Abstract: A method is of processing a wooden piece into a predetermined three dimensional shape by compressing the wooden piece. The method includes compressing a first wooden piece and a second wooden piece in a water vapor atmosphere of a temperature and a pressure higher than a temperature and a pressure of an atmospheric air, by placing the first and the second wooden pieces one on another, the first wooden piece having a shape including a curved surface, and the second wooden piece having a flat board-like shape in which a large part of fiber components run in a direction substantially parallel to a surface.

Abstract: In the method of forming a drum shell that consists of plywood, the steps that includes forming the shell under pressure and heat into cylindrical configuration, providing inner and outer cooling platens adapted to respectively engage the interior and exterior surfaces of the heated shell, trapping the heated shell between the platens, at elevated pressure, allowing the shell to cool by heat transfer from shell side wall or walls into pressure exerting side walls, and while trapped between such platens, at elevated pressure, and removing the cooled shell from between the cooling platens.

Abstract: Provided is a pneumatic tire that has a directional tread pattern and includes: a rib-shaped first land area extending in the tire-circumferential direction in a center section of a tread portion; paired first main grooves being adjacent respectively to the two sides of the first land area; paired second land areas being adjacent respectively to the outer sides of the first main grooves; paired second main grooves being adjacent respectively to the outer sides of the second land areas; paired third land areas being adjacent respectively to the outer sides of the second main grooves; a fine groove extending at the center of the first land area; plural lug grooves formed in the first land area; and plural sipes formed in the first land area. Each lug groove intersects with a corresponding sipe. An end of the lug groove formed in the first land area is formed as a dead end between the fine groove and a corresponding first main groove.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pneumatic tire for a motorcycle which improves driving performance and braking performance without degrading driving stability particularly when a middle camber angle is applied to the tire. This tire comprises a tread portion 1, side wall portions 2 and bead portions 3, wherein this tread portion 1 comprises five regions of a central region A, shoulder regions C and intermediate regions B and 100% modulus of at least a portion forming the ground contact surface of intermediate tread rubber 7b disposed over the entire region of the intermediate regions B is larger than both of 100% modulus of at least a portion forming the ground contact surface of central tread rubber 7a disposed over the entire region of the central region A and 100% modulus of at least a portion forming the ground contact surface of shoulder tread rubber 7c disposed over the entire region of the shoulder regions C.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for dispensing a plurality of labels onto a folio across a travelling path of the folio through the device, the device has a supply of labels, the labels are carried by a carrier; a guide system for guiding the carrier with labels from the supply to a dispenser. The dispensing machine includes an arm, which extends across the folio, and a dispensing wagon, which is arranged on the arm and is adapted to dispense the labels onto the folio while moving along the arm. The device furthermore keeps the carrier stretched between the supply and the dispenser.

Abstract: The invention relates to an installation for applying glue to fibers for the production of fiberboard, especially MDF board or similar wood material board. Said installation comprises a fiber feed unit having at least one fiber feed conduit which opens into a fiber exit tube via e.g. an arched fiber deflection element and receives the air that is used to transport the fibers, a chute which is located downstream of the fiber exit tube, a glue application device which is located between the fiber exit tube and the chute and which has spray nozzles for spraying the fibers that emerge from the fiber exit tube and enter the chute with drops of glue, and a collection device, located downstream of the chute and having a transport device for collecting and optionally carrying off the fibers and a suction device for suctioning air from the chute through the transport belt.

Abstract: A machine for bonding layers in a film includes first pay-off unit to unwind a first layer of the film, a second pay-off unit to unwind a second layer of the film, a third pay-off unit to unwind a third layer of the film, a bonding zone to join the various layers of film together, and a winding unit including a reel onto which the bonded film is wound, the bonding zone including at least one bonding unit, the pressing roller being fitted with at least an hydraulic actuator which brings it in contact with the layers of film on the bonding calender, the presser roller and the hydraulic actuator being mounted on a nip rotating around the axis of the bonding calendar so as to vary the position of the point of contact between the presser roller and the calender and hence to vary the breadth of the contact arc, along the surface of the calender, in which the layers are overlapped.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with multiple individual chips having a rigid plate, and a deformable membrane located on the plate, the deformable membrane having a thickness sufficient to allow the deformable membrane to peripherally conform to each of the individual multiple chips irrespective of any difference in height among the multiple individual chips and to prevent each of the multiple individual chips from moving in a lateral direction, the deformable membrane being configured to uniformly transfer a vertical force, applied to the rigid plate, to the chips so as to bring, under pressure, a bonding surface of each individual chip into contact with a bonding surface of an element to which the individual chips will be bonded during a connect and release cycle without causing damage to the individual chips or bonding surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a partial painting method, and more particularly, to a painting method wherein a printing layer is completely transferred onto a base material surface by attaching a hologram transfer film on the base material surface subjected to transparent painting, heat-treating it to transfer a printing portion and then removing a base material film. Since the printing layer is completely transferred onto and impregnated into the transferred surface of the present invention, there occurs no step and the printing layer is not erased due to a solvent. Further, the present invention relates a method of preparing a painting composition using a hologram transfer film and a painting method using the painting composition.

