Abstract: A steering wheel unit includes a steering wheel body and an airbag module mounted thereto. The airbag module includes positioning means for maintaining the axial positioning of the airbag module relative to the steering wheel and positioning means for maintaining the radial positioning of the airbag module relative to the steering wheel. The steering wheel unit also includes damping elements that are disposed between the insertion elements and receiving elements of the radial positioning means. The radial positioning means can be in the form of a post within a cylindrical receptacle, where the damping element is therebetween. The radial positioning means can be in the form of a plate received within a u-shaped receiving element, where the damping element is within the u-shaped receiving element.

Abstract: An occupant protection apparatus includes: aside airbag device including an airbag that deploys in a space between a side surface on an outer side in a vehicle width direction of a seat and a passenger compartment inner wall facing the side surface; and a seat belt device including a seat belt that restrains an occupant. The side airbag device is provided at a side portion on an outer side in the vehicle width direction of the seat and on an inner side in the vehicle width direction of the seat belt. The airbag is ejected outward in the vehicle width direction at a vehicle side impact, secures a space between the passenger compartment inner wall and the occupant, and presses the seat belt outward in the vehicle width direction to apply a tension to the seat belt.

Abstract: A side airbag capable of fully absorbing impact directed to a chest region while keeping an arm from being pressed against the chest region due to inflation is provided. A side airbag 30, an arm facing section 38 which faces an arm H2 of the occupant H in an inflated state has a dented shape and serves to push up the arm H2 to a position where the arm H2 does not overlap a chest H3 region of the occupant.

Abstract: A steering apparatus has a steering shaft 7, an inner column 2 that supports the steering shaft 7 via a bearing 81, an outer column A that embraces the inner column 2, a fixing bracket 1 that sandwiches the outer column A from both sides in a width direction, and a tightener 6 that tightens and releases the outer column A together with the fixing bracket 1. The inner column 2 has an embraced cylindrical section 21 that is embraced by the outer column A. A relief section 212 having an outer diameter that is formed smaller than other portions of the embraced cylindrical section 21 is formed in a middle region of the embraced cylindrical section 21 in an axial direction, and the bearing 81 that pivotally supports the steering shaft 7 is fixed to an inner circumferential side of the relief section 212.

Abstract: A mounting arrangement for mounting a vertical wall of a fuel tank protector to a vertical wall of a fuel tank includes a protector tab received in a fuel tank slot and a dog-house fastener received through a protector aperture and anchored in a fuel tank dog-house recess.

Abstract: An ultra removable booklet with label for application to media is described. The booklet with label includes a release liner, an ultra removable adhesive layer, a paper stock layer, a booklet, an adhesive layer, and a clear plastic cover layer. The clear plastic cover layer has the adhesive layer applied to a bottom surface thereof and the bottom surface is positioned over the booklet. The booklet is positioned over the paper stock. The ultra removable adhesive layer is attached to the lower surface of the paper stock. The release liner is applied to the ultra removable adhesive layer. A process for forming an ultra removable booklet with label for application to media is also described.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to reusable notecard. In one embodiment, the reusable notecard is comprised of a trifold panel having a left panel, a center panel and a right panel and a reclosable closing mechanism, connected to the trifold panel, to releasably secure the left panel to the right panel when folded over one another. In one embodiment, the adjustable left panel is comprised of a plurality of left panel fold lines and the right panel is comprised of a plurality of right panel fold lines, the plurality of left panel fold lines and the plurality of right panel fold lines for adapting to dimensions of contents inside the notecard. In one embodiment, the trifold panel is made of a material allowing for non-permanent markings.

Abstract: A sheet-shaped document of value (BN) has luminescent feature substances (20, 21). Preferably, one luminescent feature substance is present over the entire sheet-shaped document and has a low concentration, whereas a second luminescent feature substance is present at certain partial areas and has a higher concentration.

