Abstract: A slider is provided which can travel ahead by placing a user's foot on a board and stamping the ground with the other foot like a known kick board or which can exercise a user by causing shafts each having a rear board fixed thereto to sufficiently extend backward and moving the shafts at symmetric angles relative to each other and can spontaneously travel ahead by means of waveform-like actions using rear casters attached to the bottoms of the rear boards.

Abstract: A wheeled chair for transporting patients includes a plurality of footrests for supporting a patient's feet thereon. Each footrest is pivotable between an up position and a down position, and includes a biasing mechanism for biasing the footrest toward the up position, or the down position, or whichever of the two positions the footrest is currently closer to. A swing mechanism swings the footrests from a use position in front of the seat to a stowed position alongside the seat. A trigger, such as a button, automatically activates the swinging. The swinging may take place about a vertical axis that is common to the axis about which the front caster wheels swivel. Pivot extensions may be included on the footrests that provide a tool for enabling a caregiver to manually pivot the footrest between the up and down positions with his or her foot.

Abstract: A leg rest for a patient transport device, such as a wheeled chair, bed, stretcher, cot, or the like, is movable between a stowed position underneath a seat and a use position extending forwardly from the seat. The leg rest includes a latch and a handle for releasing the latch. The latch is adapted to automatically retain the leg rest in whichever of the use and stowed positions it currently is in. Pulling on the handle releases the latch and allows the leg rest to be moved between the use and stowed positions. The leg rest includes a pad that is positioned, when the leg rest is in the use position, to contact a patient's calf. The leg rest is configured to both pivot about a pivot axis and to have two different sections that translate with respect to each other.

Abstract: A cycling trainer which includes a wheeled body with a rear wheel centred on an axis and a support on each side of the wheel to provide lateral support to the rear wheel and therefore the trainer, wherein each support may have at least one circular zone of relative weakness about which the respective support flexes, bends, deflects or breaks.

Abstract: A crash attenuator includes a crash cushion having a front end, a rear end, and a trailer hitch component disposed adjacent the front end. The trailer hitch component is capable of being secured to a mating hitch component located on the towing vehicle, such that hitch components are capable of being rotated relative to each other about a substantially vertical axis. The crash attenuator further includes at least one wheel supporting the crash cushion. The wheel is rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis and is spaced rearwardly from hitch component. A pair of tethers are positioned on opposite sides of the hitch component and are moveable relative to one or more guides connected to the crash cushion.

Abstract: An adapter for connecting a agricultural implement swivel hitch to a drawing hitch on a towing vehicle that enables relative pitch and roll movement between the implement and vehicle at a single, pinned joint. Elongated openings in a first portion of the hitch adapter receive a transversely aligned connection pin. The openings are sized to allow limited pin angular movement about a vehicular roll axis. A second portion of the hitch adapter is also connected to the connection pin and configured to allow limited relative angular movement about a transverse pitch axis. The connection between the first and second portions at the connector pin allows relative angular movement therebetween about generally co-planar pitch and roll axes. The connector pin is formed from a softer material than the surrounding first and second portions thereby providing an inexpensive and easily replaceable weak link in the hitch adapter assembly.

Abstract: A drawbar assembly includes a mounting member adapted to couple to a vehicle and that includes a body portion having a first passage, an eye portion extending outwardly from the mounting body portion, wherein the eye portion includes a top surface, a bottom surface and a second passage extending therethrough adapted to receive a pintle hook therein, and a wedge member slidably received within the first passage of the body portion. The wedge member is slidably movable between a first portion, wherein the wedge member is withdrawn into the first passage of the body portion, and a second position, where the wedge member extends into the second passage of the eye portion. The wedge member is located between the top surface and the bottom surface of the eye portion, and does not extend above the top surface or the bottom surface.

Abstract: A hitch mounted waste container transporter for mounting in a standard hitch receiver on a vehicle using a locking pin includes a hitch bar having a first end equipped for connection to the hitch receiver and having a distal end, a hitch bar bracket having a lower end rigidly connected to said distal end of the hitch bar and an upper end which includes a transverse locking pin, an intermediate bar is pivotally connected at its first end to the hitch bar bracket such that the intermediate bar moves between about 0 and 25 degrees from a common axis of the hitch bar, and a rigid container support bar connected to a second end of the intermediate bar which is about 110-115 degrees obtuse to the axis of the intermediate bar having a tine to removably engage a waste container.

