Abstract: An adjustment flange for lift guides; structured in two identical semi-parts fastened on a support (5) clamping the lift guide between them (G), each of which consists of: a) a rotary element (1) provided with an axial orifice (11) and a perimeter channel (12) of asymmetric section; b) an anchor bolt (2) that passes through said axial orifice (11) and an orifice/housing (S1) of the support (S) positioned facing it; and c) a nut (3), threaded in the body (20) of said bolt (2) with interposition of a washer (4); The lift guide (G) is fitted between the two rotary elements (1) positioned facing each other and with their wings ((S1) housed in their perimeter channels (12).

Abstract: A holding apparatus includes a first holding unit including at least two supporting rollers rotatable around rotation shafts which extend substantially parallel with each other; a second holding unit including at least one supporting roller rotatable around a rotation shaft; and at least one holding mechanism having the first holding unit and the second holding unit. The rotation shafts of the supporting rollers of the first holding unit and the rotation shaft of the supporting roller of the second holding unit are substantially in parallel with each other. By moving at least one of the first holding unit and the second holding unit, an object to be held is held between the first holding unit and the second holding unit by using the supporting rollers.

Abstract: Each of a pair of chopsticks includes a food-carrying portion formed on a first end thereof, and a magnetic portion formed on a second end thereof opposite to the first end. The magnetic portion has a receiving space defined therein and a magnet received in the receiving space. The magnetic portion has a tapered section disposed on an outer periphery thereof and corresponding to the magnet. The tapered section gradually tapered toward a distal end of the second end. When the two magnets of the chopsticks magnetically attract each other, the two tapered sections of the chopsticks contact with each other and the two food-carrying portions are separated automatically. The two food-carrying portions are able to pivotally move toward/outward each other.

Abstract: A pair of training chopsticks comprises an upper chopstick member and a lower chopstick member. A thumb ergonomic device is provided, which does not directly contact the lower chopstick member, but fixed at the upside of the front surface of the lower chopstick member through a fixing element. The thumb ergonomic device is shaped in a curve, the opening of which substantially directs to the head of chopsticks, so that when the chopsticks are held, the curve opening touches a region of the ulnar side of the thumb not touching the lower chopstick member, for maintaining the correct relative position between the thumb and the lower chopstick members.

Abstract: A slidable apparatus that may form an interior vehicle door grab handle. The slidable apparatus includes a handle and handle support, wherein the handle support is fixed to an interior portion of a vehicle door, whereby the handle can be positioned initially in a rearward position so that adequate torque assist is provided to a passenger opening a vehicle door from the inside, and as the door opens, is movable to a more forward position so that the passenger can maintain hold on the grab handle throughout the opening process.

Abstract: A self-retaining trim member secured to an interior panel of the vehicle. The self-retaining trim member is a glass laminate member having a glass layer, a resin layer and a glass layer. The trim member also includes a tether having one end disposed in the resin layer and another end secured to the body of the vehicle. The trim member may include an embedded switch that senses touch and transfers a signal to a controller in order to control a desired operation.

Abstract: An inner rack structure for a saddle-ride type vehicle which can easily form an inner rack with a distinctive outward appearance. An inner rack opening that opens upwardly is provided in an upper cover, and an inner rack body portion formed to bulge in a forward direction is provided in the upper portion of a lower cover. The inner rack opening is covered from below and the front by the inner rack body portion, and the inner rack body portion is covered from a rear direction by a lower-side rear wall portion that extends downwardly from the inner rack opening of the upper cover, thereby forming an inner rack serving as a storage portion.

Abstract: A package tray assembly for a trunk of a vehicle includes a package tray and a support for supporting the package tray. The support is to be mounted to a body of the vehicle. The support includes a guide portion having a convex top surface. The package tray is to be attached to the support so as to be rotatable round a point located immediately below the guide portion as a center of rotation. The package tray includes a front end portion supported by the support when attached thereto. The front end portion includes a contact portion configured to move back and forth on the convex top surface while tilting at different angles relative to a moving direction.

