Abstract: A skateboard includes a board body, a front roller assembly and a rear roller assembly. The front and rear roller assemblies are mounted under a bottom face of the board body. The skateboard further includes an arch contact section. The arch contact section is a raised section disposed on a top face of the board body near the rear end thereof. When a user uses the skateboard, the arch of the user's rear foot is in snug contact with the arch contact section, whereby the foot is in good contact with the board body of the skateboard. The arch contact section also provides antislip effect for the user's foot. By means of the arch contact section, the user can more easily operate/control the skateboard.

Abstract: A linkage mechanism for double-wheel combination of vehicle mainly includes a main frame, connecting rod, and two sway rods. With the simple assembly, the two sway rods are pivoted to the main frame and the connecting rod respectively so as to sway identically and simultaneously for better vehicle stability and mobility.

Abstract: A transverse link made of fibre-reinforced plastics material for a wheel suspension, which transverse link is pivotable on its bearing elements about a common pivot axis or axes running substantially coaxially with respect to one another, these bearing elements being connected by a single-shell connecting element having connecting arms to a bearing element having a ball and socket joint bearing. The bearing elements and the connecting element are elements of an integral plastics material. In order to produce a transverse link of this type, disclosed is an integral plastics material moulded part produced by extrusion of plastics, the bearing elements having bearing bushes shells surrounded by extrusion of the plastics material. The ball and socket joint bearing have a bearing bush or a shell-shaped sliding capsule, produced from plastics material and connected to the connecting element, the connecting element comprising a centre or transverse web connecting the bearing elements.

Abstract: A multi-use vehicle assembly provides a means for entertainment and mobilization. The vehicle assembly includes a frame assembly having a first frame coupled to a second frame. The frame assembly has a center frame coupled to and extending between the first frame and the second frame. A plurality of wheels is coupled to the frame assembly. The plurality of wheels comprises a left back wheel, a right back wheel, and a central front wheel. The left back wheel is coupled to the first frame. The right back wheel is coupled to the second frame. The central front wheel is coupled to the center frame. A steering mechanism is coupled to the frame assembly. The steering mechanism is mechanically coupled to the central front wheel. A drive system is operationally coupled to one of the plurality of wheels.

Abstract: A propulsion system for human powered vehicles includes an outer lever having an input end and an output end. An orbiting sprocket is coupled to the output end of the outer lever. A fixed sprocket is also provided, with the orbiting sprocket orbiting around the fixed sprocket. A closed tension-bearing member engages an outer circumference of both the orbiting sprocket and the fixed sprocket. A driveshaft is co-axial with the fixed sprocket, the driveshaft being free to rotate with respect to the fixed sprocket and the crank lever being fixedly connected to the driveshaft and rotationally connected to the orbiting sprocket. A chassis is propelled by the driveshaft. Wherein application of a force on the input end of the outer lever causes the orbiting sprocket to orbit around the fixed sprocket and thereby rotate the crank lever to impart rotation to the driveshaft and propel the chassis.

Abstract: A bicycle comprising a Frame (1), a Front Wheel (9), a Rear Wheel (10), a Drivetrain Assembly (11), a Pedal Assembly (6), a Seat Assembly (5), Handlebar Assembly (7), a hard Tail (2) or a movable Tail (2) which is supported by a Suspension Assembly (4) and a hard Fork (3) or a telescopic Fork (3), the mutually slidable parts of which are interconnected by a Suspension Assembly (4). Further, a center of the Front Wheel (9), a center of the Rear Wheel (10), a Bottom Bracket (6.1) center, a Seat (5.1) connection and a Handlebar (7.1) connection form the vertices of a pentagon, the shape of which is slope-modifiable by at least one positionally adjustable vertex, when Suspension Assemblies (4) are unloaded.

Abstract: Bicycle frames having rear stays that extend past the seat region and connect directly to the top region without being rigidly connected to the seat region. Some bicycle frames according to the present disclosure have a greater vertical compliance than comparably sized standard diamond frames having seat stays that are connected directly and rigidly to a seat tube.