Abstract: A snow gliding board, integrating a structure element incorporated in a raised end of said gliding board, said element having a plurality of hollowed through openings between its upper and lower surfaces, distributed across its surface, wherein said element comprises in said raised end at least one region free of through openings, separating two areas having through openings, the width of said region being greater than the shortest distance between two through openings in the areas separated by said region.

Abstract: A vehicle frame joint of a folding scooter is revealed. Connection rods, main hooks with openings facing upward, and side hooks with openings facing downward are disposed between a front frame and a rear frame. While in use, the connection rods of one frame are assembled with or separated from the main and side hooks of the other frame so as to assemble or disassemble the front frame and the rear frame. By the simple design of the joint, even the disabled or users with poor physical health can disassemble/assemble the vehicle frame of the folding scooter easily by themselves.

Abstract: A juvenile stroller includes a mobile base and a juvenile seat mounted on the mobile base. The mobile base includes wheels and a foldable frame carrying the juvenile seat.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mounting (4) for an inflatable airbag (6) module intended to be fitted on a lower face (3) of a motor vehicle dashboard (2). This mounting forms a firing channel in which the airbag is guided in order to be deployed towards the passenger compartment through the dashboard (2). It comprises an upper wall (9) intended to be fixed to the lower face (3) of the dashboard (2) and an upper face (18) to which the module (6) is intended to be fixed. This mounting (4) has a top portion (7) and a bottom portion (8) which are secured rigidly to one another and are produced from two different materials, with the material of the top portion (7) being more flexible than the material of the bottom portion (8). The invention applies to motor vehicle safety.

Abstract: An example trajectory control envelope includes a trajectory control envelope configured to receive an airbag and to control deployment of the airbag.

Abstract: An airbag having an outer skin enclosing at least one gas chamber is disclosed. The outer skin is made at least in parts of polymer material with the polymers of the polymer material being made by polymerisation of monomers. In order to reduce the total consumption of fossil based raw materials during the life cycle of a vehicle, at least a part of the monomers are sustainable based monomers being produced from a renewable raw material.

Abstract: A mobile robot configured to be widely versatile in its use. For example, the mobile robot can be configured for being used on a wide assortment of surfaces, regardless of the orientation and/or shape of the surfaces. Alternatively or in combination, the mobile robot can be configured for effective and efficient movement on the surfaces it traverses. In some cases, the mobile robot is configured with two or more component units. In some cases, the component units are configured with magnets and a control system for orientating the magnets. In some cases, one or more component couplings join the component units. In some cases, the mobile unit is configured with Mecanum wheels.

Abstract: A leveling system for supporting a drill assembly includes at least one hydraulic actuator and a manifold coupled to the actuator. The hydraulic actuator supports the cab relative to a support surface, and includes a first end coupled to the cab and a second end that is extendable away from the first end. The manifold is coupled to the actuator and includes a directional flow control valve, a regenerative flow valve, and at least one counterbalance valve for controlling the extension of the actuator. The counterbalance valve is in direct fluid communication with the actuator.

Abstract: A loop (5) is attached to a grip (1) of a pole using a ball and socket joint. The ball and socket joint encompasses a ball (7) that is held with the capacity to turn and pivot in a recess (8) in the head (4) of the grip (1).

Abstract: An attachment clip assembly for securing a splash guard to an edge of a vehicle panel. The attachment clip assembly includes inner and outer clips and a threaded fastener. The inner clip includes wedging and gripping arms and the outer clip includes wedging and support arms, the inner clip fitting in nested relationship in the outer clip. The threaded fastener extends through an opening of the inner clip and a slotted opening of the outer clip. The wedging arm of the outer clip includes spaced apart shoulders overlying respective outer edges of the wedging arm of the inner clip such that, upon tightening the threaded fastener, the wedging arm of the inner clip slides along the wedging arm of the outer clip in a direction toward a central portion of the outer clip thereby moving the inner clip gripping arm toward the outer clip support arm.

