Abstract: A gaming machine including: a cabinet having a display portion which displays information relating to a game, and an operation portion for a player to carry out an operation of the game on a front surface thereof, a light emitting portion which is provided at a position further above the display portion provided on an upper portion of the cabinet, and a lens barrel which intercepts at least some of light heading toward a player who operates the operation portion from among light emerging from a light source provided on the light emitting portion.

Abstract: A gaming device configured to randomly generate at least one pair of numbered balls in a craps game as a substitute for rolling dice, the gaming device including a blower assembly disposed in a housing that, upon selective activation of an on-off switch or a signal transmitter, circulates air through an airflow tube into a casing cavity to push a pair of the numbered balls contained within a cavity of a transparent casing disposed atop the housing into an upper chamber of a ball receiving tube centrally disposed in the casing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for mounting a shuffling apparatus to a table is described. A bezel plate has an aperture permitting access to a top aperture in a shuffler apparatus. An aperture in the table top is covered by the bezel plate and a top portion of the shuffler apparatus is accessible through an aperture in the bezel plate. The bezel plate may be captivated to the table top using straps extending through the aperture in the table top and being affixed to the underside of the table top. The shuffler may be supported against the underside of the bezel plate by a bracket affixed to the underside of the table top. Alternatively, the bezel plate may be placed on the table top and the shuffler hung from an underside of the bezel plate by a bracket extending through the aperture in the table top.

Abstract: A multi-stage poker game or tournament and a method for conducting the same comprising a first stage in which a first plurality of players buy in at a first amount and a second stage in which a second plurality of players buy in at a second, greater amount. The second stage is a continuation of the game, such that non-eliminated players from the first stage may continue playing the game, along with the second plurality of players. The latter group may start the second stage with substantially equal chip counts, but the chip counts for the former group may be unevenly distributed, e.g., in proportion or substantially equal to their chip counts at the end of the first stage. The end of the first stage or beginning of the second stage may be marked by the occurrence of a predetermined trigger, such as a predetermined average chip count being reached or percentage or number of first stage players being eliminated.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer readable storage to implement a casino wagering game using two card poker hands. The player can make two wagers, a high card ante wager and a straights and flushes side wager. The player is dealt two cards and the dealer is dealt three cards comprising an upcard, a downcard and a swap-card. The player can raise or fold. The dealer will then use the upcard and either the downcard or the swap-card, whichever creates the better hand for the dealer. The player's wagers are resolved based on a relationship between the player's hand and the dealer's hand.

Abstract: A casino gaming table having interchangeable layouts includes a table base and a planar tabletop supported on the base. The tabletop has an upper surface and a peripheral edge, at least a portion of which is arcuately shaped. An arcuately shaped rail is mounted to the tabletop adjacent the arcuately shaped peripheral edge but is spaced from the upper surface of the table. A plurality of game layout pads are provided with arcuate peripheral edges. The pads are adapted to rest on the tabletop with their arcuate peripheral edges fitting under the rail in the space between the rail and the table surface. The game layout pads are rigid enough to substantially maintain their planar shape when being moved into and out of position but can be flexed in order to insert their arcuate peripheral edges into the space between said lower surface of the rail and the upper surface of the tabletop.

Abstract: A dynamic radial seal includes a rigid casing. The seal also includes an elastomeric casing positioned interior of and bonded to the rigid casing. The elastomeric casing has an axial spring member which extends radially inwardly from and axially along the rigid casing. The axial spring member includes a neck portion which extends from the elastomeric casing and a seal attachment portion that is attached to the neck portion and has a bonding surface. The seal also includes a pre-stressed fluoropolymer seal which has a bonding surface and a sealing surface. A bond joins the bonding surface of the pre-stressed fluoropolymer seal to the bonding surface of the seal attachment portion. The seal attachment portion of the spring member is operative to provide sealing contact of the fluoropolymer seal along the entirety of its sealing surface when engaged with a mating surface of a shaft.

Abstract: A pipe sealing assembly for sealing a connection between a pair of pipes. The sealing assembly includes a generally cylindrical seal or gasket having a pair of axially spaced sealing portions joined by a bridge portion. Each sealing portion has a plurality of compressible sealing ridges, as well as an annular expansion band seat capable of receiving the expansion band of an expansion band assembly that is used to sealingly compress each sealing portion against a respective inner surface of a pipe. Additionally, each sealing portion may include a hollow section which houses the expansion band assembly, and may be provided with a small slit for installing the expansion band assembly and allowing access to the expansion mechanism of the expansion band assembly during installation, or a separate cover member for enclosing the expansion band assembly.