Abstract: A vertical cellular blind includes a headrail having first and second tracks; a fabric carriage including a trolley translatable along one of the tracks and a fabric stem releasable connected to the trolley; a cellular fabric panel connected to the fabric stem; a vertical rail bracket translatable along the other of the tracks in the headrail and including a component angularly adjustable relative to the headrail; a vertical rail attached to the panel and connected to the vertical rail bracket; a cord having ends secured in the headrail and extending through the panel and the vertical rail; and a locking handle in the vertical rail having the cord extended therethrough and releasable pinching means in the handle for engaging the cord.

Abstract: A folding leaf gate comprising a post hung section hingedly attachable to a gate post and at least one leaf hung section hingedly connected in series with the post hung section by means of one or more section hinges, wherein the folding leaf gate additionally includes a rotating device associated with the or each leaf hung section and sharing a common axis of rotation with the or each section hinge and secured in a static relationship to a leaf hung section whereby rotation of the or each rotating device causes rotation of a leaf hung section about the or each section hinge, and one or more translating devices engaging the or each rotating devices, the one or more translating device being configured, when in use, to translate rotational motion of the post hung section about a gate post to rotation of the one or more rotating devices whereby simultaneously to open a gateway closed by the folding leaf gate and fold the folding leaf gate in two or more.

Abstract: A fabric panel adapted for use selectively as a drape, curtain, shade or valance. The panel has a loop at the upper edge region for receiving a curtain rod. A strip extending across the panel down from the upper end. Two fastening tie receivers are disposed on the panel at about the height of the strip. A respective one or more strip ties around the bottom edge region of the panel and also is passed through fasteners at the strip so that the ties may be tightened for selectively raising the bottom of the panel at a plurality of locations across the panel to a varying extent to expose the area beneath the shade to a varying selected extent, or to raise the bottom of the panel higher to a fixed location so that the panel with the ties raising the panel may serve as a valance. A tie around the panel and off to the side defines the panel into a curtain.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a mold, including steps of (a) expanding a powder mixture containing a water-soluble inorganic salt powder and a water-soluble organic polymer powder in a plane on a table and then selectively spraying a spray liquid containing at least one selected from a water-miscible organic solvent and water through a nozzle on this powder mixture layer to make a bonding strength among particles of the powder mixture in a sprayed region higher than that among particles of the powder mixture in an unsprayed region, (b) further expanding the powder mixture on the powder mixture layer after spraying and then selectively spraying the spray liquid through the nozzle on this powder mixture layer, (c) repeatedly conducting the step (b) over several times to form a mold shaped by the sprayed regions, and (d) taking out the mold.

Abstract: A cast metal article, such as a turbine engine component, is made by shaping a body of refractory metal particles to form a molded refractory metal article. The molded refractory metal article is sintered to form a refractory metal core. Both the refractory metal article and a setter block may be sintered at the same time. At least a portion of the refractory metal core is enclosed with wax. The wax is at least partially enclosed with a covering of mold material. The wax is removed from the mold material to form an article mold cavity. The article mold cavity is filled with molten metal which solidifies to form a cast metal article. The refractory metal core is removed from the cast metal article.

Abstract: The present invention is a novel sprue rod assembly for lost wax investment casting and its method of use. The sprue rod is reusable because it is made of material with a high melting point, such as metal, instead of wax. The sprue rod assembly also comprises a weight pull system, which causes the sprue rod to fall out of the investment mold when it is heated prior to dewaxing or early during dewaxing. The reusable sprue rod assembly reduces wasted wax, increases the efficiency of dewaxing and decreases flaws from the expansion of trapped wax during dewaxing. In addition, the sprue rods can be stacked to create the desired length.

