Abstract: The invention relates to a lock unit (1) for a motor vehicle (2) comprising at least one catch (3) with a first position (4) and a primary position (5), a first pawl (6) with a pawl axis of rotation (7), which is engageable with the primary position (5), a second pawl (8) mounted on the pawl axis of rotation (7) and engageable with the first position (4), a blocking lever (9) with a blocking lever axis of rotation (10), which blocks the second pawl (6) when the first pawl (6) engages the catch (3), and a release lever (11) for pivoting at least the blocking lever (10), wherein the release lever (11) during the opening process interacts with the blocking lever (9) such that the first pawl (6) and the blocking lever (9) are pivoted in the same rotational direction (12).

Abstract: A latch assembly includes a striker plate and a latch plate. The striker plate is pivotal to a locked position securing the latch assembly to a striker bar and to an unlocked position wherein the striker bar can be inserted and removed therefrom. The latch plate is pivotal on a pivot pin to a latched position holding the striker plate in its locked position and to an unlatched position wherein the striker plate can be pivoted into and out of its locked position. A latch pin projects from the latch plate. A lever is pivotally mounted on the pivot pin. The lever is engagable with the latch pin to move the latch member from the latched position to the unlatched position. The lever is longer than a length of the latch plate. A spring is coupled to the lever and biased to urge the lever away from the latch pin. A link coupled to the lever is operable to move the lever towards the latch pin. The latch plate is pivotal independently of the lever when the striker plate is pivoting to its locked position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lock unit (1) comprising at least one catch (2), wherein the catch (2) has a primary position (8) and a first position (9), a main pawl (3) having an axis of rotation (4), a blocking pawl (5), which blocks the main pawl (3) upon engagement with the catch (2), and a first pawl (6), which is rotatably disposed on the axis of rotation (4) of the main pawl and is engageable with the catch (2), wherein the lock unit (1) comprises at least one elastic element (7) that biases the blocking pawl (5) and the first pawl (6) against each other, at least part of the time, such that the tension between the blocking pawl (5) and the first pawl (6) is preferably the largest in the open position of the catch.

Abstract: The invention relates to an impact absorbing device (10) comprising as a minimum a bumper beam (12) and mounting plates (14-1; 14-2) for mounting the bumper beam (12) to the chassis of a motor vehicle. The bumper beam (12) comprises a central part (16) and connecting ends (18-1; 18-2). The central part (16) is offset with respect to the connecting ends (18-1; 18-2), and the connecting ends (18-1; 18-2) of the bumper beam (12) are fastened to the mounting plates (14-1; 14-2) by added connecting means. The device (10) also comprises a central impact absorber (22) and repairable impact absorbers (24-1; 24-2) and said repairable impact absorbers (24-1; 24-2) are separate from the connecting ends (18-1; 18-2) of the bumper beam (12). The invention also relates to a front end equipped with such an impact absorbing device with particular application to motor vehicles.

Abstract: There is disclosed a combination chopsticks and chopstick rest which are manufactured as a single unit. Bending the end of the chopsticks unit at a pair of incised grooves separates the chopstick rest. The remaining portion of the chopsticks unit comprises a pair of coherent chopsticks separated by a transverse cut and leaving a short uncut portion at the thickest end of the article. The chopsticks are separated by pulling them apart. The chopsticks may then be rested upon the previously separated rest, which may be imprinted with advertising, logos or other text and graphics, thus keeping the tips of the chopsticks off the eating surface and free of dirt, debris and germs, as well as keeping the eating surface clean. A method of manufacture of the combination chopsticks and chopstick rest is presented.

Abstract: A sling for industrial lifting comprising a cover having fibers twisted in a first direction; and a load-bearing core within the cover, the core having a helical twist of a plurality of core strands, each core strand twisted in a second direction.