Abstract: An alerting system for signaling the displacement of a leading end portion of a hose or the like, carried by a vehicle, includes a hose-gripping unit, a visible or audible signal generator, and a mounting box for connecting the gripping unit to support structure. Displacement of the hose from the gripping unit may generate an alarm signal to enable the operator to immediately bring the vehicle to a stop, or it may generate a signal simply to indicate when one of several hoses has been intentionally deployed.

Abstract: A heeling apparatus includes a shoe with a unique feature in the heel that allows one to walk, run, or roll seamlessly. The appearance is that of normal footwear because of the covert wheel assembly. The stealth wheel in the heel gives one the ability to roll or slide in areas you could only walk. Heeling is a new activity that employs a unique method of rolling and requires a newly learned skill set of balance, positioning, and coordination.

Abstract: A structure of inline skates is provided, the structure of inline skates includes a cushion device, a wheel with an annular ratchet wheel on its side, and a pawl assembly. By using the user's weight to press down the structure of present invention, the wheel with the annular ratchet wheel on its side engages the pawl assembly, which stops the wheel with the annular ratchet wheel on its side from rolling in one direction, and the wheel with the annular ratchet wheel on its side can roll in another direction. Thereby, the structure of inline skates is more ergonomic and exercise injuries can be prevented. In addition, a brake is provided for providing shock absorption and as a fulcrum to make more powerful acceleration. Besides, automatic support upright is also provided for avoiding tumbles.

Abstract: A creeper is formed of a sheet-like material in a tubular configuration, wherein the material is formed of one or more layers joined to one another. The creeper has an inner side defining a coefficient of friction of not more than about 0.35. The material in bulk falls within an acceptable range of specified flexural rigidity, crease resistance and/or puncture resistance.

Abstract: A golf bag cart comprises a lower frame including a connecting plate pivotally coupled to a rear wheel stand, a slide element installed at the top of the connecting plate, and an upper carrying base and a lower carrying base for placing and fixing a golf bag; an upper frame coupled to a lower frame and pivotally coupled to the upper carrying base; two front wheel stands coupled to the lower frame and pivotally coupled to the lower carrying base; a link rod module composed of link rod modules and coupled between the upper frame, a slide element and front and rear wheel stands for driving the front and the rear wheel stands or the front and rear wheels to fold or unfold; and a lift switch installed between the upper and lower frames and latched for fixing at a position when the golf bag cart is unfolded.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for adjusting the toe angle in the wheels of a solid non-steering axle and especially to a method and apparatus for bending a vehicle's solid or non-steering axle housing, such as the solid rear axle of a vehicle or an axle of a semi-trailer, to align the toe angle of the wheels mounted on the solid axle.

Abstract: The shower chair/walker combination incorporates the features of a walker and a shower chair into a single appliance. The appliance includes a folding walker having a pivoted seat thereon. The seat is of a split toilet seat design, having a gap at its front end. This feature allows a caregiver to have access to all parts of the patient's body to assure complete bathing. The appliance is provided with brakes and controls therefor, as is conventionally provided for walkers. All moving parts are either covered to prevent rusting or fabricated from rust-resistant materials.

Abstract: An anti-roll device for a vehicle may include a lower arm disposed at both sides of a sub-frame, a rotation mounter formed at a middle portion of the sub-frame, a spring unit of which the middle portion is rotatably disposed at the rotation mounter, and a push rod connected to both sides of the spring unit and the lower arm, wherein the spring unit includes a plate spring of which both end portions are bent in opposite directions, an engagement portion having an engagement hole in the middle portion thereof is formed, and a bolt hole is formed at both ends thereof, an assistant spring that is disposed at both sides of the engagement portion and an assemble hole is formed in the middle portion corresponding to the engagement hole, and an engagement yoke engaged with the plate spring and the assistant spring and disposed on the rotation mounter.

