Abstract: The present invention disclosure relates to a shopping basket intended for being coupled on a larger second shopping basket of the type having wheels and steered by means of a pulling handle, and basically comprising a one-piece body with a front wall, a rear wall, two side walls and a bottom, and anchoring means intended for securing it on the lower basket, preventing it from tipping over.

Abstract: A steerable wheelbarrow is described which includes two handles coupled to a tray and two legs coupled to the handles. A mount is also coupled to the handles. A pivot is coupled to the mount at an angle between vertical and horizontal. An axle, having at least one wheel, is coupled to the pivot. A pivot support is coupled to the pivot and to the mount. An axle assembly is described, which may be attached to a regular wheelbarrow. The axle assembly includes a mount and a pivot. The pivot has a first and a second end. The first end is coupled to the mount at an angle between vertical and horizontal. An axle is rotatably coupled to the pivot at a location between the first and the second end of the pivot. A pivot support is coupled to the second end of the pivot and to the mount.

Abstract: The present invention provides a top frame made from a thermoset foam material. The top frame includes a pair of substantially parallel sides and a pair of substantially parallel ends connected to the sides to form a generally rectangular frame structure. The frame structure has an inner layer and outer surface defining a thickness. The thermoset foam material varies in density along the frame structure thickness such that the density of the thermoset foam material is greatest near the frame structure outer surface to form a hard outer shell.

Abstract: A hybrid torsion beam axle assembly is provided, which includes a steel torsion beam. An end cap is fastened to an end portion of the steel torsion beam, and a cast trailing arm is cast about the end portion of the steel torsion beam including the end cap. In this way, the cast trailing arm is positively and rigidly secured to the steel torsion beam.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension transverse link, including a bearing journal assembly having a pin-shaped portion and an anchor portion that attaches to a connecting point on the link. The anchor portion has a curved configuration.

Abstract: A vehicle steering head for a tricycle having a frame, the vehicle steering head including a support tube fixed to the frame of the tricycle. An upper bearing support mounted to the support tube. A lower bearing support is non-rotatably mounted to the support tube. A connecting element is mounted to the support tube via the upper and lower bearing supports. A wheel fork is arranged at a lower end of the connecting element. A mudguard is arranged between the wheel fork and the lower bearing support. The steering also includes non-axially movable angularly spaced stop surfaces and movable stop surfaces that can rotate with the connecting element.

Abstract: A rear wheel suspension for a vehicle, in particular a two-wheeled vehicle, specifically a bicycle (2) which is designed for a particularly great spring travel, comprises a pivot element (18) which is connected to a frame element (12) of the vehicle via a principal swivel joint (16), a swing arm rear suspension (6) which is connected to the pivot element (18) via an auxiliary pivot (20), a deflection element (46) which is pivotally mounted on a frame element (12), a hock absorber/spring element (52) which is mounted on the one hand on a frame element (14) and on the other hand on the deflection element (46), wherein the deflection element (46) is kinematically coupled to the swing arm rear suspension (6) via a pivotally mounted connecting element (38) and to the pivot element (18) via a pivotally mounted coupling element (60) in such a way that the end of the pivot element (18) facing the swing arm rear suspension (6) is pulled upwards on deflection of the rear wheel (8).

Abstract: A sliding fifth wheel hitch assembly includes a longitudinal rail having a substantially vertical side member, a first end portion, and a second end portion. At least one carriage bracket is slidably engaged with the longitudinal rail. The carriage bracket is adapted to support a hitch plate. An engagement assembly is coupled with the carriage bracket for releasably engaging the longitudinal rail along a length of the longitudinal rail between the first and second end portions. At least one slide stop laterally extends from the substantially vertical side member of the longitudinal rail proximate at least a select one of the first end portion and the second end portion. The slide stop is positioned to abut the carriage bracket, thereby limiting a sliding motion of the hitch plate with respect to the longitudinal rail.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adjustable towing system and method for a towing vehicle and a towed vehicle. A towing anchor is located on the towing vehicle. A towed anchor is located on the towed vehicle and connected to the towing anchor, whereby the towing vehicle tows the towed vehicle. A gap is defined between the towing vehicle and the towed vehicle. The gap is provided with a length. At least one locking device selectively locks and unlocks the position of the towing anchor or the towed anchor, whereby as the towing vehicle and towed vehicle travel, relative speed differentials between the towing vehicle and towed vehicle produce repositioning of at least one of the towing anchor or the towed anchor in order to adjust the length of the gap.