Abstract: An adjustable-height windscreen for a motorcycle or other recreational vehicle. The windscreen may include a base portion that is attachable to a vehicle, and an upper portion that is moveable between a predetermined lower position and a predetermined raised position. The windscreen may also be positionable at any desired position in between a lower position and a raised position. The base portion may be tinted, while the upper portion may be transparent.

Abstract: A sun visor can appropriately expand its light shielding area without requiring any auxiliary sun visor or the like and hence can be provided at low cost. The sun visor includes a sun visor main body section 101 including a container section 102 having a first width and an aperture section 103 having a second width greater than the first width and held in communication with the container section 102, and a translucent light shielding plate including a light shielding plate main body section 111, a pair of upper projections 112 arranged at the upper lateral ends of the light shielding plate main body section 111 and a pair of lower projections 113 arranged at the lower lateral ends of the light shielding plate main body section, and the width between the pair of upper projections 112 is greater than the second width.

Abstract: A window assembly (118) comprises: a window regulator (144) for driving a main window (124) up and down, a connection system (196) with a latch (198), a division bar (122), and quarter-light window (206) which may be driven down by the regulator (144) to a controlled index position at which the latch (198) disengages such that the quarter-light may be left in a slightly lowered index position while the main window may be further lowered, the latch reengaging once the main window is raised again, the raising and lowering of the quarter-light window (120) enabling the quarter-light to securely engage with a seal (246) positioned between its top edge (204) and an A-pillar (106) of the vehicle (100) and also allowing a door to which the assembly to be opened and closed without interference between the quarter-light and the seal (246).

Abstract: An actuating system for a vehicle having a body that defines an access opening includes a panel arranged to selectively open and close at least a first portion of the opening. The system also includes multiple components operatively connected to the panel and adapted to be actuated. The system additionally includes a motor operatively connected to the panel and adapted to actuate the multiple components. A vehicle employing the system and a method for sealing an access opening in a body of a vehicle are also provided.

Abstract: Aspects provide for an engine and an aftertreatment system coupled to the engine and configured to treat an exhaust stream from the engine. The engine may be incorporated into a mobile piece of equipment (e.g., a truck). A fairing may be shaped to improve air flow during motion by reducing air resistance created by the aftertreatment system.

Abstract: An energy management structure for a vehicle may include a first longitudinal rail, a second longitudinal rail joined to the first longitudinal by at least a cross member and a bumper beam. A bumper panel is further provided wherein the bumper panel may be affixed to the bumper beam. The first deflecting rail includes a first front end and a first rear end. The first front end may be affixed to the bumper panel and the first rear end may be affixed to the cross member proximate to the first longitudinal rail. The second deflecting rail includes a second front end and a second rear end. The second front end may be affixed to the bumper panel and the second rear end may be affixed to the cross member proximate to the second longitudinal rail.

Abstract: A rear floor arrangement as well as a frame structure of an automotive body are provided having at least one first supporting structure component, which may be disposed in the inner or dry region of the motor vehicle and which may be directly connected to a second supporting structure component and inside the inner or dry region of the vehicle, which is mounted ahead of the first supporting structure component in the direction of travel and which extends at least in certain areas over a floor middle of the body.

Abstract: A vehicle including at least one glass pane, bodywork, and at least one layer of viscoelastic material interposed between the glass pane and the bodywork.

Abstract: A stowable tray table assembly including a tray table, an arm assembly supporting the tray table, and a frame comprising a vertical guide rail and a horizontal guide rail separately and consecutively guiding movement of the arm assembly, the arm assembly engaging the vertical guide rail when the tray table is in a vertical position and engaging the horizontal guide rail when the tray table is in a horizontal position.