Abstract: A process for repairing one or more worn inlet ports on an interior or exterior surface of an extruder die wherein each inlet port provides an opening into an extrusion channel. The worn inlet port has a funnel shape and a diameter greater than that of the extrusion channel. The worn inlet port is repaired by placing a fused silicon oxide insert into one or more extrusion channels so that an external surface of the insert engages the interior surface of the extrusion channel, thereby forming a pocket around the insert between the circumference or perimeter of the worn inlet port and the external surface of the insert. The pocket is filled with molten metal, and the insert prevents the molten metal from entering the extrusion channel. When the molten metal hardens the inserts are removed. New inlet ports are thereby formed having the same diameter as the extrusion channels.

Abstract: A method for producing a wide steel strip using thin slab continuous casting and rolling by the following steps a) casting a molten steel into a thin slab having a thickness of between 50 and 90 mm; b) cutting; c) soaking; d) heating by electromagnetic induction; e) descaling; f) rolling; g) cooling with laminar flow; and h) coiling. The method can effectively control the solution and precipitation of carbon, nitrogen, and sulfide in steel with a low cost. The process is easy and flexible, and steel can be produced in a wide range of categories. Further provided is a system for producing a wide steel strip with thin slab continuous casting and rolling.

Abstract: In an air conditioner constructed to pass an air introduced into an air conditioning unit through an evaporator and a heater core both arranged in the unit, cooler pipes for the evaporator and heater pipes for the heater core are arranged to extend from the same side wall of the air conditioning unit.

Abstract: A defrost system for a heat recovery ventilator/energy recovery ventilator (HRV/ERV), uses the interior space supply air of an integrated fan coil for defrosting a HRV/ERV core without creating negative pressure in the interior space, which wastes energy, without need of an external fifth port from which to draw defrost air from the interior space, which increases costs, and without re-circulating exhaust air into the interior space. During the defrost cycle, automatically controlled dampers close off the fresh air and exhaust air inputs, and exhaust output, and circulate supply air through the heat exchange core and into to the living space.

Abstract: A heat sink, wherein a plurality of heat radiation fins are mounted on a base plate to which an electronic device is attached in a heat transmittable manner. The heat radiation fins are erected vertically and in parallel with each other on the reverse face of the base plate to which the electron device is contacted, and extended laterally from the base plate. A heat pipe transports heat between the extended portion of the heat radiation fins and the base plate.

Abstract: A heat dissipation device (10) includes a first heat sink (20), a second heat sink (30) and a heat pipe (40) transferring heat from the first heat sink to the second heat sink. A bracket (50) includes a first end (51) attached to the first heat sink and a second end (52) attached to the second heat sink.

Abstract: A heat spreader for cooling an electronic component includes a lower plate defining a chamber, an upper plate fixed on the lower plate to seal the chamber, a first wick layer and a second wick layer sandwiched between the lower plate and the upper plate, and a working liquid contained in the chamber. The first wick layer and the second wick layer respectively define a plurality of apertures, which include right-angled triangle, acute-angled triangle, and rhomboid apertures communicating with each other for containing the working liquid therein.

Abstract: A system that includes a plurality of heat sources configured to heat a portion of a formation is described. At least one production well is in the formation. A bottom portion of the production well is a sump in an underburden of the formation below the heated portion of the formation. Fluids from the heated portion of the formation are allowed to flow into the sump. A pump system has an inlet in the sump. A production conduit is coupled to the pump system. The production conduit is configured to transport fluids in the sump out of the formation.

Abstract: A novel aerator for use inside a well casing in conjunction with a submersible pump, the aerator comprising a check-valve with a nozzle for spraying a portion of a water supply that is being pumped by the pump. The spray is directed towards the well water within the well casing and is calibrated to provide enough agitation to promote the evolution of dissolved gases in the water both as it is sprayed and also as the spray contacts the surface of the well water. The check-valve is calibrated to operate at a pressure threshold to ensure that spraying occurs only when the pump is running.

Abstract: A method for securing a wellbore string device to a wellbore liner tubular employs a swelling elastomer to frictionally grip a gap between the wellbore string device and the liner tubular. The swelling elastomer is positioned between the wellbore string device and the wellbore liner tubular, then activated to cause it to swell to engage the wellbore string device with the wellbore liner tubular. The wellbore string device may be a centralizer, a wear band or a torque ring.