Abstract: A pipe joint includes a first pipe that includes a first flange and a second pipe that includes a second flange. A first sleeve is installed within the first pipe and a second sleeve is installed within the second pipe. Further, an annular ring is positioned between the flange of the first pipe and the flange of the second pipe. The annular ring includes a first hub that extends into the first pipe and a second hub that extends into the second pipe. Moreover, a first complementary engagement structure is formed between the first sleeve and the first hub of the annular ring. The first complementary engagement structure provides a first seal interface within the pipe joint. A second complementary engagement structure is formed between the second sleeve and the second hub of the annular ring. The second complementary engagement structure provides a second seal interface within the pipe joint.

Abstract: A sealing element that includes a hollow body of metallic material and first and second male sealing members formed at a respective end of the body. The respective male sealing member has an external spherical contact surface designed for mating with a corresponding internal conical contact surface of a female sealing member so as to form a fluid-tight seal between the male sealing member and the female sealing member when their contact surfaces are pressed against each other. Also, a coupling device and a valve device provided with the sealing element.

Abstract: A joint includes a housing and a refrigerant tube connected to a refrigerant source and communicated with a target part in a rotating machine. A rotating member is loosely fitted inside with the refrigerant tube and fixed to a rotary part of the rotating machine. A relatively rotating member has a fixed-side member and rotating-side member. The fixed-side member is connected to the refrigerant tube via a refrigerant tube extension section. The rotating-side member is connected to the rotating member via a rotating member extension section. A refrigerant zone is formed by spaces defined between the refrigerant tube and the rotating member, and between the refrigerant tube and rotating member extension sections. A sealing member is installed between the fixed-side and rotating-side members. A vacuum chamber and pressure chamber are defined within the housing.

Abstract: A pipe coupling for connecting two pipe ends having two coupling parts which are partially mated. At least one annular groove having an inserted seal is in the contact region on the outer side of the male part and/or the inner side of the female part. The male part includes an outer ring land and the female part includes a shoulder enclosed by a coupling clip in a form-fit manner when the pipe coupling is closed. In order to design and refine the pipe coupling so that it is possible to provide a pipe having a coupling clip in combination for simplifying the operational procedure, an annular groove is provided on the outer side of the female part into which a guide tab disposed on the inner side of the coupling clip is inserted when the pipe coupling is closed.

Abstract: A tube and fitting assembly can be used in a domestic appliance, such as an oven range, and includes a tube provided through an internal bore of a fitting. The tube includes a first end that is outwardly flared against a shoulder of the fitting via plastic deformation. The inner wall of the tube adjacent the outwardly flared portion is threaded and can be fastened to an orifice such that an internal bore of the orifice is in fluid communication with the tube.

Abstract: Hydraulic flange connectors connect two flange components together, and hydraulic pressure applied to ports in connector holes of one of the flanges tension the flange studs and crush the gasket between the flange components. Each connector has a piston that dispose in the connector hole and can move therein when hydraulic pressure is applied through the port by a pump. A first stud connected to the piston extends beyond one open end of the hole for connection to a first nut, while a second stud connected to the piston extending beyond another open end of the to the second flange component for connection to a second nut. A retainer having seals threads in this other open end of the hole and seals between the hole and the second stud.

Abstract: A push plate assembly (10) that may be used for driving a bolting mechanism is disclosed. The push plate assembly (10) may be included as part of a push pad assembly or panic bar assembly, such as may be fitted to single or multipoint bolt mechanisms, for example, those fitted to emergency exit doors. The push plate assembly comprises a housing (32), a push plate (36), a slide plate (45) and a drive cam (55). The drive cam (55) is arranged to rotate within the housing so as to rotationally drive a bolt mechanism.

Abstract: A simply structured and smoothly operable latch device of a door in which a latch can be infallibly released by operating a handle from any of upper, lower, right, and left sides. The handle (1) having operation parts (1e) at the upper, lower, left, and right inner edges of the front opening part thereof is received in a handle receiving part (14) formed in a door (3) and having an opening in its front surface. The handle (1) can be moved to a non-operating position where the rear surface of the handle abuts on the rear end surface of the handle receiving part (14) or to an operating position where the handle (1) is tilted so that one of the upper and lower edges or one of the left and right edges is nearer to the person operating the handle (1) than the other.