Abstract: A chopstick retaining device includes a casing and a resilient member disposed in the casing. Two sides of the resilient member relative to the casing form a first passage and a second passage to receive two chopsticks. Through the resilient member, one chopstick is pivoted to approach or to leave the other chopstick. The chopstick retaining device further includes a counterweight block to hold and suspend the chopsticks. The present invention can help the beginner to use the chopsticks with ease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gripping device that consists of four artificial muscle rings arranged in parallel. A grasper is placed in the middle of the rings. Sequential activation of the rings produces a peristaltic motion that moves the grasper back and forth within the rings. By activating the grasper appropriately, it can grab, ingest, and move soft and irregular material from one side of the lumen formed by the rings to the other side.

Abstract: A sliding guide, for instance for an arm support (A), comprising at least a first (2) and an at least second profile (3), with bearing means (4) and friction means (5) included there between for providing a particular frictional resistance between the profiles (2,3), wherein the profiles (2, 3) are provided with fastening means (6, 7), wherein the first and second profiles (2, 3) on both sides in the longitudinal direction are provided with respective connecting longitudinal edges (8, 9; 10, 11), which cooperate in order to allow sliding of the second profile (3) relative to the first profile, wherein the bearing means (4) and the friction means (5) are provided between the profiles (2, 3) near the respective connecting longitudinal edges (8, 9; 10, 11) thereof in order to provide an internal space (I) between the at least first (2) and the at least second profile (3). The invention further relates to an arm support (A) provided with such a sliding guide (1).

Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicular frame, a utility bed, and a locking device. The utility bed is pivotally coupled with the vehicular frame and is pivotable between a hauling position and a dumping position. The locking device is operable between a locked position and an unlocked position and is configured to prevent the utility bed from pivoting to the dumping position when the locking device is in the locked position.

Abstract: A motor vehicle includes a body having an enclosed passenger cell which is accessible by a door and forms a component of a front body part and a rear body part. The front and rear parts are movable in length direction of the motor vehicle relative to one another to change a length dimension of the motor vehicle. A covering module covers a gap in the passenger cell between the front and rear body parts.

Abstract: A closure for a storage compartment of a motor vehicle including an electromagnet having an armature wherein the armature can by moved by excitation of the electromagnet, and wherein a movement of the armature can be transmitted to a locking element which, due to a restoring force of a spring, is in a locked position for the storage compartment when the electromagnet is not energized, a means for generating an electric current for exciting the electromagnet, and means for measuring the electric current flow used for exciting the electromagnet, wherein the means for generating the current are designed to control the electric current such that, after turning on the current after measuring when a maximum current is reached and subsequent dropping below said maximum current, the current is reduced to a predetermined minimum value, wherein the minimum value is such that the armature is held in its position against the spring force acting on the armature.

Abstract: An automobile glove compartment includes: a storage space (1) built into a dashboard and accessible through a main opening (2); a movable door (3); a tray (4) placed inside the storage space, the tray being slidable between a first position a), wherein the tray is stored in the storage space, and a second position b), wherein the tray is partially outside the storage space; and first tray-guiding elements (5), the first tray-guiding elements (5) each including a guiding element (10) projecting out from one of the respective side wall (7a, 7b) of the drawer (4), the guiding element (10) being insertable into a groove (11) built into one of the side walls (8a, 8b) of the glove compartment and slidable along the groove. The groove has a curved or angular shape enabling the sloping of the tray (4) towards the user when the tray (4) is partially outside the storage space.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a cabin defined by a front, a back, a roof, a floor, a first side, and a second side opposite the first side. The vehicle also includes a window having a surface area that covers at least 50% of the first side, and seating in the cabin arranged to face the first side. The seating may be arranged in at least two rows, with a first row of seats having a first elevation relative to the floor, and a second row of seats having a second elevation relative to the floor, where the second elevation being greater than the first elevation. The vehicle also includes a video system comprising a plurality of video monitors located at the first side. Other variations and a related method of providing entertainment using vehicles of the claimed type are also described herein.

Abstract: An adjustable memory track assembly for a vehicle seat has a lower rail adapted to be secured relative to a vehicle frame, and an upper rail adapted to support the seat for fore/aft sliding movement relative to the lower rail. The adjustable memory track assembly also has a track lock assembly operable via a first actuator between a locked, engaged state wherein relative movement between the lower and upper rails is resisted, and an unlocked, disengaged state wherein the seat can be slid to and then locked in a user-selected position. A memory module is operable via a second actuator to record the user-selected position. The second actuator is also operatively connected to disengage the track lock assembly to allow forward movement of the seat from the user-selected location to a forward location, and thereafter allow rearward movement of the seat back to, but not past, the user-selected location.