Abstract: My weight transferring tow dolly is releasably attachable to a receiver hitch of a towing vehicle such as a pickup truck and generally provides a dolly frame formed of plural structurally interconnected box beams having a height adjustable suspension carrying an axle with wheels and tires at opposing end portions, and a support frame to partially support the weight of a carried load and to move the center of gravity of a loaded towing vehicle forwardly to increase the stability of the towing vehicle.

Abstract: Stabilizer for a lower link of a three-point hitch of a tractor, comprising a first stabilizer member and a second stabilizer member connected to the first stabilizer member by a spring mechanism which allows a longitudinal movement between the stabilizer members, wherein the overall length of the stabilizer is adjustable by rotating the stabilizer members against each other. Furthermore, a blocking means is connected to the first stabilizer member, wherein the blocking means can be moved into a closed position in which a longitudinal movement between the stabilizer members is restricted. The first stabilizer member comprises a rotation-symmetric locking collar which engages the blocking means in the closed position such in that a longitudinal movement between the stabilizer members is disabled, wherein a rotation between the stabilizer members is lockable by a safety means, wherein the safety means comprises a spring clip engaging a recess formed in the circumference of the locking collar.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a hitch suspension system that reduces a transfer of energy (e.g., provides a smoother ride) between two bodies hitched together, such as between a towing vehicle and a towed vehicle/trailer. In an embodiment, the suspension system includes a hydraulic cylinder with an extendable rod in fluid communication with a fluid pump. A control valve is fluidly coupled between the hydraulic cylinder and the fluid pump and is configured to adjust an extension length of the rod. Additionally, a variable orifice that adjusts resistance to extension and retraction of the rod is fluidly coupled between the hydraulic cylinder and the control valve. A first fixed restrictive element is fluidly coupled in series with the variable orifice to dissipate energy ad the rod extends and a second fixed restrictive element is fluidly coupled in series with the variable orifice to dissipate energy as the rod retracts.

Abstract: In order to connect a trailer coupling, in particular for motor vehicles, comprising a ball neck, a cross member, which is provided with a holding unit for the ball neck, and also two spaced attachment parts, which engage on the cross member and connect the cross member to mounting elements, which are themselves mountable on a rear part of a motor vehicle body, in such a manner that undesirable moments and/or forces are transferred to the motor vehicle body on the lowest possible scale, it is proposed that a connection between the cross member and the mounting elements is achieved only by means of the attachment parts, that the attachment parts have a cross member holding strip element connected to the cross member and that, through at least one curved strip element running to the cross member without connection, the cross member holding strip element runs to a mounting strip element, which is connected to the respective mounting element.

Abstract: In order to improve a trailer coupling for motor vehicles comprising a ball neck, which is mountable at a first end on a rear part of a motor vehicle to be fixed to the vehicle by means of a ball neck holder and which carries a coupling ball at a second end, in such a manner that load carriers can be mounted and securely held in a simple manner, it is proposed that at least one positioning body is arranged on the ball neck at a defined spacing from the coupling ball to position a load carrier holding arrangement attachable to the coupling ball and the ball neck.

Abstract: Boot binding systems for riding a snow gliding board, including a pair of boot bindings, each member of the pair having a toe latch pedal mechanism at the toe end of a baseplate on which the rider's boot rests, the toe latch pedal having dual function to either a) attach each boot binding to a ride mode interface in ride mode configuration or to b) attach each boot binding to a ski touring mode interface in ski touring configuration. In a “release position” the toe latch pedal is disengaged so that the baseplate assembly may be detached or switched between the ski touring mode interface and the ride mode interface in alternation. In a “lock position”, the toe of the rider's boot depresses the toe latch pedal and locks the boot binding onto the selected interface. As co-planar with the baseplate, the latch pedal also supports the rider's boot when in the lock position.