Abstract: Described herein is a method and easel pad on which an attendee at a meeting can write information such as notes, comments, figures, etc. in a way that is visible to all attendees and which can be easily retained throughout the meeting. In practice, a user brings into the meeting room an easel pad comprised of a pad of electrostatic sheets. The easel pad further comprises a starter slit on each sheet of the pad of electrostatic sheets, and a cutter blade for accommodating easy handling, cutting and removal of a sheet from the pad. The pad is placed on an easel. During the meeting or in preparation thereof, information is written on the pad of electrostatic sheets. When desired, one can tear off the top electrostatic sheet on which the information has been written, and simply apply the sheet to any surface, such as a wall or separate board, so that the sheet clings to the surface due to the electrostatic attraction.

Abstract: A method of producing an apparent etched or embossed effect in a print purely by the use of printing and lamination processes, in which a varnish 3 is pressed into to selected areas of a softer coating 2 to produce indentations in the coating layer 2 as during lamination of a printed article comprising a substrate 1 and an optional overlay 4, and a printed article obtainable using the method.

Abstract: A exhaust manifold flange bolt repair system uses a spring loaded bolt to provide a quick and easy exhaust repair. The system of the present invention seals the gap in the exhaust and, when properly installed, will not come off. The repair system includes an oval clamp that can be applied to the exhaust manifold after a broken manifold bolt is removed. The oval clamp includes a female threaded portion that can be disposed over the hole of the exhaust manifold where the broken bolt was removed. A bolt can be threaded into the female threaded portion of the oval clamp, and a portion of the end of the bolt can fit into the hole in the exhaust manifold. This bolt provides a replacement manifold bolt. Springs can be disposed between a nut and the exhaust pipe flange, along the new bolt and any remaining manifold bolts.

Abstract: Locking member having a male end-piece having a collar, a female end-piece having a ring which receives the male end-piece, and two flaps configured to be pushed in through two apertures of the ring and which are blocked behind the collar following insertion of the male end-piece, each flap having an inner and outer faces connected to each other by front and rear faces, relative to the insertion of the male end-piece. Each flap has inclined portions formed on the front face and set back from a foremost portion of this front face and including a guiding portion connecting the foremost portion to the inner face and cooperating with the end of the male end-piece to guide insertion thereof, and a blocking portion connecting the foremost portion to the front face and blocking the flaps against front edges of the apertures to act counter to opening of the member.

Abstract: A screwed end connector assembly comprises a threaded connector (1) having a conical end portion (5) for the reception of a mating hose fitting. The connector has a flange (6) which includes at least one arcuate, circumferentially extending, slot (7). A nut (8) for threaded engagement with the connector, for securing a hose end fitting to the conical portion of the connector, has a polygonal exterior (10). A member (11) has an aperture for fitment over and irrotational engagement with the exterior of the nut and includes at least one hole positionable in axial register with the said slot.

Abstract: A connector comprised of a fluid delivery means for conveying a fluid to a component, a compliant tube that surrounds the fluid delivery means and that is fluid-tight, and a load transfer means positioned outside of the compliant tube for relieving stress on the compliant tube that arises when the compliant tube undergoes linear motion. The fluid delivery means may be the tubes that convey a cooling fluid to a component in a thin film plating apparatus. The compliant tube may be a tube that contains a bellows section. The load transfer means may comprise a pair of rods positioned outside of the compliant tube that run parallel to the compliant tube.

Abstract: A system of jointing reinforced thermosetting resin (RTR) pipe, including: a first RTR pipe with a spigot portion, the spigot portion having a first joining surface; a second RTR pipe with a socket portion shaped to receive the spigot portion, the socket portion having a second joining surface; and a cavity between the first joining surface and the second joining surface, the cavity formed when the spigot portion is push-fit into the socket portion; and an injectable/curable material located in the cavity. Additionally, a method of jointing RTR pipe, including the steps of: push-fitting a spigot portion of a first pipe into a socket portion of a second pipe, forming a cavity between the spigot portion and the socket portion; injecting a joining compound into the cavity; and curing the joining compound.