Abstract: An adjustable mounting system for a vehicular body component includes a base having a number of slide rails, with retainers slidingly engaged with the slide rails. Each retainer has a retention section for mounting the base to a surface within the vehicular body, which is attached to a slidably mounted pediment. Fastener retainers located within the pediments allow devices such as interior trim pieces to be attached to the adjustable mounting system.

Abstract: A tonneau cover assembly includes a flexible cover, a rigid cross member connected with the cover, and a tensioning and/or latching mechanism connected with the cross member. The flexible cover includes a first end and a second end. The first end is disposed adjacent a cab of a vehicle to which the tonneau covers assembly is configured to attach. The second end is disposed adjacent a tailgate of the vehicle. The rigid cross member connects with the cover such that the cross member moves with the cover as the cover is rolled or folded toward the first end. The tensioning and/or latching mechanism connects with the cross member such that the tensioning and/or latching mechanism moves along with the cover as the cover is rolled or folded toward the first end.

Abstract: A vehicle door system comprises: a door (16) formed from a plurality of panels (18, 20) which define a door cavity (22), one of the panels (20) having an aperture (44) therein at a hinged end of the door; and a check mechanism. The check mechanism comprises a check arm housing (40) mounted within the door cavity (22) and a check arm (42) connected to the vehicle body and extending through the aperture (44) and through the check arm housing (40). The check arm (42) is movable through the check arm housing (40) to allow opening and closing of the door (16). The check arm (42) has a flow restrictor formed on it arranged to restrict the flow of water along the check arm through the aperture.

Abstract: An air guiding device (8) is mounted in the rear end (2) of a passenger motor vehicle (1) and a setting-out mechanism (7) is connected to the underside of the air guiding device (8) for moving the air-guiding device (8). A collar (14) with a streamlined profile extends from the air guiding device (8) and surrounds the setting-out mechanism (7). Thus, the end of the setting-out mechanism (7) that faces toward the air guiding device (8) is concealed, and there is an optimum flow around the setting-out mechanism (7) in the region of the setting-out mechanism (7) when the air guiding device (8) is deployed.

Abstract: A passenger motor vehicle has an air guiding device (8) mounted at a rear end of the vehicle and moveable relative to the rear end by a setting-out mechanism (7). A mounting element (11) connects the setting-out mechanism (7) at a downwardly open depression (12) at an underside region of the air guiding device (8). The mounting element (11) is hooked into the air guiding device (8) in a first region (13), and is connected to the air guiding device (8) by a screw connection (21) in a second region (15). The design enables particularly simple, cheap and fast mounting of the setting-out mechanism in the air guiding device (8).

Abstract: A van body including a canopy extending from the rear top of the van body with a camera disposed below the canopy.

Abstract: A trailer includes a pair of vertical, spaced apart opposing sidewalls and a roof sheet extending between and mounted atop the sidewalls. The sidewalls and roof sheet cooperate to define a cargo space. The roof sheet has an interior surface facing the cargo space and an opposing exterior surface. A plurality of bows are mounted to the exterior surface of the roof sheet and extend between the sidewalls. The plurality of bows support the roof sheet. Each bow includes at least three contact portions attached to the exterior surface of the roof sheet. A rib portion interconnects the contact portions and defines a channel between the rib portion and the exterior surface of the roof sheet.

Abstract: An energy absorbing vehicle door having a door block strategically located within the door. The door block has an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion is wider than the lower portion and is attached to the inner panel of the door. A door beam is provided between the inner panel of the door and the outer panel. A portion of the door beam is positioned between the inner panel and the lower portion of the door block. The door beam may be attached to the lower portion of the door block. The attachment surface of the lower portion of the door block may have a geometry that is the same as or is substantially the same as the geometry of the door beam.