Abstract: A vehicle seat comprises a rectangular-shaped seat back frame having right and left side frames; a headrest for supporting a head of a seat occupant that is installed within the vehicle seat; a rear-end collision detector mounted to the seat back frame at a position behind the seat occupant, wherein the rear-end collision detector detects rearward movement of the seat occupant and moves rearward; a link member that supports the rear-end collision detector with the seat back frame therethrough; and a biasing member that biases the link member; wherein: the rear-end collision detector acts such that the rearward movement of the rear-end collision detector reduces a distance between a head of the seat occupant and the headrest, and a lower end portion of the biasing member is coupled to a rear portion of the side frame and disposed posterior to the rear-end collision detector.

Abstract: A sofa includes a mounting frame, a plurality of air cushions mounted on the mounting frame, a controller connected with the air cushions, and an air compressor connected with the controller to supply air into the air cushions. The mounting frame is made of aluminum alloy. Each of the air cushions is made of rubber material. The controller regulates the air pressure in each of the air cushions so as to adjust hardness and tension of each of the air cushions. Thus, the air cushions have different curvatures and profiles so that when the air cushions can be used to support a user's head, neck, back, hands, waist, hip and legs so as to provide a comfortable sensation to the user.

Abstract: A suspension assembly of a vehicle seat may include a lumbar plate disposed within an edge of a seat back frame, and an elastic wire section connecting the edge of the seat back frame with a side of the lumbar plate, wherein the elastic wire section includes a first elastic wire, opposite ends of which may be connected to one edge of the seat back frame and at least a portion thereof may be supported by one side of the lumbar plate, and a second elastic wire, opposite ends of which may be connected to the other edge of the seat back frame and at least a portion thereof may be supported by the other side of the lumbar plate.

Abstract: The invention concerns a vehicle seat with a seat upper part comprising a seat part and a back rest, and with a seat lower part, wherein between the seat upper part and the seat lower part is arranged a height-adjustable seat frame with at least two scissor arms connected rotatably together, wherein at least a first end of at least one of the scissor arms is connected with at least one slide element for sliding displacement of the first end in at least one displacement direction along at least one guide rail, wherein the slide element has at least one flexibly formed pressure force element to exert a pressure force directed against the guide rail.

Abstract: A chair structure comprises a seat frame having a first coupling element, a support base, and a pivot link assembly mounted on the support base. The pivot link assembly includes a pivot axle, and a second coupling element pivotally mounted around the pivot axle. The second coupling element includes a latch operable to lock the first coupling element with the second coupling element when the seat frame is assembled with the support base, and unlock the first coupling element from the second coupling element for allowing separation of the seat frame from the support base.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an adjustable back pad which is formed primarily by a back rack and two back rests. The back rack includes plural slot holes which are left-and-right symmetric and two elastomers. A rear side of each back rest is provided with an elastomer and an elastic element. When assembling the back rack with the back rests, a screw first penetrates a washer and then one slot hole of the back rack, followed by being locked into a lock hole at a center of the elastomer on the back rest. As there are ten elastic buffering pivots between the two back rests and back rack, the ergonomic and breathing back pad of the present invention can completely mitigate a pressure exerted to a lumbar vertebrae or a lower back of a user, thereby soothing fatigue and soreness and providing a most comfortable sitting cushion.

Abstract: A vehicle sheet includes: a longitudinal sliding mechanism configured to support a seat body such that the seat body is slidable relative to a vehicle floor in the vehicle longitudinal direction; a lateral sliding mechanism configured to support the seat body such that the seat body is slidable in the vehicle lateral direction; a reclining mechanism configured to connect a seat back to a seat cushion and adjust a reclining angle of the seat back; a first lever configured to be able to cancel fixation of the reclining angle of the seat back, which has been provided by the reclining mechanism; and a release mechanism configured to release locks on both the longitudinal sliding mechanism and the lateral sliding mechanism upon detection of a motion of tilting the seat back to a forward tilt position, which is caused by an operation of the first lever.

Abstract: A latching system that may be associated with a seat. The latching system may include a latch arm configured to engage a striker and a biasing member having a first portion. The latch arm moves from an unlatched position to a latched position when the first portion disengages the latch arm.