Abstract: A coupling assembly for connection to a fluid supply is provided. The assembly comprises a socket portion having a first part connectable to the supply and a second part connectable to an elongate member; a sealing means retained by the socket portion; and a locking means for locking the socket portion to the elongate member; wherein the locking means comprises a moveable portion moveable between a first unlocked position and a second locked position by slideably moving the moveable portion relative to the socket portion such that the locking means engages with a complementary portion of the elongate member.

Abstract: A subsea riser assembly connects two tubular members with axial movement of an outer sleeve. The assembly includes a first tubular member having an end, and a second tubular member having an end with a plurality of box end fingers separated by slots, the second tubular member coaxial with the first tubular member. The end of the first tubular member is inserted into the end of the second tubular member. An outer sleeve having an inner diameter that engages an outer diameter of each box end finger. Axial movement of the outer sleeve relative to the box end fingers causes the inner diameter of the outer sleeve to interact with the outer diameter of the box end fingers, thereby causing the box end fingers to contract radially. The radial contraction of the box end fingers secures the first tubular member to the second tubular member in a made-up position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a recess for O-ring, the recess including both lateral walls facing the O-ring formed each in a convexly curved shape toward the O-ring, and a floor surface connected to the curved lateral walls, wherein each of the curved lateral walls and the floor surface is formed at a first part to have a depth smaller than a diameter of the O-ring, and a surface facing a second part opposite to the first part is opened.

Abstract: A fitting assembly is provided with a first fitting component having a stepped wall surface; and a second fitting component radially spaced from the first fitting component when the fitting assembly is in a finger tight condition prior to pull-up. When the second fitting component is displaced into contact with the stepped wall surface during fitting pull-up, the stepped wall surface assists in separating the first fitting component from the second fitting component upon fitting disassembly.

Abstract: A power supply system for a motor vehicle is provided with: a generator that includes a rotor having a field coil and a stator having an armature coil; a rectifier that rectifies AC power generated in the armature coil; an excitation control circuit that takes control of a voltage applied to the field coil; a capacitor that is connected to the DC side of the rectifier, and receives and transfers the rectified power; a battery connected to an electric load of the motor vehicle; a DC-DC converter that is connected between the capacitor and the battery and capable of converting unidirectionally or bidirectionally an input DC voltage into any DC voltage; and a selection switch capable of selecting as a power supply source for the excitation control circuit either the capacitor or the battery.

Abstract: A control system for a wind park includes a plurality of limit controllers. Each limit controller is configured to output a limit value set based upon a specific grid code requirement. A selection unit compiles a limit value set from the plurality of limit value sets according to a number of grid code requirements. The control system further includes a plurality of main controllers, wherein a main controller is configured to generate a setpoint for one or more wind turbines of the wind park according to the compiled limit value set. Further, a wind park and a method of controlling a wind park are provided.

Abstract: A method of controlling noise emission of a wind park includes monitoring noise emitted from the wind park by detecting and identifying noise emitted by some or all of the plurality of the wind park's wind turbines and estimating the level thereof. If the level of the monitored noise exceeds a predetermined noise threshold the wind park controller commands one or more of the wind turbines, chosen by the importance of its or their relative influence on the noise emitted from the wind park to the measuring location, to change operation to an operation mode with reduced noise emission.

Abstract: A method for operating a wind turbine is disclosed. The wind turbine comprises a rotor having a set of wind turbine blades, said rotor being mounted on a tower. The method comprises the steps of: Providing a curve defining optimal pitch angle as a function of tip speed ratio for the wind turbine blades or as a function of wind speed. Modifying at least a part of said optimal pitch angle curve by applying a safety buffer, e.g. at tip speed ratios and/or pitch angles where there is a risk that the blades may stall and/or that overload is caused to the wind turbine, thereby obtaining a safety modified pitch angle curve. Operating the wind turbine in accordance with the safety modified pitch angle curve. Measuring one or more parameters providing information regarding wind conditions and/or loads on one or more components of the wind turbine, during operation of the wind turbine.

Abstract: A method of operating at partial load a wind turbine (1) supplying electrical power to an electrical grid (20) includes monitoring stability of the grid; and upon detection of a reduced grid stability, changing operation of the wind turbine by limiting wind-caused fluctuations of the active-power supply to the electrical grid, or by reducing an already existing limit to fluctuations of the active-power supply.