Abstract: A hood lock reinforcement is configured as a result of a thick sheet and a thin sheet whose sheet thicknesses are mutually different being joined, and in this hood lock reinforcement, a bottom portion including a site to which a striker is fixed is configured by the thick sheet and is disposed on a bottom wall portion of a hood inner panel. Further, an extension portion disposed extending from a hood front-rear direction rear end of the bottom portion of the hood lock reinforcement toward a hood outer panel side has a site on the hood outer panel side whose sheet thickness is set thin as compared to the sheet thickness of the bottom portion of the hood lock reinforcement as a result of that site being configured by the thin sheet.

Abstract: A collapsible chair has a frame and a cover attaching thereto. The frame has a left side stand and an identical right side stands, which linked by four pairs of scissoring linking bars. A hook frame and a pillar frame are provided pivotally linked to the frame. The pillar frame has side pillars securely formed thereon and the hook frame has hooks defined in an end thereof. The hooks and the pillars are able to engage when the collapsible chair is fully expanded, which makes the collapsible chair self-stable and much safer: a loose or broken soft cover or attachment thereof to the frame will not cause breakdown of the whole frame which may serious injure the user.

Abstract: A collapsible chair constructed of tubing and fabric that is for use at the beach, camping or outdoors where portability is important to the user. The chair included folding support members that allow the chair to fold up into a small package.

Abstract: A seating arrangement for a passenger-carrying vehicle, especially aircraft. The arrangement provides a plurality of seating positions, a seating position comprising a seat and a footwell. The footwell of a first seating position is located beside the seat of a second seating position, the second seating position being located generally forward of the first seating position. Each seat is operable into a reclined state in which a leg-supporting component of the seat projects into the associated footwell. A tray assembly is associated with each console, the tray assembly being deployable from a stowed state in or on the console in which it is disposed generally parallel with a ground surface on which the seating arrangement rests during use.

Abstract: An infant support includes a seat and an upright portion that extends from the seat. A tray has a first member, a second member, and a third member. The first member of the tray is configured to be removably coupled to the upright portion. Additionally, the second member of the tray is configured to be removably coupled between the first member and the third member.

Abstract: A child's car seat assembly includes built-in components enabling wireless gaming applications. A child's car seat assembly includes built-in components enabling two-way, person-to-person communications. A child's car seat assembly includes built-in components enabling both wireless gaming applications and two-way, person-to-person communications. The child's car seat assembly of the invention is intended for use with an infant or toddler.

Abstract: An inclination adjustment mechanism for a base of safety seat includes a base, a heelpiece and a spring-loaded press button. The base has one end formed with a plurality of positioning indents, and a upper surface for supporting a safety seat. The heelpiece is pivoted to the base and formed with a protruded portion for selectively engaging with one of the positioning indents thereby to keep the base in a selected inclination position. The spring-loaded press button is operatively connected to one end of the heelpiece for releasing the protruded portion from the positioning indents, so as to change the selected inclination position of the base by pressing the spring-loaded press button and moving one end of the base relative to the heelpiece.

Abstract: A novel infant child restraint system that includes a base having a height adjustment to allow the base to assume one of a plurality of positions and inclinations when mounted to the vehicle seat. Additionally, in certain embodiments the base is formed to have a recessed knee-receiving area, into which the user can place their knee when tightening the vehicle's restraint system around the base. The base and car seat are removably attached in interlocking relation using a novel connection mechanism that is not susceptible to premature or improper release due to forces, regardless of the direction of such forces. This mechanism is independent of the car seat handle. Furthermore, this connection mechanism includes a simple manual disconnect or release system, to allow quick removal of the seat from the base.

Abstract: A vehicle seat frame assembly 10 includes a seat bottom frame 14 and a seat back frame 12 pivotally mounted relative to the seat bottom frame 14. A headrest assembly 47 has a headrest 76 and is movable between an extended position and a retracted position relative to the seat back frame 12. The headrest assembly 47 is pivotally connected to the one of the seat bottom frame 14 and a portion of the vehicle, and slidingly connected to the seat back frame 12.