Abstract: The invention provides tie-down devices and related methods for securing oversized items in a vehicle trunk or rear storage compartment in preparation for transport. The tie-down devices include sections connected by a releasable buckle that allows for separately cinching the strap sections to desired lengths. The tie-down devices incorporate specialized connectors at each end in the form of at least one grip that is curved to attach to the edge of a panel on the vehicle and a latch that attaches to a fixed attachment mechanism at the opposite end.

Abstract: An action with a handle on a vehicle is transmitted to an operational unit in a door, and then to a locking-unlocking unit via a first action-transmitting member. The locking-unlocking unit allows the door latch to disengage from a striker of the vehicle via a second action-transmitting member. The door of the vehicle opens.

Abstract: An actuator assembly for a vehicle door latch includes, but is not limited to, a pushable member. The actuator assembly further includes a mounting member connected to the pushable member and configured for connection to a vehicle door. The mounting member is further configured to mount the pushable member to the vehicle door in a manner that enables the pushable member to be pushed from a closed position to an open position. The actuator assembly further includes a latch engaging member connected to the mounting member and configured for engagement with a latch of the vehicle door. The latch engaging member is configured to move the latch from a latched position to an unlatched position when the pushable member moves from the closed position to the open position, whereby the user is enabled to both unlatch the vehicle door and open the vehicle door with a single pushing movement.

Abstract: A bumper fastening structure is provided for a motor vehicle with a bumper and a fastening for the bumper, which has a screw and a screw cover. The bumper has at a fastening point a depression to receive a head of the screw and a recess for the mounting of the screw cover.

Abstract: A handle assembly is disclosed for tools such as shovels and the like having a primary handle and an auxiliary handle. The primary handle includes first and second legs, each of which has a first end that is securable to a tool head such that the first and second legs extend outwardly from the tool head in generally parallel relation to one another. A primary grip or handlebar extends between the legs at the ends opposite the tool head. The auxiliary handle is slideably connected to the first and second legs so as to be moveable toward and away from the primary grip. The auxiliary handle is removeably connectable to the legs and may be stored in a generally planar alignment between the legs to facilitate stacking or the auxiliary handle may be shaped to facilitate nesting of adjacent auxiliary handles of stacked handle assemblies.

Abstract: An apparatus configured to handle an object in a contactless manner, the apparatus includes a carrying body having a carrying surface which is configured to be directed towards the object, the carrying surface being provided with a plurality of traction members and a plurality of overpressure members, each overpressure member being provided with at least one exhaust opening, each traction member being provided with an indentation and at least two suction openings that are arranged in the indentation, the at least two suction openings of each traction member being configured to generate a pressure gradient between them so as to create a traction fluid flow in the indentation in a direction substantially parallel to the carrying surface; and a pressure controller configured to control the pressure gradient between the at least two suction openings of each traction member.

Abstract: A hand according to an embodiment includes a pair of supporting units, a pair of capturing claws, an opening-and-closing mechanism, and a reciprocating mechanism. The pair of capturing claws are supported on the inner surfaces of the pair of respective supporting units and capture a part. The opening-and-closing mechanism opens and closes the pair of supporting units along a reciprocating axis intersecting with longitudinal directions of the supporting units. The reciprocating mechanism causes the pair of capturing claws to rotate about the reciprocating axis to change the direction of each tip of the capturing claws.

Abstract: A portable ski carrier includes at least one flexible strap having a strap receiver disposed at one end and a strap fastener disposed at the other end. The strap receiver is configured to receive the strap fastener and secure a pair of skis within the strap. A handle is attached to the strap between the ends and disposed perpendicular to the pair of skis. A grip may be disposed about at least a portion of the handle. The grip may include a rubber or foam material and may be rotatably attached to the handle. In another embodiment, the handle is attached to a pair of flexible straps and aligned to the pair of skis. The interior of the strap may include a non-slip material to help secure the pair of skis.

