sealing ring 8 which is fixed to a rotary shaft body 2 and a stationary sealing ring 9 which is movably held to a tubular case body 1 in an axial direction thereof, and seals a space between inner and outer peripheral areas 5 and 18 of a relative rotation portion by means of the relative rotation of opposite end faces 21 and 27 of both sealing rings 8 and 9. A drive pin 24a which is engaged with a recessed portion 23 formed in an outer periphery of the stationary sealing ring 9 is fixedly supported to the case body 1 at both sides of a place engaging with the recessed portion 23 so as to prevent the stationary sealing ring 9 from rotating relatively to the case body 1. The drive pin 24a is made of a metal or plastic material according to the conditions of use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sealing ring for sealing two components moving relative to each other, particularly a rotary shaft seal or piston ring, with a radially internal or external sealing surface that can be brought into contact with one of the components to form a seal against a fluid medium. On one side of the sealing surface the sealing ring displays a pressurizing surface to be pressurized by the fluid medium and, on the opposite side, a supporting surface to the side of the sealing surface for positioning against a groove flank of a component accommodating the sealing ring. The pressurizing surface and/or the supporting surface are inclined relative to the sealing surface and enclose an angle of less than 90° towards it, where the ring is capable of radial compression towards a radially internal sealing surface, or of expansion towards a radially external sealing surface.

Abstract: The technical field of the invention relates to magnetic sealing devices used for transfer of torque involving rotating parts. Industries that deal in chemicals and pharmaceutics have a requirement to mix materials such as gases and liquids. This is carried out by mixers and agitators and similar other equipment. All devices involve a shaft that comes out of the body of the equipment, that is to say it pierces the equipment. The location at which the shaft enters the equipment is a potential point of leakage. One of the technical problems that the present invention tackles is that of providing a secure sealing that will reduce leakage. The magnetic seal assembly disclosed in the present invention provides a magnetic sealing device that gives a safe, trouble-free, robust, and leak-proof contactless seal for agitator drives and similar equipment used for industrial scale applications.

Abstract: A gasket which can secure a sufficient sealing capability even for compact, light and less rigid high-performance engines is to be provided. The gasket comprises a metallic base plate and a shim plate stacked around each of combustion chamber holes in the base plate. A base plate bead consisting of a full bead is formed along the circumference of each of the combustion chamber holes. The shim plate is large enough to be arranged opposite a first flat part, a base plate bead formation position A and a second flat part in the base plate. A plurality of strips of auxiliary beads are formed in the part of the shim plate opposite the base plate.

Abstract: A gasket is to be disposed in a compressed state between a groove bottom surface defining a gasket groove formed in a first member and a seat surface of a second member so as to make a hermetical sealing between the groove bottom surface and the seal surface. The gasket includes a first seal section formed at an end part of the gasket in a compression direction. The first seal section is ridge-shaped so as to become slender in a direction toward a tip portion of the first seal section. The first seal section has first and second side surfaces which are opposite to each other with respect to a first plane passing through the tip portion of the first seal section. The first side surface overhangs outwardly larger than the second side surface.

Abstract: An air suspension system is configured to maintain a desired vehicle comfort ride level as a function of vehicle speed. The air suspension system includes a plurality of air spring assemblies that each include a piston airbag and a primary airbag mounted around the piston airbag. A first set of the air spring assemblies is tuned to a first ride rate and a second set of the air spring assemblies is tuned to a second ride rate. Pressure is continuously varied within the first and second sets of air springs to maintain a first predetermined ride rate difference between the first ride rate and the second ride rate under a low vehicle speed condition and to maintain a second predetermined ride rate difference between the first ride rate and the second ride rate under a high vehicle speed condition.

Abstract: A high accuracy medical trailer leveling system capable of detecting at least three level orientations including level along a longitudinal direction, level along a lateral direction at the front of the trailer, and level along a lateral direction at the rear of the trailer. The system also includes sensors that detect a level orientation in the longitudinal direction at the front of the trailer and a level orientation in the longitudinal direction at the rear of the trailer. A touch pad has buttons for controlling the system and a display screen, the display screen being capable of displaying a level condition in a particular location of the trailer and direction. The display screen can display the level orientation of side to side, front; side to side, rear; and front to back, and can also display the angle of inclination. One set of lights on the control pad indicates which jacks to actuate to level the vehicle, and another set of lights indicates which jacks are being actuated.