Abstract: In one example, a jack adaptor is mounted to a trailer structure. A jack flange, which can comprise a jack flange extension, of a jack is inserted downwardly through an opening in an upper portion of the jack adaptor. The jack can be rotated to a position that misaligns the jack flange with the opening through which it has been inserted. The jack can then be actuated to raise the jack flange into engagement with the upper portion of the adaptor for use in raising the trailer structure. The process is reversed to disengage the jack flange from the adaptor to permit removal of the jack.

Abstract: A mounting component forming an operational part of a front linkage on an agricultural vehicle, wherein said component is a unitary body adapted for storing at least one fluid.

Abstract: A connector for releasably attaching a vehicle such as a shopping cart to a wheelchair includes a pivoting frame that is mounted for use on the cart by a front attachment device and that can be releasably attached to the wheelchair by the chair's occupant. The frame is pivoted to an in-use position and aligned with the wheelchair for attachment. The frame can also be readily released from attachment to the wheelchair by the chair's occupant.

Abstract: The invention provides a front unit (10) for a sliding board binding, comprising a base (14), which is set up for fastening to a sliding board and which defines a sliding board plane (E), and a front holding means for holding a front portion of a sliding board boot (12), the front holding unit being mounted rotatably on the base (14) so as to make rotation both of the front holding means and of the sliding board boot (12) possible about a shared vertical axis, extending substantially orthogonal to the sliding board plane (E), in a closed position of the front holding means. The front unit (10) further comprises a release arrangement (84, 86) which converts a relative movement of the holding means and the base (14) into an adjustment movement of the holding means from the engagement position into a release position.

Abstract: An infant stroller apparatus includes a stroller frame having a push handle, a child safety seat installed with the stroller frame, and a restraint system for holding the child safety seat with the stroller frame. The restraint system includes a holding structure disposed at a transversal position and near a rear portion of the child safety seat, and two first and second abuttal arrangements provided symmetrically at left and right sides of the child safety seat. Each first abuttal arrangement includes a bearing surface carried by one side segment, and a protruding structure connected with the child safety seat that rests on the bearing surface. The second abuttal arrangements are disposed near the front portion of the child safety seat to prevent the child safety seat from moving in a direction that raises the protruding structures out of contact with the bearing surfaces.

Abstract: A device for fastening an airbag module in a vehicle comprises a first part, in particular a steering wheel insert (28), with a latching hook (30), and a second part, in particular a baseplate (10) of the airbag module, with a passage opening (14) for the latching hook (30) and with a holder (16) for a spring element (18). The device furthermore comprises a spring element (18) with a bearing section (22) and an elastically deflectable retaining section (24). The spring element (18) is held in the holder (16) in such a manner that the retaining section (24) is transferable from a starting position into a deflecting position, which permits the latching hook (30) to be guided through the passage opening (14), and into a retaining position, in which the retaining section (24) presses against a retaining surface (40) of the latching hook (30). By contrast, the bearing section (22) is held substantially immovably in the holder (16).

Abstract: First support portions 71 and 72 positioned on a predetermined straight line L2 approximately perpendicular to a broken line of a hinge portion is set in a support portion 70 that supports a back plate 27 with respect to a back face side of a door portion 36. Second and third support portions 73 and 74 positioned in line symmetry with respect to the straight line L2, are set in the support portion 70. It is possible to receive the centrifugal force, which is applied to the back plate 27 due to the expansion of the door portion 36, with good balance by the first to third support portions 71, 72, 73, and 74. An emblem 24 can be reliably fixed to the door portion 36 with preventing a fixing pin 31 from being excessively locked into a through hole 33 more than necessary.

Abstract: An inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) includes a front panel (102) and a rear panel (122) that are interconnected to at least partially define an inflatable volume (54) of the protection device. The rear panel (122) has a conical configuration resulting from portions of the rear panel being interconnected with each other.