Abstract: An arm-rest device is constituted by including the following: an armrest body to be installed to a seat rotatably upward/downward; a ratchet mechanism including stationary-side first ratchet teeth, and movable-side second ratchet teeth rotating integrally with the armrest body; coiled springs for urging those in such a direction that they press one another; releasing cam units for releasing the ratchet mechanism from the meshing; elastic claws and a flanged portion for retaining that release; cut-offs for returning the ratchet mechanism to the meshing. And, the armrest body is made of resin, thereby integrally molding the second ratchet teeth at the time of its molding. It thus becomes an armrest device that is lightweight as a whole, whose assembly can also be done with less man-hour requirements, whose feeling of use is also satisfactory, and which is inexpensive and small in size.

Abstract: A reclining shampoo chair includes an air inflatable inclined main body comprising a head, a tail, a curved member extending the head to terminate at top of a rear surface of the main body, and at least one air inflation valve; and a horizontal support formed with the tail. The main body further includes a plurality of parallel air bladders of convex surface communicating with each other.

Abstract: A movable support leg ccontains a base, a column disposed on the base, a holding surface fixed on the column, characterized in that the holding surface is fixed and capable of being adjusting its height and angle by using first and second rods and the column, and an top end of each of the first and the second rods is axially connected with the holding surface by using one screw, and a bottom end of each of the first and the second rods is adjusted its height to be fixed on the column.

Abstract: A soft interior trim component for an aircraft cabin, for example a headboard cover for a lie-flat seat, as a soft layer of foam (24, 124) the front of which is covered by a cover (40). The component is attached to a surface to be covered by attachment means (26, 28-32;126, 129) which enable the component to be easily removed for replacement and/or cleaning. The attachment may comprise a double-sided adhesive tape (26;126) and a series of fasteners (28-32).

Abstract: A support member has a first part that abuts against a frame member to be engaged with the frame member, and a second part to which an edge of upholstery is attached. The first part and the second part are formed at one side of the support member in a row. The first part is formed by bending a portion of the one side of the support member so as to curve toward a first side of the frame member that is different from a second side of the frame member, at which a cushioning material is arranged. The second part is formed by bending another portion of the one side of the support member so as to curve in the opposite direction from the first part and so as to protrude toward the center of the frame member.

Abstract: An engaging member for attaching an upholstery material to a cushion member, which has a positioning member at least one lengthwise terminal end. The positioning member places the starting end of loop engaging element portion in precise position in the groove of the cushion member. The engaging member is long and flexible and bends in conformity with the complicated shape of the curved groove. The method of producing an upholstered cushion molding using the engaging member improves the working efficiency.

Abstract: An assembling structure for wheel and hub of an electric bicycle is disclosed, the structure capable of firmly assembling a hub and a wheel by separately manufacturing the hub embedded with a motor and a transmission gear box from the wheel, the structure including a hub accommodating a motor therein, a wheel coupled to one side of the wheel by way of a sliding method, a groove unit circumferentially arranged at a periphery of the hub, and a lug unit formed at an area coupled to the hub of the wheel and meshed with the groove unit to allow the wheel to rotate with the hub, whereby coupling of the wheel and the hub is simplified to reinforce the coupling force therebetween.

Abstract: A method of securing wheel covers to the outboard surfaces of wheels to form wheel assemblies. The method involves applying resist coating patterns to portions or the entire inboard surfaces of the wheel covers prior to subjecting the wheel cover to a plating process which is intended to plate the outboard surfaces of the wheel covers. The resist coating pattern prevents plating material from attaching to areas of the inboard surfaces of the wheel covers to which the resist coat has been applied or which have been framed in or outlined by the resist coating. Areas that are coated with the resist and areas that have been framed in or outlined by the resist coating are more susceptible and compatible to adhesive bonding of the wheel covers to the wheels.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel includes a rim portion, a hub portion, a plurality of spokes and a plurality of decorative attachments. Each pair of adjacent spokes defines a window therebetween. The plurality of decorative attachments are secured to the wheel and each define a plurality of rearwardly extending boss portions. Each boss portion abuts the wheel. In certain applications, the boss portions may be received within a respective countersunk hole in the wheel and engaged by a fastener for securing the decorative attachment to the wheel. A free end of each of the boss portions abuts a bottom of its respective countersunk hole and the decorative attachment is otherwise spaced from the wheel to reduce noise issues. Alternatively, the ends of the boss portion may be spaced from the wheel and drawn toward the wheel with the threaded fasteners.