Abstract: In a lower vehicle-body structure of a vehicle, there is provided a rear connecting member swingably supporting a rear portion of a lower arm at a sub frame and a front side frame, the rear connecting member comprising a support portion to support the lower arm, a fifth connection portion to connect the sub frame and the support portion, and a fourth connection portion to connect the front side frame and the support portion. Further, there is provided a separation mechanism to separate the fourth connection portion off the front side frame in the vehicle frontal collision. Accordingly, the sub frame and the lower arm are separated off the front side frame by the separation mechanism.

Abstract: A suspension arrangement for interconnecting a frame and an axle in a vehicle includes a control arm having a first beam and a second beam in parallel, spaced relation, each beam having a first end with a single arm and a second end with an upper arm and a lower arm to define a Y-shape, the first end being pivotally connectable to a vehicle frame, and the second end being connectable to a vehicle axle disposed between the upper and lower arms, and a bushing arrangement mountable to the vehicle axle, the bushing arrangement having an upper portion connecting between the upper arms of the first beam and second beam and a lower portion connecting between the lower arms of the first beam and second beam.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing of a flexible trailing arm for a wheel axle suspension of a vehicle such as a lorry or a trailer. In the method a steel blank is heated. Next, the blank is formed into the desired shape of the trailing arm by means of a suitable forming process. Following that the trailing arm is austempered by cooling it in a warm fluid medium.

Abstract: A receiver for towing is coupled to a vehicle that includes a frame, a rear axle, and a suspension system that couples the rear axle to the frame. The receiver including a body that defines a cavity sized to receive a towing attachment, and a suspension mount rigidly coupled to the body. At least a portion of the suspension system mounted to and supported by the suspension mount.

Abstract: A dual suspension system includes a chassis, a suspension arm rotatably connected to the chassis, a wheel connection connected coupled to the suspension arm, a first lock connected to the chassis and the suspension arm, and a second lock connected between a differential housing and the chassis. The first and second locks each have an unlocked state and a locked state. When the first lock is unlocked, and the second lock is locked, the vehicle substantially provides independent suspension. When the first lock is locked, and the second lock is unlocked, the vehicle substantially provides solid axle suspension.

Abstract: A wheel suspension for a motor vehicle includes a suspension arm having a base body and support elements formed on the base body. Pivotally mounted on the suspension arm for rotation about a rotation axis is a wheel carrier which defines a wheel axis. An adjustment screw is arranged in substantial orthogonal relationship to the wheel axis and received at least one installation opening of the wheel carrier for securing the wheel carrier to the suspension arm.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension lift kit includes a first suspension lift component having a first interlocking pattern, and a second suspension lift component having a second interlocking pattern. The first and second interlocking patterns are selectively engagable with one another to prevent relative motion among the first and second components along an interfacial plane. Each of the first and second suspension lift components are specifically configured to be employed individually or in combination between a vehicular suspension and a vehicular axle to provide a selected extent of suspension lift.

Abstract: A pulley and drive belt system comprising a drive belt and at least one pulley configured to engage a surface of the drive belt, the at least one pulley comprising, a frame configured to rotate about a rotation axis, the frame having a circular outer rim with opposing sides, a plurality of circumferential teeth extending radially and axially of the rim, each tooth having a tooth width and each tooth being configured to be received between adjacent lugs of the drive belt, and an alignment member having a wire form and extending between adjacent circumferential teeth tops, and the alignment member extending no further radially from the rotation axis than the circumferential teeth, a debris ejecting opening disposed radially inward of the alignment member between the circumferential teeth.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for LC/IMS/MS analysis involve obtaining noisy raw data from a sample, convolving the data with an artifact-reducing filter, and locating, in retention-time, ion mobility, and mass-to-charge-ratio dimensions, one or more ion peaks of the convolved data.

Abstract: An improved enclosed motorcycle (310) is taught, having an electric motor (324) and an improved handlebar assembly (326) employing a torque arm (358) with spherical rod ends (360). The foot brake pedal (328) is improved by attached rigidly to the frame (320) and the bench seat (330) is now slideably attached and the back portion of the bench seat capable of tilting providing the requisite adjustment. The landing wheels (332) are now individually mounted on a support arm (372) hinged on the frame retained by a spring loaded take-up rod assembly (374) allowing stabilizing on uneven surfaces. The entrance doors upper half windows each have vent window (386) hinged independently on a front edge with the hinge including a locking head (392) secured to the window frame for ventilation. The leg doors (340) are hinged horizontally onto the entrance doors (338) and open at a predetermined speed before the motorcycle has stopped.