Abstract: The invention described herein is directed to a downhole fluid injection dispersion device. This invention may be employed to radially disperse fluid injected downhole in a well bore. This invention comprises a body comprising an inlet port and at least two radial outlet ports.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of reducing the viscosity of a gelled fluid is provided. In one embodiment, a viscosity reducing microbe is disposed in a capsule and added to the gelled fluid. The gelled fluid may include a thickening agent adapted to increase its viscosity. Upon release from the capsule, the microbe begins to digest the thickening agent in the gelled fluid and/or releases enzymes that that breakdown the thickening agent.

Abstract: Methods and related systems for use with a continuous fiber based system for use with well bore completions. Wherein a plurality of continuous fibers are deployable into a portion of a well bore completion, such that a fiber management module is adapted and positioned within the borehole to facilitate deployment of and communication with the plurality of continuous fibers. Further, the number of deployable continuous fibers of the continuous fiber based system can provide for sufficient redundancy to make at least a target measurement relating to the completion.

Abstract: A process may include providing heat from one or more heaters to at least a portion of a subsurface formation. Heat may transfer from one or more heaters to a part of a formation. In some embodiments, heat from the one or more heat sources may pyrolyze at least some hydrocarbons in a part of a subsurface formation. Hydrocarbons and/or other products may be produced from a subsurface formation. Certain embodiments describe apparatus, methods, and/or processes used in treating a subsurface or hydrocarbon containing formation.

Abstract: A method of using a survey system comprising at least one sensor. The method comprises operating the survey system to provide information regarding the orientation of the sensor relative to the Earth at a first resolution level while the sensor is a first distance relative to the Earth's surface and operating the survey system to provide information regarding the orientation of the sensor relative to the Earth at a second resolution level while the sensor is a second distance relative to the Earth's surface. The second distance is larger than the first distance. The second resolution level is higher than the first resolution level.

Abstract: A process for injecting water into a subterranean petroleum-bearing formation for petroleum recovery, said method comprising: a) positioning a selective membrane (14) between an aqueous solution (18) and formation water (20) having a higher solute concentration than the aqueous solution (18), such that water passes across the membrane (14) by osmosis to dilute the formation water (20), b) injecting the diluted formation water (22) into the petroleum-bearing formation, c) recovering formation water from the petroleum-bearing formation, and d) using at least a portion of the recovered formation water in step a).

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling fluid flow into a tubular includes an in-flow control device having a plurality of flow paths; and a reactive media disposed in each of the flow paths. The reactive media may change permeability by interacting with a selected fluid such as water. Two or more of the flow paths may be hydraulically parallel. The reactive media may include a Relative Permeability Modifier. An associated method may include conveying the fluid via a plurality of flow paths; and controlling a resistance to flow in plurality of flow paths using a reactive media disposed in each of the flow paths. An associated system may include a wellbore tubular; an in-flow control device; a hydraulic circuit formed in the in-flow control device; and a reactive media disposed in the hydraulic circuit, the reactive media may change permeability by interacting with a selected fluid.

Abstract: A ceiling-only dry sprinkler system configured to address a storage occupancy fire event with a sprinkler operational area sufficient in size to surround and drown the fire. The system and method preferably provide for the surround and effect by activating one or more initial sprinklers, delaying fluid flow to the initial activated sprinklers for a defined delay period to permit the thermal activation of a subsequent one or more sprinklers so as to form the preferred sprinkler operational area. The sprinklers of the operational area are preferably configured so as to provide sufficient fluid volume and cooling to address the fire-event with a surround and drown configuration. The defined delay period is of a defined period having a maximum and a minimum. The preferred sprinkler system is adapted for fire protection of storage commodities and provides a ceiling only system that eliminates or otherwise minimizes the economic disadvantages and design penalties of current dry sprinkler system design.

Abstract: A system for automatically controlling the position and level of an earthmoving implement on an earthmoving machine. The system includes at least one hydraulic actuator adapted to raise and lower the earthmoving implement, a device for delivering a pressurized fluid to and receiving pressurized fluid from the actuator, and an electronic control circuit that includes electronic sensors for sensing the absolute orientation of the machine and the position of the actuator, and a controller for receiving outputs of the sensors, calculating an amount of the pressurized fluid that must be delivered to or received from the actuator to achieve a desired position for the earthmoving implement, and control the delivering-receiving device to deliver or receive the amount of the pressurized fluid to achieve the desired position for the earthmoving implement.

Abstract: An apparatus for earth working or material moving includes a first and a second blade oriented substantially parallel to one another. The two blades each have non-working blade faces positioned adjacent one another and working blade faces opposite one another. The two blades are moveable with respect to one another in the vertical direction, but fixed to one another in the horizontal direction. In this way, the working face of a first blade may be used in a first direction, and the working face of a second blade may be used in a second direction. The dual blade unit may be pivotally connected to an extending arm so that the angle of the first and second blades with respect to the direction of travel may be adjusted to the specifications of the user.