Abstract: A wheel assembly for a motor vehicle is disclosed. The wheel assembly includes a driveshaft member with a shortened stem portion. The wheel assembly also includes a bearing arrangement with an asymmetric configuration.

Abstract: A bicycle hub assembly includes a hub and a tubular portion extends from one end of the hub. A sprocket is connected to the tubular portion. A ratchet unit is located between the hub and the transmission unit so that the hub and the transmission unit are operatively connected to each other indirectly and in one way by the ratchet unit. A control unit has first positioning portions on the hub and second positioning portions integrally formed with the tubular portion. The first positioning portions and the second positioning portions are connected to each other by bolts, and the first positioning portions and the second positioning portions are separated from each other when the bolts are removed. The hub assembly can be switched between direct and two-way transmission into indirect and one-way transmission by arrangement of the bolts.

Abstract: A hydraulic system for an aircraft includes a brake operation device, a pressure supply, a reservoir, a shut-off valve, and a wheel brake. The shut-off valve is in fluid communication with and is disposed between the pressure supply and the brake valve. The shut-off valve can include a poppet, a first valve seat and a second valve seat. Movement of the poppet is controlled by operation of the brake operation device. The poppet is movable between a first position where the poppet acts against the first valve seat and a second position where the poppet acts against the second valve seat. In the first position, fluid flow is blocked between the pressure supply and the brake valve through the shut-off valve. In the second position, fluid flow is allowed between the pressure supply and the brake valve through the shut-off valve. The wheel brake is in fluid communication with and downstream from the shut-off valve.

Abstract: A vehicle braking system includes a slip control system operable in an electronic stability control (ESC) mode to automatically and selectively apply the brakes in an attempt to stabilize the vehicle when an instability condition has been sensed. The slip control system is further operable in an adaptive cruise control (ACC) mode to automatically apply the brakes to slow the vehicle in response to a control signal. The slip control system includes a variable speed motor drive piston pump for supplying pressurized fluid pressure to the brakes through a valve arrangement. In the ESC mode, the pump motor operates in an ESC speed range, and in the ACC mode, the pump motor operates in an ACC speed range lower than the ESC speed range. The slip control system further includes an attenuator connected to a pump outlet for dampening pump output pressure pulses prior to application to the brakes. The attenuator includes an elastomeric member located in an attenuator chamber of a housing.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and program products for adjusting regenerative braking torque in a vehicle having wheels and a regenerative braking system providing the regenerative braking torque are provided. A deceleration of the vehicle is determined. A wheel slip of the wheels is determined. The regenerative braking torque is adjusted for the regenerative braking system using the deceleration and the wheel slip.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for regulating the state of charge of a battery. An exemplary electrical system includes a fuel cell coupled to a bus and a battery coupled to the bus via a switching arrangement coupled to a capacitor. An exemplary method for operating the electrical system involves operating the switching arrangement such that a voltage of the battery is substantially equal to a voltage of the fuel cell when a state of charge of the battery is greater than a lower threshold value and less than an upper threshold value, and operating the switching arrangement to couple the capacitor electrically in series between the battery and the bus when the state of charge of the battery is not between the lower threshold value and the upper threshold value.

Abstract: A charger converts electric power supplied from an AC power supply external to a vehicle into a predetermined charging voltage. A relay is provided between the charger and a power storage device. A charging ECU controls the charger and the relay. An AC/DC converter converts electric power supplied from the AC power supply into a predetermined power supply voltage and supplies the electric power converted into the power supply voltage to a charging device constituted of the charger, the relay and the charging ECU. While the power storage device is charged by the AC power supply, the charging device operates with the operating electric power it receives from the AC/DC converter.