Abstract: A ski or a snowboard in the form of a board-like sliding device, comprising a multi-layered sliding board body and at least one board-like force-transmitting element supported on the top side of the sliding board body, the upper side of which force-transmitting element is provided for supporting a binding device for a potentially releasable connection with a sports shoe. In at least one of the two lateral upper edge sections of the sliding board body running in the longitudinal direction of the sliding board body at least one interlocking coupling means is formed. Said at least one interlocking coupling means is formed by at least one physically independent strip or profile-like coupling element which is arranged between the board-like force-transmitting element and the sliding board body and is provided for forming an interlocking connection between the board-like force-transmitting element and the sliding board body.

Abstract: The teaching provided herein are generally directed to compact vehicle drive mechanisms that can be used in the design of a foldable, carry-on vehicle. The compact drive mechanisms presented herein, for example, have contributed to the advent of the compact, carry-on bicycles set-forth in the teachings which include drive-and-steering units and drive-and-chassis units.

Abstract: The stroller with fold out changing table that is installed onto an existing baby stroller or is integrated into the design of the baby stroller. The fold out changing table extends horizontally atop the baby seat of the stroller to provide a horizontal surface that is at least waist-high for an adult to easily change a baby's diaper. The fold out changing table can fold down to a retracted state when not in use. The fold out changing table features a security belt to secure an infant thereon as well as telescoping legs that stabilize an end of the fold out changing table atop the baby seat.

Abstract: A stroller includes two side frames and a first seat disposed between the side frames. Each side frame includes an armrest, a first leg, a second leg, a handle, and a first link. The first leg and the second leg are pivoted to the armrest, respectively. The handle is pivoted to the armrest, and a bottom end of the handle is detachably engaged with the first leg. A front end of the first link is pivoted to the second leg, and another opposite end is pivoted to the handle. The first seat is movably disposed on the first link. Thus, when the handle rotates between an extended position and a folded position, the first link can bring the first seat and the second leg to rotate relative to the armrest.

Abstract: An infant carrier apparatus comprises a support frame, a handle assembly having two side segments, two handle adjusting mechanisms pivotally connecting the two side segments of the handle assembly with the support frame, a release actuator and two transmission elements. Each of the handle adjusting mechanisms has a locked state for securely holding the handle assembly in place relative to the support frame, and an unlocked state allowing rotation of the handle assembly about a pivot axis relative to the support frame. Each of the transmission elements has a first and second distal end, wherein the first distal end is connected with one of the handle adjusting mechanisms, and the second distal end is connected with the release actuator. The release actuator is operable to switch the handle adjusting mechanisms from the locked state to the unlocked state.

Abstract: A mobile, collapsible table and storage assembly for outdoor recreational use. The assembly includes: a storage compartment having a receptacle and lid, wheels at a first end of the storage compartment, a stand connected to the first end, a handle connected to the storage compartment at a second end, and folding legs connecting the receptacle and lid of the storage compartment. Each leg has a lower limb and an upper limb connected by a pivot, such that the limbs are movable between a folded and unfolded position. An end of one of the limbs at which the pivot is located has an extension portion which engages an adjacent end of the other limb to allow the lower and upper limbs to assume the unfolded position when forming an angle greater than 180 degrees. This prevents the table collapsing by buckling of the folding legs.

Abstract: The invention relates to an airbag comprising a flexible fastening tab (3) having a fastening opening (4) for attachment to a motor vehicle by means of a form-locking element (2), whereby a fastening region (14) and a folding region (15) are constructed in the tab (3), the fastening opening (4) is constructed in the fastening region (14) and a folding opening (5) is constructed in the folding region (15), and whereby the folding opening (5) is dimensioned such that the folding region (15) can fold at least partially over the form-locking element (2).

Abstract: An occupant protection airbag device for a vehicle includes a housing having an opening and a closed end, a strut secured to the housing adjacent the closed end and extending from the closed end toward the opening, and an inflator supported by the strut adjacent the opening and spaced from the closed end to form a storage chamber between the inflator and the closed end of the housing. The inflator is spaced from an inner wall of the housing to form a gap therebetween. An airbag is stored in a deflated condition between the inflator and the closed end of the housing, and a forward-most layer of the airbag passes through the gap and around a surface of the inflator immediately adjacent the opening.