Abstract: A lawn vehicle having a passive roll-over protection system attached thereto is provided. The roll-over protection system includes an elongated roll-bar that extends rearwardly at an angle from the frame of the lawn vehicle. The roll-bar is a generally U-shaped tubular member in which opposing distal ends of the roll-bar are operatively connected to the frame of the lawn vehicle. The system also includes a support member that provides lateral support to the roll-bar. The support member is operatively connected to the roll-bar and extends laterally from the roll-bar to the frame of the lawn vehicle for distributing the weight and forces experienced by the roll-bar.

Abstract: A mud flap lifter system wherein the rigid upper portion of a bi-fold mud flap is actuated to rotate and thereby raise upwardly the upper portion so as to draw upwards the rigid lower portion hinged to the upper portion. The upper portion rotates relative to the lower portion about a hinge line between the upper and lower edges of the lower and upper portions respectively. The upper and lower portions may be substantially planar.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for decorating a book, notebook or a mobile device with interchangeable decorative covers. The notebook cover has an area of ferrous metal. A corresponding decorative cover with a magnetic backing is configured to magnetically adhere to the ferrous metal.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel specially designed book cover for any hard back or soft cover book or ipad or other electronic tablet, features a zippered perimeter and a series of compartments and storage pockets. The Clever Cover is produced in a wide variety of materials ranging from lightweight plastic, vinyl, and soft fabric to fancy suede and leather materials.

Abstract: A security element (1), in particular value document, and a process for producing same are described. The security element has a pattern area (21), consisting of one or more design elements (22), the shape of which provides a first optically perceptible item of information. It furthermore has a background area (20) surrounding the one or more design elements of the pattern area at least in areas. The security element (1) has an opaque reflective layer which is not provided in the background area (20), and in the pattern area (21) is provided in first zones (31), but not in second zones. The first zones (31) are spaced apart from each other by less than 300 ?m and have a minimum dimension of less than 300 ?m.

Abstract: An optical device exhibiting a color shift upon rotation is disclosed. The optical device has a textured surface having a relief structure finer than a human eye resolution but large enough not to exhibit diffraction effects. The textured surface is coated with an interference thin film that exhibits a color shift with tilt. A uniform color seen at one angle of rotation changes to another uniform color when the optical device is rotated in its own plane. A method of manufacturing of such an optical device, as well as the use of the optical device as an optical security and authentication element, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner suction pipe (1) having first, second, and third pipe segments (1, 2, 3), respectively, the pipe segments (2, 3, 4) being telescopically connected to one another, the first pipe segment (2) being located between the second pipe segment (3) and the third pipe segment (4). So as to be easily manufactured and have an actuation that is optimized with respect to its telescoping ability, there is a control device (5), and the pipe segments (2, 3, 4) are mechanically in interaction with one another via the control device (5) so that when the second pipe segment (3) or the third pipe segment (4) is moved manually in an axial direction relative to the first pipe segment (2) the respective other of the second or third pipe segment (3, 4) is moved at the same time by the control device (5).

Abstract: This invention relates to a tube fitment that is used with a valve fitment assembly used to dispense fluids or flowable materials from a container. The tube fitment is utilized in conjunction with the valve fitment assembly to allow the fitment assembly to be used with a spout and valve assembly attached to a container holding fluid. This invention also relates to a process for dispensing fluid using the adapter described herein.

Abstract: Each of a flange and an end cap have at least two magnets or magnetic pieces arranged in complementary fashion to removably attached the end cap to the flange. The end cap removable seals an orifice of the flange by magnetic attraction between the at least two magnets or magnetic pieces of the end cap and the at least two magnets or magnetic pieces of the flange. The seal between the end cap and flange provides for pressure relief as the force of a pressure within the orifice exceeds the force of magnetic attraction between the at least two magnets or magnetic pieces of the end cap and the at least two magnets or magnetic pieces of the flange.

Abstract: A method for forming a connection between two tubular sections having a polymeric outer surface jacket, using induction heat to fusion bond a casing of similar, non-crosslinked polymer to the outer surface of the tubular sections. Casing with a configuration capable of such fusion bonding.