Abstract: An animal carcass mover enables a user to drag an animal carcass without losing control of the animal carcass. The animal carcass mover comprises an expandable tube assembly mechanically coupled to strap assembly. The expandable tube assembly comprises a left large diameter tube expendably adjacent to a left medium diameter tube section, which is expendably adjacent to a center small tube section. The center small tube section is expendably adjacent to a right medium diameter tube section, which is expendably adjacent to a right large diameter tube section. The strap assembly further comprises a fixed loop end can wrap around the expandable tube assembly and a hook and loop fastener that can wrap around the expandable tube assembly and adjust for the animals of different sizes. In this manner, a user can wrap the strap assembly around an animal in order to drag the animal to a desired destination.

Abstract: A suction gripper has a driver that is a compressed-air source. The suction gripper has a suction opening opened up by a pipe section forming a suction section. At a distance from the suction opening, a convex surface is arranged spaced from the suction section by an annular outlet. The suction gripper has a central channel formed in a central well. The central channel has a first opening opened up by a convex surface around the central channel. The central channel adjacent to the convex surface has its smallest cross-section and from this broadens towards the second opening opposite the first opening. In a particular suction gripper, the annular outlet is formed by a section of the convex surface spaced radially from the longitudinal axis of the central channel and by a shoulder spaced axially thereto, which covers the convex surface at least in an annular region.

Abstract: An operator ride enhancement system that is coupleable to the frame of a vehicle includes a counterweight platform moveably coupled to the frame, and a resilient member engaged with the frame and the counterweight platform. The mass of the counterweight platform is configured to be approximately at least equal to a total mass supported by the counterweight platform during operation of the vehicle. The operator ride enhancement system attenuates and/or inhibits movement of the counterweight platform during operation of the vehicle.

Abstract: Emergency vehicle patient transport systems are disclosed. In one embodiment, an emergency vehicle patient transport system includes: a loading passage providing access to an interior of an emergency vehicle; one or more tracks coupled to a floor of the emergency vehicle, a ceiling of the emergency vehicle, a wall of the emergency vehicle or combinations thereof wherein, a travel path is delineated by the one or more tracks; and a chair slidingly engaged with the one or more tracks, and vertically positioned between the floor and the ceiling. The chair locks in one or more set positions. And, the one or more set positions are selected from a group consisting of an airway care position, an extended airway care position, a procedural care position, a responder position, a patient care position, and a patient load position.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a vehicle floor console is provided that includes a support structure and a retaining feature pivotally biased toward the support structure. The retaining feature is configured to secure cargo between the support structure and the retaining feature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a glove and storage box assembly (1) which is located in vehicles, into which articles are placed, opened slowly and prevented from vibrating after being opened, has low production cost, does not resist while being dosed and does not make a sound during opening and closing. The inventive glove and storage box assembly (1) essentially comprises at least one shell (2) which has at least one clearance (3) providing access to the chamber formed in the vehicle cockpit in order that articles are placed on thereof and at least one cover (4) which is disposed on the shell (2) and ensures to access the clearance (3) from out-side by opening and closing.

Abstract: The instrument panel assembly for an automotive vehicle includes an instrument panel and a component. The instrument panel includes an exterior surface and a cutout portion having a base which is recessed from the exterior surface. The cutout portion includes an inner wall extending between the base and the exterior surface of the instrument panel. The component attaches to the instrument panel. The component includes an engagement portion located at a distal end. The distal end of the engagement portion is at least partially received within the cutout portion of the instrument panel. The engagement of the distal end of the engagement portion of the component within the cutout portion of the instrument panel provides a continuous contact between the outer surface of the engagement portion and the inner wall of the cutout portion.

Abstract: The present invention can include a panel assembly and method to make the panel assembly to be installed in an instrument panel, the panel assembly having a front panel and a side panel. The front panel and side panel can be covered with a flexible covering. The flexible covering on the front panel and the flexible covering on the side panel can be wrapped around the respective panel in a joint area where the front panel and side panel meet. A compression force in the joint area can help secure the flexible coverings. The front panel and/or the side panel can also have one or more attachment means, such as clips, fastener holes and the like for attaching the panel assembly to the instrument panel.