Abstract: An automobile airbag door is formed by a door base member, a door cover member, and a tear line. The door base member and the door cover member form a part of a base member and a part of a cover member of an instrument panel, respectively. When pressed by an airbag being deployed and inflated, the door base member is torn from the tear line. The first zone is defined as the bonded part between the outer surface of the door base member and the door cover member which extends along the tear line and includes a part on which the tear line is projected. The second zones are on both sides of the first zone and extend along the tear line. The automobile airbag door has a mechanism that makes the bond strength in the first zone weaker than the bond strength in each second zone.

Abstract: An airbag device equipped with an airbag having a reduced volume. An airbag inflated and expanded, by supplied gas, from a state folded in the rear of an instrument panel with respect to the vehicle's front-rear direction has an outer bag for restraining the upper body of a vehicle occupant from the front side in the vehicle's front-rear direction and also has a reaction force support tube inflated and expanded, by supplied gas, at the front on the inner side of the outer airbag. An inflator supplies gas to each of the outer bag and the reaction force support tube. When the outer bag restrains the upper body of the vehicle occupant, gas discharge from the reaction force support tube is suppressed by a one-way valve and the pressure in the reaction force support tube is maintained at a pressure higher than the pressure in the outer bag.

Abstract: A center airbag cushion installed between left and right seats of a vehicle to protect a passenger from a shock generated by a side collision of the vehicle may include a first chamber part, a second chamber part comprising a left second chamber part and a right second chamber part respectively coupled to left and right sides of an upper end of the first chamber part to fluid-communicate therebetween, and a tension member provided on inner facing surfaces of the left and right second chamber parts, wherein the inner facing surfaces of the left and right second chamber parts face each other with a gap, and wherein the tension member has a rear end extending in a predetermined length rearwards and is fixed to a rear end of the first chamber part or the second chamber part therein.

Abstract: A side impact system for protection of an occupant of a vehicle includes a vehicle seat bolster forming a seat bolster cavity and an inflatable side airbag. The airbag includes a side panel having an outer portion defining an outer chamber. A tube panel is disposed within the side panel and joined to a seat bolster portion of the side panel. The tube panel defines a seat bolster chamber and has an opening to allow gas to flow from the seat bolster chamber to the outer chamber. The tube panel, the seat bolster portion of the side panel, and the seat bolster chamber remain within the seat bolster cavity when inflated. The seat bolster portion of the side panel contacts an inner side of the seat bolster cavity when the airbag is inflated. An inflator is operable to provide gas to the seat bolster chamber and the outer chamber.

Abstract: An airbag module for an automotive vehicle includes a housing securable to a vehicle body panel adjacent to a sill of a side window. An airbag is stored within the housing in a deflated condition and has an inflated condition wherein it is positioned above the sill. A tether has an upper end attached to the airbag adjacent the top portion and a lower end attached to the body portion or the airbag bottom portion. The tether is shorter than a vertical length measured along a surface of the airbag between the top portion and the bottom portion when in the inflated condition, such that the tether is placed in tension and holds the airbag in a bent condition wherein a center section between the top and bottom portions projects laterally inward toward an interior of the vehicle.

Abstract: An airbag including first and second sheets joined along outer peripheral parts. The second sheet includes a plurality of base cloths. The plurality of base cloths are arrayed around the circumferential direction, and include overlapping parts where adjacent ends are overlapping. At least one of the overlapping parts includes unjoined sections that are not joined together, and the gas inside the airbag can be ejected through the unjoined sections.

Abstract: A restraint system for occupants of a vehicle, comprising a belt; an airbag unit arranged on the belt, wherein the positions of the belt and the airbag unit can be shifted with respect to each other; an airbag in the airbag unit; and means for securing the position of the airbag on the belt, i.e., means by which the airbag and the belt can be fastened together upon deployment of the airbag without the possibility of a shift in their relative positions.