Abstract: A pipe quick release structure includes a first pipe having at least one guiding element formed on an outer periphery of the first pipe, a second pipe having at least one axial trough defined to correspond to and movably and selectively receive therein the at least one guiding element of the first pipe and a joint securely received in the second pipe and having at least one axial ledge formed on an outer periphery thereof to be movably received in the at least one axial trough of the second pipe, at least one second axial trough defined to receive therein the at least one guiding element of the first pipe and at least one recess defined to communicate with the at least one second axial trough to selectively position the at least one guiding element of the first pipe so as to selectively secure connection of the first pipe to the second pipe.

Abstract: Tube end connector which connects a first tubular member and a second tubular member while securing sealing performance is provided. The tube end connector according to the present invention is provided with a heat-shrinkable Teflon® tube 4b which covers both outer surface of an end portion of a zeolite membrane covered ceramic tube 1 and outer surface of an end portion of a metal tube 5 in conditions of jointing the end portion of the zeolite membrane covered ceramic tube 1 and the end portion of the metal tube 5; and a heat-shrinkable fluororubber tube 3b which is placed at the region between the heat-shrinkable tube 4b and the outer surfaces both of the first tubular member and the second tubular member, and which has solvent resistance and swelling property.

Abstract: A tubular joint comprising: is provided. The tubular joint comprises first and second tubular members, a metallic seal ring between the tubular members and having sealing surfaces designed to mate with corresponding sealing surfaces of the tubular members to form a primary seal, an additional seal provided between the tubular members radially outwardly of the primary seal, a fluid channel having an outlet opening in an end surface of the first tubular member radially outwardly of said primary seal and radially inwardly of said additional seal, and annular seal members interposed between the seal ring and the tubular members radially outwardly of the primary seal and radially inwardly of said outlet opening and designed to allow fluid flow past the seal members in a radial direction inwards and to prevent fluid flow past the seal members in a radial direction outwards.

Abstract: A sintered ceramic article includes a silicon carbide tube and a silicon carbide base component circumscribing at least a portion of the tube and sinter-bonded to the tube. The sinter bond between the tube and the base component is defined as an interface bond and includes no bond materials. The interface bond has at least one of the following performance characteristics: a Shear Strength not less than about 25 MPa, a Nitrogen Seal Performance of not greater than 10%, a Helium Seal Performance of not greater than 10%, and/or a Vacuum Seal Performance of not greater than 10%.

Abstract: An extended length tube structure includes a first ceramic tube segment having a first end and a second end, and a second ceramic tube segment having a first end and a second end, in which the second end of the first ceramic tube segment is arranged to face the first end of the second ceramic tube segment. A ceramic coupling component is positioned to circumscribe the end-to-end configuration of the tube segments, and is sinter-bonded to the tube segments to form an continuous, extended length tube structure having a seal, such as a sinter bond or an interference bond, that is free of bond materials.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a device for connection, by means of an injected assembly fluid, of a first and a second pipe elements for transport of liquid or gaseous fluid, the second element having a socket receiving an end of the first element, comprising a diffusion part for diffusion of the injected assembly fluid, the diffusion part being adapted to be arranged on a circumference of the first element and against an edge of the socket, said diffusion part having at least one opening for the injection of assembly fluid into said diffusion part. The diffusion part forms a chamber for collecting said assembly fluid and for distributing it circumferentially. The device comprises directing means allowing to actively direct the assembly fluid towards a connection space between the socket and the first element.

Abstract: A multiple secured coupling device for oxygen lances 1 is achieved in that both the male connector 8 of the safety pipe 3, the connection part 18 of the lance holder 2 and also the cap nut 9 have an extending safety piece 10, 11. In this way, the male connector 8 can be inserted very far into the female part 19 or the connection part 18 and then located in position using the cap nut 9. A total of five sealing zones are created that in particular effectively prevent the escape of highly flammable gases, in particular oxygen.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the problem of connecting pressure piping in a fluid-tight manner on-site without requiring welding. A plurality of through holes (h1) are provided in a cylindrical sleeve (1a) at separate locations in the lengthwise direction, and with identical angular intervals and without overlapping in the circumferential direction. Non-through holes (h2) in which screw threads have been formed are provided in pressure piping (P1, P2) at locations corresponding to the holes (h1). An insert (2a) is provided with a pair of opposing annular faces (b1, b2), and annular ring grooves (b11, b21) are formed respectively in the annular faces (b1, b2) to house O-rings (3). The insert (2a) is inserted into the sleeve (1a), after which the pressure piping (P1, P2) are inserted one from either side into the interior of the sleeve (1a), bolts (4) are inserted into the plurality of holes (h1) in the sleeve (1a), and screwed onto the screw threads of the pressure piping (P1, P2).