Abstract: A heat sink for a handheld device is formed as a one piece chassis for supporting heat-producing circuits inside the device while having heat radiating surfaces outside the device. In another embodiment a battery pack control circuit under microprocessor control allows battery packs having different battery chemistries and characteristics to be interchanged in the same device without switches or adapters. Control of operating modes of the device despite changes in the battery pack including battery chemistry, state of charge, available voltage, or desired operating mode are automatic. The microprocessor measures the battery pack characteristics, using look up tables in a suitable program to adjust the circuit operating modes. The microprocessor also responds to sequential switch contact closures in setting operating modes.

Abstract: In one embodiment a power supply is configured to reuse a single power supply controller to regulate two different output voltages to two voltages including two different voltage values.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for using a renewable source of energy such as solar, wind, or geothermal energy. In some embodiments, the method may include generating electric energy from a renewable form of energy at a plurality of locations at which reside an electric power line associated with an electric power grid. The electric energy generated at each location may be transferred to the electric power line to thereby supply electric energy to the electric power grid.

Abstract: The invention concerns a PV system in which a multitude of PV modules are interconnected to PV generators. Each of the PV modules comprises a network interface for transmitting module-specific data to a control device and analyzing the same. The data network is designed as a self-organizing network, in particular as a self-organizing meshed radio network.

Abstract: A distribution management system (DMS) includes an integrated volt/var controller (IVVC) that is configured to control operation of at least one corresponding renewable energy source or energy storage device power converter in response to IVVC commands generated via algorithmic optimization software integrated within the IVVC. At least one renewable energy source or energy storage device is controlled to operate alone or in coordination with one or more discrete step size reactive power (VAR) compensation devices to generate continuously varying reactive power required by a corresponding power distribution system.

Abstract: Disclosed are a hybrid energy harvester and a portable device including the same. The hybrid energy harvester according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a thermoelectric/piezoelectric element part that includes a thermoelectric element layer generating a voltage by a temperature difference, and a piezoelectric element layer generating a voltage by any one of vibration, pressure and force; an energy source selection part that selects a voltage generated in the thermoelectric element layer or the piezoelectric element layer; and a voltage controlling part that stores the voltage in an energy storage device by controlling the voltage selected in the energy source selection part.

Abstract: A method of controlling a plurality of power converters 1a, 1b and 1c can be used to interface to a supply network, ac busbar etc. Each power converter includes a network bridge 14 operating in accordance with a pulse width modulation (PWM) strategy having the same switching period and which causes at least one unwanted harmonic in the supply network voltage. The method includes the step of providing the switching period of the PWM strategy of each network bridge with a different time offset relative to a time datum such that the at least one unwanted harmonic in the supply network voltage is at least partially cancelled. Two alternative ways of providing the time offset are described.

Abstract: Not a structure in which a resonance frequency of a power transmission device is set after a resonance frequency of a power receiving device is directly measured but a structure in which the resonance frequencies of the power receiving device and the power transmission device are estimated after reflection of an electromagnetic field for transmitting electric power to the power receiving device is monitored by the power transmission device is employed. After a capacitance value of a variable capacitor in a resonance coil of the power receiving device is once set to 0, an S11 parameter is detected while a frequency of an electromagnetic wave is changed, and the resonance frequency of the power transmission device is estimated on the basis of the S11 parameter.

Abstract: A system includes a dispenser and a transmitter. The dispenser is configured to support and dispense product. The dispenser includes: a housing; an antenna disposed and configured to receive electromagnetic energy that originates from the transmitter; a power supply disposed within the housing and configured to convert the electromagnetic energy received at the antenna into DC (direct current) power; a dispenser mechanism configured and disposed to dispense the product from the dispenser on command; a controller disposed in operable communication with the power supply and the dispenser mechanism; and, an actuator disposed in operable communication with the controller. Upon actuation of the actuator, and upon presence of the DC power, the controller is responsive to facilitate action by the dispenser mechanism to dispense the product. The transmitter is configured to transmit electromagnetic energy and is disposed in operable communication with the dispenser.