Abstract: The present invention prevents a lock pin from coming out of a lock hole even if a fuel lid locked in a bolted manner by intrusion of the lock pin into the lock hole is pushed toward a vehicle body. A second lock hole is formed in an inner peripheral wall of the lock hole and a protruding portion formed on the lock pin is engaged in the second lock hole when the fuel lid is pushed toward the vehicle body.

Abstract: Moto-Auto Visor is an automobile windshield visor that is placed on the dashboard and stuck by 2 suction cups. Moto-Auto Visor helps protect the interior of the vehicle from the Sun's Ultraviolet rays and also keeps it cooler. Moto-Auto Visor is also beneficial to Handicapped Individuals that can't easily remove and install a Sunshade. Moto-Auto Visor opens and closes its shade with Rods connected to the center console, which move in a circular up and down motion. Moto-Auto Visor in its Center Console has a compartment that can store a monetary expressway device and other belongings. Moto-Auto Visor has 3 Variations called Super Deluxe, Deluxe, and Basic. The Super Deluxe can be made to operate by either of 3 ways. First, by on off switch powered by direct or alternating current, secondly by an auxiliary remote control device and third manual. the Deluxe can be made to operate by either of 2 ways, on off switch and manually. While the Basic on manually.

Abstract: A door assembly for a vehicle includes a door frame and a door lock. A force transmitting mechanism has one end connected to the door lock and another end is premounted on a door module housing. The door module housing is mounted to the door frame and a trim panel secured to the door frame. A method includes the steps of premounting the door module to the door frame, securing the door panel to the door frame and connecting an door opening mechanism to the force transmitting mechanism.

Abstract: A closure assembly for securing a moveable panel relative to a body of a vehicle includes a striker assembly and a latch mechanism. The striker assembly includes a biasing mechanism that, when engaged by the latch mechanism, simultaneously biases the latch mechanism in a lateral direction and an axial direction to dampen movement of the latch mechanism relative to the striker assembly. The biasing mechanism provides dual damping rates.

Abstract: A device for concealing a seam between a first abutting surface of a first article and a second abutting surface of a second article, the device includes a seam concealment body fixedly attached to a selected one or both of the first abutting surface and the second abutting surface, wherein the seam concealment body comprises an active material, wherein the active material is configured to transition between a first stiffness and a second stiffness upon receipt of an activation signal, wherein the transition permits movement of a selected one or both of the first abutting surface and the second abutting surface such that the seam concealment body deforms with the movement of the surface to maintain concealment of the seam.

Abstract: An armrest structure for a vehicle of the present invention comprises a first armrest to support an elbow of one of arms of a passenger seated in a seat and a second armrest to support an elbow of the other arm of the passenger. A horizontal distance W1 between a vertically-extending seat center line of the seat and an elbow's support position at the first armrest is greater than a horizontal distance W2 between the vertically-extending seat center line and an elbow's support position at the second armrest, and a height H1 of the elbow's support position at the first armrest is greater than a height H2 of the elbow's support position at the second armrest. Accordingly, the passenger's elbows can be properly supported at the armrests on both sides, in a seat width direction, of the seat.

Abstract: A method of reducing aerodynamic drag on a moving blunt-edged body, the method comprising actively generating a flow of air at a blunt edge of a body and using the generated flow of air to control an external flow of air moving relative to an edge of a moving blunt-body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for minimizing the aerodynamic drag that results when tractors, trailers, rigid trucks, lorries, and other vehicles are moving through air. In particular the invention relates to a plate-shaped flow conductor having a front edge, a lower edge, a rear edge and an upper edge. The flow conductor is mountable along the upper edge in a substantially vertical position to a body portion of a pulled vehicle of a vehicle combination of at least two pivotally connected vehicles. When mounted the flow conductor extends at least partially under the body portion in a longitudinal direction of the pulled vehicle. Characteristic for the flow conductor according to the invention is that the flow conductor comprises locally in conjunction with the front edge a thickened portion, which has a streamlined outer contour in a cross section transversally to the front edge.