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of devices and kits for making knotted string accessories. Embodiments of a device comprise a base that has a substantially planar surface, a perimeter, and a center axis. Furthermore the embodiments include a plurality of holders connected to the substantially planar surface proximate to the perimeter of the base, located at a distance from the center axis, wherein the plurality of holders are configured to retain individual strings. Embodiments of a kit comprise the device, a plurality of strings for use with the device, and storage compartments.

Abstract: A system for electro-hydrodynamically extracting energy from wind includes an upstream collector that is biased at an electric potential and induces an electric field. An injector introduces a particle into the electric field. The wind drag on the particle is at least partially opposed by a force of the electric field on the particle. A sensor monitors an ambient atmospheric condition, and a controller changes a parameter of the injector in response to a change in the atmospheric condition.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed at a method and system for harnessing wind energy using a tethered airfoil. During a traction phase, wind is allowed to extend a kite tether. Wind energy that is harnessed through extension of the kite tether is mechanically stored prior to using the wind energy that is stored to generate electricity. During a retraction phase, the wind energy that is mechanically stored during the traction phase is used to retract the kite tether. Beneficially, the mechanical storage allows the kite tether to be retracted without relying on electricity from an electrical grid.

Abstract: A system for electro-hydrodynamically extracting energy from wind includes an upstream collector that is biased at an electric potential and induces an electric field. An injector introduces a particle into the electric field. The wind drag on the particle is at least partially opposed by a force of the electric field on the particle. A sensor monitors an ambient atmospheric condition, and a controller changes a parameter of the injector in response to a change in the atmospheric condition.

Abstract: Power plant systems and methods are presented. The power plant includes a steam turbine configured to release exhaust steam. The power plant further includes an electro-hydrodynamic system operatively coupled to the steam turbine. The electro-hydrodynamic system is configured to receive the exhaust steam from the steam turbine and generate auxiliary electric power using the exhaust steam.

Abstract: Insolation can be used to heat a solar fluid for use in generating electricity. During periods of relatively higher insolation, excess enthalpy in a superheated solar fluid can be stored in a thermal storage system for subsequent use during periods of relatively lower insolation or at times when supplemental electricity generation is necessary. Enthalpy from superheated solar fluid can be transferred to the thermal storage system so as to heat a storage medium therein, but the enthalpy transfer can be limited such that the superheated solar fluid does not condense or only partially condenses. The remaining enthalpy in the de-superheated solar fluid can be used for other applications, such as, but not limited to, preheating the solar fluid for an evaporating solar receiver, supplementing the input to a superheating solar receiver, industrial applications, resource extraction, and/or fuel production.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wave-power aggregate and a method of extracting energy from wave motion in a liquid by means of a wave-power aggregate. The wave-power aggregate comprises a container which is situated at least partially in the liquid and also comprises an inflow and an outflow. The container is arranged to, under the influence of said wave motion, to let a first part of the container arrange itself in a first position and a second part of the container in a second position, where the first and second position corresponds to different potential energy states. The method comprises the steps of: alternately supplying the container with at least a first and a second fluid respectively via the inflow, where the density of the fluids differs. at least during an initial stage of the method controlling a flow resistance in at least one of the first and second fluids through the container.