Abstract: In lieu of rigid bars, a tillage reel utilizes a number of elongated flexible elements such as lengths of link chain that are spaced circumferentially around the reel and extend axially thereof. The flexible elements bow outwardly by centrifugal force as the reel rolls along the ground during tillage operations to impact and fracture clods encountered at the lower front extremity of the reel. When the reel is used in connection with strip till operations, the flexible elements bow upwardly and inwardly along the lower periphery of the reel as they engage and conform to the transverse cross-section of the strip till berm, thereby avoiding destruction of the berm notwithstanding the clod-pulverizing action provided by the flexible elements.

Abstract: This invention relates to a power tool one having a driven member 5 for releasably gripping a working element 4. The power tool is operable in a working mode in which the working element performs work, or an adjustment mode in which the driven member 5 grips or releases the working element 4. The power tool includes a powered selector means including a controller 6 which enables the operator to select the mode of operation of the power tool.

Abstract: A hand-guided power tool has a drive motor and a tool in driving connection with the drive motor. At least one handle is provided for guiding the power tool in operation. At least one antivibration element functionally connects the at least one handle and the drive motor. The at least one antivibration element has a coil spring and a guide, wherein the coil spring has an end connected to the guide. The coil spring has a first radial spacing relative to the guide in a first radial direction and has a second radial spacing relative to the guide in a second radial direction, wherein the second spacing is smaller than the first spacing or is zero.

Abstract: Hydrostatic bearings are used for drill string stabilization and bottom hole assembly steering. The hydrostatic bearings utilize an existing mud flow as the bearing fluid. For steering, the bearings may be used between movable kick pads and the formation to reduce friction. Alternatively, differential hydrostatic bearing pressure may be utilized to steer. Multi-modal (non-linear and linear) steering may be provided by selectively applying equal and unequal hydrostatic bearing pressures. The bearings can be made more tolerant of imperfections in the formation by utilizing multiple pressure pockets.

Abstract: A steerable drilling system comprises a rotary drill bit 14 secured to a housing 16, a secondary rotary drill component 22 carried by the housing and rotatable therewith, the second rotary drill component 22 having a gauge dimension greater than that of the rotary drill bit 14, and a drive arrangement operable to displace the secondary rotary drill component 22 relative to the housing 16 while maintaining an axis 24 of the secondary rotary drill component 22 substantially parallel to an axis 18 of the housing 16.

Abstract: Compositions including relatively low reactivity acids, mixed with viscoelastic surfactants (VESs) and internal breakers may serve as drilling fluids to open underground hydrocarbon reservoirs with carbonate contents of 10 wt % or above. The drilling fluids have low viscosities in the drilling pipe. After the fluid flows out of the drill bit, the acids react with carbonates in the formation thereby increasing the pH of the drilling fluids causing the VES to gel the fluid at the bottom of the hole and the downhole annulus between the drilling pipe and the formation rock. The viscosified drilling fluid will reduce fluid loss and will carry no dissolved drilling debris to the surface. After drilling through the targeted formation, the internal breakers in the viscosified drilling fluids will break down the fluids to permit their removal, and the well is ready to produce with very little or no near well bore damage.

Abstract: A drill rod has a fitting portion protruding toward the distal end of the drill rod. The drill rod fitting portion further encompasses a parallel male thread portion in which a minimum distance from a first axial line in a cross-section perpendicular to the first axial line is constant; and a male thread ending portion is continuous with a proximal end of the parallel male thread portion. The minimum distance of the ending portion increases as a proximal end is approached. Furthermore, the fitting portion is formed such that the minimum distance does not decrease as the proximal end is approached from a distal end thereof. Additionally, the proximal end of the male thread ending portion is positioned where a distance from the first axial line gradually increases as the proximal end of the male thread ending portion is approached from the parallel male thread.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a microtunnelling apparatus including a cutting apparatus adapted to be rotated by a drill shaft defining a central axis of rotation that extends along a length of the drill shaft. The cutting apparatus includes a front cutting rotor having a hub defining a shaft receiver that extends at least partially through the hub in a direction extending from a back side toward a front cutting side of the front cutting rotor. The shaft receiver is configured to receive the drill shaft. The drill shaft and the shaft receiver cooperate to define a torque transmitting mechanical interface for allowing torque to be transferred between the drill shaft and the front cutting rotor such that the drill shaft can be used to rotate the front cutting rotor about the central axis of rotation. The front cutting rotor also includes a plurality of cutting bars that project at least partially radially outwardly from the hub.