Abstract: A vehicle side airbag apparatus has an inflator that discharges gas when a lateral collision occurs, a side airbag that is formed by sewing a passenger-side base fabric to a vehicle body-side base fabric, that is folded when it is stored and is inflated when gas is supplied from the inflator to be deployed into a space between a passenger seated in a vehicular seat and a vehicle body side portion, and a tether that couples a middle region of the passenger-side base fabric in a longitudinal direction of a vehicle with either a rear region of the passenger-side base fabric or the vehicle body-side base fabric in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and partitions the side airbag into a main chamber, which comes into contact with a lateral portion of the passenger, and a rear chamber, which comes into contact with a rear portion of the passenger, during deployment.

Abstract: A steering column for a motor vehicle comprises a casing unit, which serves to rotatably mount a steering spindle section adjoining a steering-wheel-side end, and at least one support piece which can be fastened at one side to a motor vehicle part fixed with respect to the body and which is or can be fixedly connected at the other side to the casing unit. At least one rupturing region is formed, along which, when a displacement force which exceeds a predefined release force acts in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the steering spindle section adjoining the steering-wheel-side end, the connection of the support piece to the casing unit or the support piece can be ruptured, wherein a displacement of the casing unit relative to the part fixed with respect to the body takes place.

Abstract: An engine cradle mounting an engine in a vehicle has left and right side members spaced laterally apart on opposite sides of the engine, a rear cross member having right and left ends attached respectively to the left and right side members, and a front cross member having left and right ends attached respectively to the left and right side members. Body mounts are provided on the left and right ends of the front cross member for bolting the cradle to the vehicle body. Left and right deflector devices are mounted on the cradle, and each includes an impact receiving member that projects outwardly from the cradle to receive an impact load, and a brace member that extends between the cradle and the impact receiving member to brace the impact receiving member and provide a load path transferring the impact load into the cradle.

Abstract: A fuel vessel assembly for a fuel cell-powered vehicle and a method of increasing the structural rigidity of a fuel cell-powered vehicle. A vessel for storage of hydrogen or related fuel cell-compatible fuel is rigidly attachable to a vehicular frame or related load-bearing structure through one or more shells that extend from the vessel. Loads imparted to one or more of the shell, vessel frame are transmitted between them through the connection between the assembly and the frame such that a load-bearing capability inherent in the frame is enhanced by the assembly.

Abstract: Provided is a book cover core body and a kit, which are used for manufacturing a book cover member which allows the original book to be finished easily, accurately, and neatly when an individual prepares an original book according to his taste without having to use an auxiliary tool such as a ruler and a stabbing.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for connecting two sub-flow systems (e.g. airplane fuel tanks) and conveying a fluid between the two sub-systems using a pressured balanced transfer tube, particularly when there are large radial and axial movements or offsets between the sub-systems. Unlike conventional fluid transfer systems, the present apparatus allows for the pressure in the transfer tube to be balanced to internalize the pressure forces and prevent the exertion of pressure forces on the sub-systems connected to the transfer tube.

Abstract: A pipe fitting and associated piping joint assembly package allow re-use and repair of push-fit, formed piping elements without damage to the fitting or valve elements or the pipe, and without coining, gluing or threaded engagement of parts. In one embodiment, the present invention includes a pipe fitting having first and second radial housing elements for receiving one or more sealing members and a fastening ring, respectively. In one embodiment, the present invention further includes a sealing member stabilizer element, a housing divider element and a snap ring support member cooperatively engageable so as to facilitate the secure retention and optional removal of an inserted piping element.

Abstract: A ferrule for a metal tube fitting includes an annular body having a generally cylindrical radially interior wall extending through the center of the ferrule. An outer radial wall extends from the ferrule front end to a rearward flange portion of the annular body. The outer radial wall has: a first tapered portion extending from the ferrule front end with an increasing radial dimension towards the rearward flange portion, the first tapered portion extending to a crown portion, the crown portion including a convex surface that tapers radially inwardly towards the rearward flange portion.

Abstract: An exit device that includes a locking mechanism for locking and unlocking a door, the locking mechanism having a latch bolt, and a link connected to the latch bolt, movement of the link between locked and unlocked positions causes movement of the latch bolt between an extended state and a retracted state to lock and unlock the door, and a motor operably connected to the link. A method of operating the exit device includes operating the motor to move the link in a first direction toward the unlocked position, the motor being operated until the link reaches a hard stop position; thereafter determining a soft stop position based on the hard stop position; and thereafter selectively using the motor to move the link in the first direction toward the unlocked position, the motor being operated only until the link reaches the soft stop position.