Abstract: A PAVA (parallel and vertical axis) turbine includes a plurality of wing Assemblies having vertical pivot shafts extending between two vertically spaced end assemblies that are joined to a central driveshaft assembly. The wing assemblies are rotatable about their respective pivot axes from a drive position in which they extend radially outwardly from the central axis and transverse to incident fluid flow to maximally capture fluid flow and rotate the turbine, to a glide position in which the wings extend tangentially to the direction of rotation and parallel to incident fluid flow to minimize drag. The wings may have articulating flaps rotating outwardly from the wing assembly in the drive quadrant to capture more of the passing fluid flow.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pontoon unit 1 intended for an energy generation system 2, said pontoon unit 1 comprising one first water surface pontoon part 3 having an unsymmetrical convexly curved inner surface X, a second water surface pontoon part 4 having an unsymmetrical convexly curved inner surface Y, and one bottom pontoon part 5 being substantially perpendicular to the first and second water surface pontoon parts 3, 4 and also having an unsymmetrical convexly curved inner surface Z.

Abstract: A hydrokinetic electrical generating device includes first and second wing assemblies each having axis vertical wings. First and second beam assemblies support the first or second wing assemblies. A first sliding member is slidably connected to the first beam assembly and a second sliding member is slidably connected to the second beam assembly. The axis vertical wings are rotatably connected to one of the first or second sliding members. A first sliding connector is connected to the first sliding member and a second sliding connector connected to the second sliding member. A mechanical-electrical section has first and second flywheels connected by a first or second drive belt to a generator. First and second flywheel connecting rods connect the first or second sliding connector to the first or second flywheel. A water force rotating the wings displaces the connecting rods causing flywheel and drive belt rotation thereby operating the generator.

Abstract: The invention discloses devices and methods for allowing access to higher altitude winds for the purpose of electricity generation. A plurality of zeppelins is placed at altitudes in excess of one kilometer, with winds passing through hollow cavities that include wind turbines as well as electrical generators. The zeppelins may be moved from a first height to a second height in order to make most efficient use of prevailing winds at higher altitudes.

Abstract: A method and system for providing an engine for producing mechanical energy through the absorption and evaporation of moisture uses a hygroscopic material in one or more configurations to do mechanical work. The hygroscopic material can include microbial spores, plant cells and cell materials, silk and hydrogel materials that absorb moisture and expand or swell when exposed to high relative humidity environments and shrink or return to nearly their original size or shape when exposed to low relative humidity environments wherein the moisture evaporates and is released. By exposing the hygroscopic material to a cycle of high relative humidity environments and low relative humidity environments, useful work can be done. One or more transmission elements can be used to couple the hygroscopic material to a generator that converts the mechanical energy to, for example, electrical energy.

Abstract: A power generator includes a heavy gyro body, a driving device, a transmission disk and an electricity generation module. The driving device is used to drive the heavy gyro body to rotate about a vertical spindle. The transmission disk is secured to and rotatable simultaneously with the heavy gyro body. The transmission disk has a plurality of rollers at a sidewall thereof. The electricity generation module has a rotation disk, which has a plurality of inclined grooves at a sidewall thereof. Each inclined groove is meshed with a corresponding roller of the transmission disk such that the transmission disk is able to drive the rotation disk to rotate, wherein an included angle between an inner sidewall of each inclined groove and a horizontal plane is more than 0 degree and less than 45 degrees.

Abstract: An adjustable safety gate lock which will prevent a locking bar arm on a wooden pressure mounted gate from being opened by a small child or a pet. The adjustable safety gate lock will go around the closed locking bar arm on the gate and will close shut with the side release buckle. Thereby preventing small children from opening the wooden pressure mounted gate by pulling the bar up and going into a restricted or dangerous area.

Abstract: A vehicle door lock device includes a latch mechanism having a latch and a pawl, and a lock mechanism having an open lever linked with the pawl. The lock mechanism is combined with the latch mechanism. A latch-side axial support portion is provided in a latch housing of the latch mechanism. The latch-side axial support portion rotatably supports a coil portion of a pawl spring for biasing the pawl toward a default position. A lock-side axial support portion is provided in a lock housing of the lock mechanism. The lock-side axial support portion rotatably supports a coil portion of an open lever spring for biasing the open lever toward a default position. At least part of the latch-side axial support portion overlaps with the lock-side axial support portion, so that pulling out of the open lever spring is prevented by means of the latch-side axial support portion.