Abstract: A wave energy generation system. A boom element having a float element on a terminal end is reciprocatably mounted on a rotatable turret element on a watercraft. The boom element is configured to drive a linkage element which in turn drives an energy generation element. The float element rises and falls due to marine swells, the boom element reciprocates upwardly and downwardly, driving the energy generation device or element. The energy element may be an electrical generator or air compressor. One or more energy storage elements may be provided such as a battery element or air pressure storage element. The energy generator element or energy storage means or both may be used to drive a propulsion element which may be in the form of an electric motor or air motor.

Abstract: A system and method for charging a battery in a fluid power driven attachment to heavy equipment is provided. A battery charger comprises a motor for receiving fluid power from a fluid power system of the heavy equipment; an alternator, dynamo or generator driven by the motor; a charge control system and optionally, a battery for the hydraulic attachment. The motor may be controlled to operate in response to at least one of a condition of the fluid power received and an operative status of a fluid power driven device of the attachment. The charge control system may limit and/or regulate a voltage received from the alternator, dynamo or generator. The fluid power driven attachment may be configured with the fluid power driven battery charger as a component thereof.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a device for converting wave motion into electricity, and methods of using the devices for generating electricity. The disclosure also provides a power generation device that includes a water blanket having a plurality of pods arranged in a grid for floating on the surface of a body of water. In one example, ball joints and hydraulic cylinders couple each of the pods to adjacent pods. Motors are coupled to the hydraulic cylinders such that a flow of hydraulic fluid created by expansion and compression of the cylinders due to movement of the pods causes rotational motion in the motor. Generators are coupled to respective motors to generate electricity from the rotational motion of the motors. Power from the ocean blanket can be supplemental with wind turbines, water paddles, water turbines, and solar cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wave power unit having a submerged station anchored on the sea bottom, a floating body floating on the sea surface and flexible connection means (3) connecting these. The submerged station has a linear generator with a reciprocating translator. According to the invention, the station includes a guiding device (9) for the flexible connection means (3). The guiding device (9) has a plurality of rotatable rollers (15a-18c). The rollers (15a-18c) form a passage for the flexible connection means (3). The invention also relates to use of the wave power unit and to a method for producing electric power.

Abstract: The invention concerns a run-of-river power plant with the following components or features: at least one module or several stand-alone modules, which are arranged close to one another in the flow direction, respectively comprising at least one energy unit; each energy unit comprises a water turbine and a generator; every module includes an upstream retaining wall as well as a downstream bearing wall; an intermediate space is situated between both walls; a rake, which extends between the upper edge of the retaining wall and the upper edge of the bearing wall and covers the intermediate space; a suction channel is connected to the energy unit.

Abstract: A wind compressor system having one or more wind turbines and a plurality of wind compressors located proximate the one or more wind turbines. The wind compressors optimize the energy created by the wind turbines by redirecting and converging the wind from the wind compressor to the wind turbines. Each of the wind compressors comprises an obstruction having a size and shape adapted to converge the wind currents by means of a Venturi effect toward the one or more turbines thereby increasing the velocity and force of the wind hitting the wind turbine. A plurality of transporters coupled to the wind compressors. The transporters configured to move at least one wind compressors to a location that maximizes the force of the wind encountered by the turbine.

Abstract: A power generation system including an airborne electricity generator, a tether assembly configured to carry electricity from the generator to land, the tether assembly having a first end portion coupled to the generator, and a winch assembly configured to reel the tether assembly onto a drum, wherein the winch assembly is configured to apply a reel tension to the tether assembly reeled onto the drum that is lower than a tension in the first end portion of the tether assembly.

Abstract: A wind power generator is provided. The wind power generator includes a hub in which rotor blades are installed, a driver, in which the hub is rotatably installed, for transmitting torque received from the hub, and a nacelle including a generator for generating electricity using the torque received from the driver. The hub is rotatably installed in the nacelle by a main shaft on one side of which a flange connected to the hub is formed and on the other side of which a rotating body connected to the driver is formed. Air flow holes through which air may flow from the inside of the hub to the inside of the nacelle are formed in the flange of the main shaft.