Abstract: A dolly assembly for use in towing a disabled vehicle, preferably including a main tube with a dolly wheel mounted at each end, and a method of using same. In one preferred embodiment, the main tube is capable of selective expansion or contraction along its longitudinal axis, to facilitate adjustment and placement of dolly axle assemblies connecting opposed, generally parallel dolly assemblies. Force leveraging mechanisms may be used to aid the selective expansion or contraction of the main tube, such as ratchet or rack and pinion mechanisms. In an alternative embodiment, and for ease in transport, the dolly assembly may be pivotably collapsed along its main tube about either a vertical or horizontal axis.

Abstract: An improved utility cart for use in auto body repair facilities. The cart includes an upright frame from which one or more shelf or basket members extend generally horizontally. Extensions on the spaced apart legs of the cart include at least two elongate upright posts which are spaced apart sufficiently to receive a thin auto body part such as a hood panel or windshield. Elongate support arms may be attached to the upright members of the frame by inserting tabs of the arms into slots in the upright members. The shelf and basket members are supported on a pair of side brackets which have tabs which are received in slots in the upright members. The legs may be adjusted from a parallel position to one which has the legs diverging. The legs are supported by casters mounted at the ends of the legs and at the ends of the leg extensions. A small parts drawer may be carried in a drawer support which can be suspended from either a shelf or a basket member.

Abstract: A knuckle includes two steering bosses (i.e., upper and lower), each having a continuous channel, connecting, respectively, separate channel openings where the channels taper outward from an inner diameter to each of their respective openings. A hollow first adapter sleeve is located within either one of the channel openings of the upper steering boss, and a hollow second adapter sleeve is located within either one of the channel openings of the lower steering boss. As a result of this structure, the knuckle may be used on either side of a vehicle, allow for entry of a steering arm/tie rod arm from forward to rear (rearwardly directed) or vice versa in either of the steering bosses, and may be applied to various sizes of knuckle-steer axle assemblies.

Abstract: A rack-and-pinion type steering apparatus 1 includes a housing 3 having a cylindrical holding hole 2 in its interior; a pinion 6 which is disposed in the housing 3 rotatably in a direction R about an axis O by means of bearings 4 and 5; a rack bar 8 which has rack teeth 7 meshing with the pinion 6 and is movable in a direction A; a rack guide 9 which is disposed in the holding hole 2 within the housing 3 movably in a direction C, and which guides and supports the rack bar 8 movably in the direction A; and a coil spring 10 for resiliently pressing the rack teeth 7 of the rack bar 8 against the pinion 6 by means of the rack guide 9.

Abstract: Coupling mechanism for a vehicle anti-roll bar comprising a first piece able to be fixed to a first half-bar, a second piece able to be fixed to a second half-bar, the second piece being so arranged as to be moveable in rotation about an axis of rotation A relative to the first piece. The mechanism includes at least one elastically deformable elongate element coupled to the first and second pieces so that relative rotation of the first and second pieces about the axis of rotation A causes elastic flexion deformation of the at least one elongate element, the mechanism including an actuator able to position the at least one elongate element in a first state in which the said at least one elongate element presents a first flexion stiffness for the said elastic flexion deformation, and a second state in which the said at least one elongate element presents a second flexion stiffness for the said elastic flexion deformation.

Abstract: A securing device for a bicycle front fork has a clamping sleeve, an upper pressing base and a lower pressing base. The clamping sleeve is hollow, is made of a resilient material and has a C-shaped cross section. The upper pressing base is attached to a top end of the clamping sleeve and has a threaded hole and an upper pressing surface. The threaded hole is defined in the upper pressing base to screw with a connecting bolt. The upper pressing surface is conical and pressing against the inner surface of the clamping sleeve. The lower pressing base is attached to a bottom end of the clamping sleeve, is connected to the upper pressing base in a thread manner and has a lower pressing surface. The lower pressing surface is conical and presses against the inner surface the clamping sleeve.

Abstract: A rear wheel suspension system for a two-wheeled vehicle is provided. The suspension system includes a rear frame pivotally connected to a main frame by at least an upper linkage and a lower linkage. The linkages are positioned such that the pivotal connection between the rear frame and the lower linkage is forward of the pivotal connection between the main frame and the lower linkage. Further, the rear wheel suspension system includes a biasing member such as a spring or shock absorber which allows the suspension to absorb impacts resulting from obstacles or irregularities in the surface of a terrain.