Abstract: A hinge device comprising: a first cheek plate and a second cheek plate meshing with each other, and one of which is designed to be secured to the seat proper while the other is designed to be secured to the seat back, said first cheek plate being provided with a collar and with a non-slit ring fastened to the collar, the collar having an outside surface extending along a first axis, and said second cheek plate having a cylindrical inside surface extending along a second axis parallel to and distant from said first axis; an eccentric mechanism mounted to move in rotation about one axis from among the first axis and the second axis, and interconnecting the first cheek plate and the second cheek plate, said ring being interposed between the collar and the eccentric mechanism; and a control mechanism for turning the eccentric mechanism and for driving the first cheek plate relative to the second cheek plate.

Abstract: An adjusting device is disclosed for performing at least one adjusting function, such as in a vehicle seat. The device comprises a drive having a drive means and an output, a braking device that generally prevents torque from the output acting on the drive means. At least one spring is arranged between the drive and the braking device.

Abstract: Articulation system having two articulations, each comprising two strength members that are able to pivot with respect to one another and are each controlled by a control member. The control members of the two articulations are able to move independently of one another between locking and unlocking positions and are elastically urged towards the locking position. A maneuvering member engages by pressing only in an actuating direction with first and second driving members connected to the respective control members of the first and second articulations and suitable for driving each corresponding control member from the locking position into the unlocking position.

Abstract: A locking device (1) for a vehicle seat, particularly for a motor vehicle seat, has a housing (5), a catch (11) mounted in a movable manner on the housing (5) for locking with a mating element (B). At least one safety element (25, 31) is provided for securing the catch (11) in the locked state and can be moved relative to the catch (11) for unlocking the locking device (1). A query device (40) queries the locking state of the locking device (1) and has at least one transducer (41, 42) and at least one sensor (43). The query device (40) is designed in a contactless manner. The transducer (41, 42) and the sensor (43) interact with each other due to the relative positioning and/or movement thereof.

Abstract: A portable travel headrest for supporting the head of a seated individual includes a head cradle with a cushion (100), a base footing (200), and a medial support (300) vertically sandwiched between the head cradle and the base footing. Semi-rigid materials are used to beneficially reduce bulk. In one embodiment, the use of semi-rigid materials also advantageously allows for adding couplers (401, 402) to compact, adjust, and replace the headrest parts.

Abstract: A seat has a configuration in which, in each side frame of a cushion frame, an inner frame and an outer frame which have flanges extending along peripheral edges thereof are faced to each other with a space therebetween at least partially, and the flanges are fixed by hemming process along the entire peripheral edges thereof. Since the entire peripheral edges are hemmed, the inner frame and the outer frame are securely fixed. Additionally, since the inner frame and the outer frame which are thin-plate-shaped are used, reduction in weight of each side frame can be achieved. Further, since the inner frame and the outer frame are faced to each other with a space therebetween at least partially, a compressive/tensile strength required as a side frame can be secured by inserting an expanded bead body into the space.

Abstract: The invention relates to a passively air-conditioned motor vehicle seat comprising a breathable seat cover and comprising a seat body which has ventilation channels extending in the thickness direction, which in each case have at least one element for preventing the return flow of air. For simplifying the production the at least one element for preventing the return flow of air consists of the same material as the seat body.

Abstract: A seat body for vehicles has a padding made of plastic material foam and provided with through holes; the padding is covered by an upholstery covering having a fabric layer and a hygroscopic layer, which are heat-fixed together; the fabric layer defines a support surface for a user, while the material of the hygroscopic layer is an open-cell polyurethane foam having a cell mean linear density less than or equal to 15 cell/cm.

Abstract: A cushion element for a vehicle seat has fibers and foam particles bound by a binder. A precursor material for the cushion element is made by independently adding the fibers and the foam particles together with the binder. The addition and ratio of the fibers and foam particles may depend on their location in the cushion element, and may be influenced by electrostatic discharge means.