Abstract: An armored cab comprises a top wall, two side walls, a front wall, a back wall, and a bottom wall. The cab has a longitudinal axis extending from the back wall to the front wall. The bottom wall includes a first downwardly facing convex wall, at least a second downwardly facing convex wall above the first convex wall, and a plurality of connecting members interconnecting the first convex wall and the at least a second convex wall.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method of absorbing energy comprises: impacting a portion of a vehicle comprising a coil energy absorber, and compressing and plastically deforming the coil energy absorber. The coil energy absorber has an initial height and is located between the support structure and the covering, and wherein the coil energy absorber absorbs energy upon impact such that, after the impact, the coil energy absorber has a final height that is less than or equal to 90% of the initial height. The coil energy absorber is made of plastic. The coil energy absorber is located between a fascia and a support structure of the vehicle.

Abstract: A suction duct (19) provided in a floor member (9) comprises an internal air duct portion (20) connected to the internal air inlet port (10A3), an external air duct portion (21) connected to an external air inlet port (10E3), and a common duct portion (22) for connecting the internal air duct portion (20) and the external air duct portion (21) to a blower fan 18B suction side of an air conditioner unit (18). The suction duct is constructed to form a hollow column (23) having a hollow closed section structure with the internal air duct portion and the common duct portion formed integrally in the upper and lower directions. Therefore, the hollow column formed of the hollow closed section structure can increase strength of the floor member as a strong column while circulating internal air between the internal air inlet port and the air conditioner unit.

Abstract: A yard tractor incorporating a fluid cylinder pressurized by fluid from a control valve actuated by a switch accessible from the driver's seat.

Abstract: A method of preparing and a finished panel and latch combination, wherein the panel and latch mounting combination are seamless and attractive.

Abstract: A hood bumper assembly for automotive vehicle hoods is provided that can manage impact energy from a collision with a pedestrian. The hood bumper assembly may have a bumper with a cushion that is threaded to a retainer attached to the vehicle frame. The threaded engagement between the bumper and the retainer may have a percentage of thread engagement that is less than industry standards so that the threads skip without substantially deforming when an impact load is applied to the vehicle hood.

Abstract: A vehicle sunroof device includes a movable panel, guide rails, rear slide members, an electrical drive source, and check mechanisms. When the rear slide members are moved toward the front of the vehicle along the guide rails when the movable panel is in a totally closed state, the movable panel is changed to a tilt-up state. Check release mechanisms provided to the rear slide members are changed to an engaged state when the rear slide members are further moved toward the front of the vehicle with the movable panel in the tilt-up state and without involving operation of the movable panel. In the engaged state, when the rear slide members are moved toward the rear of the vehicle afterward, the check release mechanisms move the entire check mechanisms while switching the check mechanisms to a movable state.

Abstract: In a seat, in a state in which tilting of a back main frame around a tilting center is locked by a reclining mechanism, a lower end of a back joint link is turnably joined to a vehicle side. Thus, turning of a first link, a back sub frame and the back joint link is locked, and operation of a back link mechanism is locked. Therefore, a supporting rigidity from rear side of a back side portion can be enhanced by the back link mechanism (the back sub frame), and a crew sitting in the seat can be thoroughly retained.

Abstract: A seat assembly having headrest that includes an expansion assembly that operates to expand the cushion when the headrest is in the lower position. As the headrest is raised, the expansion assembly retracts, removing the bulge and creating a more planar surface for comfortably resting the head of a seat occupant. The headrest is also configured to reduce expansion of flatten as the seatback is folded flat.

Abstract: Provided is a linkage mechanism for a recliner that includes a seat-mounting plate, a base plate vertically supported by high-legs, a footrest assembly adapted to extend ottoman(s) forward when the recliner is adjusted from a closed to an extended position, and a seat-adjustment assembly. The seat-adjustment assembly includes an ottoman drive link that has a front end pivotably coupled to the footrest assembly and a rear end pivotably coupled to a mid section of a connecting link. The connecting link further includes a front end rotatably coupled to a forward portion of the base plate and a rear end rotatably coupled to a lower end of a rear pivot link. The rear pivot link further includes an upper end that is pivotably coupled to a rearward portion of the seat-mounting plate. The combined operation of three links above locates the seat-adjustment assembly above the base plate's lower edge during adjustment.