Abstract: A thermal conditioning system for an off-shore wind turbine is provided. The thermal conditioning system comprises channels for circulating ambient air from an inlet area located in the outside of the wind turbine nacelle to an outlet area located in the outside of the wind turbine preventing that the ambient air enters inside the wind turbine nacelle. The ambient air channels are arranged to cool conductively or convectively the air inside the wind turbine nacelle.

Abstract: A system for generating electric and mechanical power utilizing a thermal gradient includes a thermal gradient producing device in communication with a turbine generator. The system being configured to absorb heat energy from an outside environment, circulate the same through a circulation chamber and convert the heat energy into one or both of a mechanical force and electricity which can be fed back to the system itself or utilized by other devices.

Abstract: An emergency release device for a trunk of a vehicle includes an arrestor device for limiting an opening movement of the trunk, a trunk lock and a coupling module including first and second coupling elements, each shiftably supported in the coupling housing, wherein the first and second coupling elements respectively operatively couple an emergency actuation device of the vehicle to the arrestor device, and an actuation device of the vehicle to the trunk lock, and are detachably coupled to each other during a first stroke of the first coupling element caused by an actuation of the emergency actuation device, wherein the first stroke causes the second coupling element to open the locking device and causes the first coupling element to perform an idle stroke relative to the arrestor device, and wherein the coupling between the first and second coupling elements is released in response to a second stroke advancing past the first stroke and is caused by the actuation of the emergency actuation device.

Abstract: A pin latch includes a guide block, a handle having a trigger, and a shear pin housed slidably within the guide block and connected to the handle. The shear pin includes a catch-pin engageable by the trigger, and is slidable between an engageable position and a disengageable position when the handle is moved from a closed position to an open position. Alternately, the pin latch includes a bracket connected to the shear pin and includes a catch-pin, and the handle is moveable to an intermediate position, such that a trigger is disengaged from the catch-pin and the shear pin engages a stop pin. A guide block spring acts on the stop pin to retain releasably the handle in its intermediate position. The guide block includes a finger and the shear pin includes a groove sized and shaped to receive the finger when the pin latch is in an unlatchable position.

Abstract: A high security locking system can be used in a conventional pivot door adapted for use with a latch and deadbolt lock combination. The high security system can be a multi-point lock, received in a recess formed in a locking edge side of a door stile, cooperating with a linkage or other mechanism in a conventional deadbolt/location. The lock can be actuated with a keyed cylinder and thumb turn combination.

Abstract: An inside-door-handle device for a vehicle is provided with a base part and a cover. A swinging space is provided between the base part and the cover. The cover has a locking section; the base part has a lock-receiving section. A swing motion of the cover relative to the base part is regulated by the elastic locking between the locking section and the lock-receiving section. If the cover swings relative to the base part due to pushing operation toward the cover, the lock between the locking section and the lock-receiving section is released, and the cover can be separated from the base part.

Abstract: Surgical devices are disclosed herein that generally include an intracorporeal elbow joint to facilitate translational movement of an end effector while allowing a body portion of the surgical device and a trocar or working channel through which the device is inserted to be maintained in a fixed angular orientation relative to the patient. This allows a plurality of such devices to be used effectively with a single incision or access device. Such devices also generally provide end effector movement with six degrees of freedom, while maintaining a mechanical linkage between the user and the end effector and while mimicking and/or mirroring natural user movement. Various methods related to such devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: A grapple mechanism is connected to a post driver on one side, rather than in the front of the post driven The grapple connects to the post driver via a hinge which allows substantially 90 degrees of rotation between a horizontal position for picking up posts, mid a vertical position for driving the post into the ground. A spring or other biasing mechanism preferably biases the grapple mechanism toward its horizontal position. However, the spring is preferably hot so strong as to hold the grapple mechanism in the horizontal position eves when, a post is grappled. Preferably, the weight of a grappled post is sufficient to overcome the spring, causing die grapple mechanism to pivot about the hinge and into the vertical position. The grapple mechanism is therefore preferably sized, shaped and weighted so as to swing to a substantially vertical position when a post is grappled and lifted.