Abstract: In an assembly of a mesh cushion in a mesh chair and an assembling method thereof, a mesh member can be strongly fixed to a frame, enough tension can be provided to the mesh member with a simple scheme, and the edge of the mesh member can be prevented from being worn away, since the mesh type cushion assembly of a chair includes: a mesh member; a middle member fixing the edge of the mesh member; a frame and a cover that are assembled with each other so as to fix the middle member to between the frame and the cover; a tension part disposed between the frame and the cover so as to provide the mesh member with tension when the frame and the cover are assembled with each other; and a coupling unit coupling the frame and the cover to each other, and wherein, the mesh member is positioned between the frame and the cover.

Abstract: The method for making an interdental brush inserts a bristle stem into a through hole of a handle in a combining step, whereby exposing the stem to each fixing slot on the handle. Thence the stem is further punched by a punching device, allowing a correspondent formation of expanding portions. Hereby, the expanding portions have an outermost diameter larger than an opening of the through hole for the stem to be firmly lodged in the fixing slots in a fixing step. A filler for wrapping the entire handle and the stem offers a solid engagement between the expanding portions and the fixing slots, so that the stem does not depart from the handle while using.

Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle powertrain includes holding the vehicle stopped on a grade by automatically producing wheel brake torque while driver demand torque is less than wheel brake torque, automatically releasing wheel brake torque when driver demand torque equals or exceeds wheel brake torque, and launching the vehicle using engine torque.

Abstract: A rubber crawler which includes: a rubber crawler body having an endless belt shape and which has a left-right pair of rolling wheel passing surfaces on the inner circumferential surface thereof; a steel cord layer in which a plurality of steel cords extending in the crawler circumference direction are embedded in the rubber crawler body so as to be arranged in the crawler width direction, and a plurality of bias reinforcing layers that are disposed on the outer circumferential side of this steel cord layer in the rubber crawler body, in which the left-right pair of rolling wheel passing surfaces are disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the rubber crawler body at positions corresponding to the respective end portions in the crawler width direction of the steel cord layer and the plurality of bias reinforcing layers; the rubber crawler further includes: a rubber layer disposed between an innermost reinforcing layer that is positioned on the innermost side of the plurality of bias reinforcing layers

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to tank wheel assembly systems, methods, and apparatus. In one embodiment, a tank wheel assembly includes a first wheel and a second wheel. A first face of the first wheel faces a second face of the second wheel. A guide tunnel is defined by at least a portion of the first face and at least a portion of the second face. The guide tunnel has outer surfaces and is configured to receive a center guide of a tank tread. The guide tunnel and center guide at least partially maintain the tank tread of the tank wheel assembly. A wear resistant coating is located on at least a portion of the outer surfaces of the guide tunnel, restricts the center guide of the tank tread from abrading the outer surfaces of the guide tunnel, and has a thickness of at least about 0.025 inch.

Abstract: A system for using Powerline Communications (PLC) as a means to solve various flat wire limitations. The PLC modem connects to the electrical power line and can communicate with devices on the powerline network. The PLC data is then coupled to the flat wire, which conducts the data to the end device. Encoding/decoding of the PLC data can be done either at the electrical power interface or at the device end of the flat wire.

Abstract: A device for balancing power generators, including a plurality of converters each including an elementary conversion cell with a switch driven by a comparator that receives a ramp on one input thereof and, on another input, a voltage from a driving amplifier wherein the driving amplifiers receive on their negative input an image of the cell current and have their positive input connected to an adjustment loop including a common path CS_Bus, and wherein the CS_Bus path directly connects the positive inputs of the driving amplifiers to the outputs of transconductance amplifiers associated with the elementary conversion cells.

Abstract: An aircraft electrical system includes a generator that supplies electrical AC power to a plurality of accessories associated with a gas turbine engine. The generator also supplies power to an aircraft DC bus in parallel to the supply to the accessory bus.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling power applications over a single communication wire pair. In one embodiment, a data transformer is provided that has three separate windings. Two of the windings are tied to each other via high frequency pass DC-blocking capacitors, or another suitable element that creates an AC path while providing a DC block, such that the voltage forms on either ends of the DC-blocking capacitors and the signal is sent on the outer legs of each winding. A circuit measures the current draw (I) and injects a current proportional to, but smaller than, I into a third bias cancellation winding.