Abstract: A cutting element assembly for use on a rotary drill bit for forming a borehole in a subterranean formation. A cutting element assembly includes a cutting element having a substrate. The cutting element assembly additionally includes a superabrasive material bonded to the substrate. The substrate extends from an end surface to a back surface. A base member is also coupled to the back surface of the substrate. Additionally, a recess is defined in the base member and a structural element is coupled to the base member. The cutting element assembly also includes a biasing element configured to selectively bias the structural element.

Abstract: PCD constructions include a PCD body comprising a polycrystalline matrix region, a first region that includes a replacement material positioned remote from a body surface, and a second region that is substantially free of the replacement material and that extends a depth from the body surface. The PCD construction can further include a substrate that is attached to the body. The PCD body is formed by removing a solvent catalyst material used to form the body, replacing the removed solvent catalyst material with a replacement material, and then removing the replacement material from a region of the body to thereby form the second region. The replacement material can be introduced into the PCD body during a HPHT process, and the substrate may or may not be the source of the noncatalyzing material.

Abstract: A differential steering control system and method for a machine includes a motor for steering the machine in a leftwards or a rightwards direction, a continuously variable transmission for moving the machine in a forwards or a backwards direction, and a control unit connected to the motor and the continuously variable transmission. The control unit determines the speed of the continuously variable transmission and based upon the determined speed, modifies a speed of the motor in order to achieve/maintain a desired turn radius for the machine.

Abstract: A walking bi-pedal robot includes a right leg and a left leg, each coupled with a pelvis via hip lateral angular joints and hip antero-posterior angular joints. Each hip lateral angular joint enables lateral angular motion and each hip antero-posterior angular joint enables antero-posterior angular motion of the respective leg. Right and left feet couple at the distal end of the respective leg via respective ankle lateral angular joints and right and left cables. One end of each cable is coupled with the exterior side of the respective foot. A pelvis motor couples with the right leg, the left leg, the other end of each cable. The pelvis motor generates lateral angular displacement of each leg about the respective hip lateral angular joint and pulls one of the cables according to the direction of the lateral angular displacement. Leg motors generate antero-posterior angular displacement of the respective leg.

Abstract: To realize a mounting structure on the rear side of the seat of the operator station on which the seat and equipment for operation are installed in the swing table of a swing-type operation machine, the mounting structure being simple in construction yet imparted with a sufficiently large strength without increasing the size of the swing table or without utilizing the counter weight. The swing-type operation machine comprises an under carriage, a swing table mounted on the under carriage so as to freely swing thereon, an operator station mounted on the swing table and on which a seat and equipment for operation are installed, and a heat exchanger-mounting body supporting a heat exchanger for cooling the engine that is positioned at the back of the seat of the operator station and supporting the rear part of the seat of the operator station.

Abstract: A vehicular radiator supporting apparatus 10 has a pair of radiator support sides 16 and 18 connected to a radiator support upper 12 to be pivoted about a predetermined pivot axis O. To the pair of radiator support sides 16 and 18, a pair of abutting brackets 34 and 36 are integrally fixed at positions corresponding to a height of the bumper reinforcement 54, and they are connected to a pair of vehicle-body side brackets 38 and 40. When applied with a load exceeding a predetermined value and acting rearward of the vehicle, the pair of abutting brackets 34 and 36 are pivoted about the pivot axis O integrally with the pair of radiator support sides 16 and 18 to be displaced rearward of the vehicle. Thus, the vehicular radiator supporting apparatus 10 itself in addition to the radiator main body 20 is prevented from being damaged.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a lawn mower including a frame, a seat or operator station, one or more handles, and a suspension unit coupled between the frame and the seat or operator station. The lawn mower can include one or more pivot members with a first portion coupled to the frame at a pivot location forward of the seat or operator station and a second portion coupled to the seat or operator station. The one or more pivot members can allow the seat or operator station and the one or more handles to move with respect to the frame while the suspension unit absorbs a portion of shock caused by riding over the uneven terrain. The seat can be positioned at least partially between a first drive wheel and a second drive wheel and at least partially along a drive axis. The seat can be declined with respect to a horizontal plane so that the operator's upper torso leans forward at an angle with respect to a vertical plane when the operator is sitting on the seat.