Abstract: A dolly assembly disposable between operative and collapsed orientations including a plurality of elongated links defining a plurality of link pairs. First and second joint members interconnect the plurality of link pairs, wherein correspondingly positioned first and second joint members of a common link pair are concurrently connected to at least one adjacent link pair. The first and second joint members of each link pair are disposed in confronting, weight supporting relation to one another and comprise the operative orientation. The collapsed orientation comprises the plurality of links of each of the plurality of link pairs disposable into a common, substantially longitudinal alignment or array with one another.

Abstract: At an airbag device for a front passenger's seat, due to an inflator being fixed to a front side bottom wall portion that is formed at a vehicle front side and upper side of a rear side bottom wall portion, the inflator is offset toward the vehicle front side with respect to a central axis of a case. Further, the front side bottom wall portion is inclined with respect to the rear side bottom wall portion such that a central axis of the inflator intersects a normal line of the rear side bottom wall portion further toward a vehicle upper side than airbag doors, and due thereto, the inflator is tilted.

Abstract: Multi-piece constructions for an illuminated emblem assembly for connection to an airbag cover are provided herein. An airbag assembly can include an airbag cover having front and rear surfaces, an emblem portion having one or more translucent areas and an illumination source. The airbag cover can include attachment elements protruding from the rear surface. The emblem portion and the illumination source can include openings for accommodating attachment elements. The illumination source can include a light guide and light emitting diodes (LEDs), where the LEDs are fitted in recesses formed in the light guide. The emblem portion can be arranged between the airbag cover and the illumination source, and the emblem portion and the illumination source can be aligned such that at least one of the one or more translucent areas is illuminated by light passing through the emblem portion from the illumination source.

Abstract: Multi-piece constructions for an illuminated emblem assembly for connection to an airbag cover are provided herein. The multi-piece constructions include non-permanent means for connecting the illuminated emblem assembly to the airbag cover. An example emblem assembly can include an illumination source, an emblem portion having one or more translucent areas and a carrier portion. The emblem portion can include a decorative film and a lens, where the decorative film is coupled to the lens. The carrier portion can be configured to attach to the emblem portion. For example, the illumination source can be arranged between the emblem portion and the carrier portion when the emblem portion and the carrier portion are connected. The emblem portion and the illumination source can also be aligned such that at least one of the one or more translucent areas is illuminated by light passing through the emblem portion from the illumination source.

Abstract: An inflation portion of an airbag main body is divided into a first inflation chamber, a second inflation chamber in front of and adjacent to the first inflation chamber with a vertical partition in between, and a third inflation chamber below the first inflation chamber with a lateral partition in between. The vertical partition has a pressure regulator valve. Before the first inflation chamber restrains an occupant, the pressure regulator valve restricts flow of inflation gas from the first inflation chamber to the second inflation chamber. When the first inflation chamber restrains the occupant, the pressure regulator valve opens in response to a change in the tensed state of the vertical partition due to the applied external force generated by the restraint, thereby cancelling the restraint. The lateral partition has a check valve, which restricts flow of inflation gas from the third inflation chamber to the first inflation chamber.

Abstract: An exemplary passenger airbag for a vehicle passenger restraint system may include an inflatable cushion having an upper rear portion with a convex surface and a lower rear portion with a concave surface when the airbag is deployed. The airbag may further include a longitudinal tether secured to the lower rear portion to limit longitudinal expansion of the inflatable cushion and form the concave surface in the lower rear portion.

Abstract: An inflator (40, 40a) for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) includes structure that defines a chamber (120, 120a) and an initiator (200) comprising a shaped charge that is actuatable to rupture the structure to open the chamber.

Abstract: A vehicle has a frame, at least three wheels, a motor, a cockpit area, and a seat. The seat has a seat base and a backrest and is movable along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle between first and second positions. The first position is closer to a front of the vehicle than the second position. A lateral restraining member is fixed to the seat on one side of the seat. At least a portion of the lateral restraining member is disposed higher than the seat base and forward of the backrest. The lateral restraining member is movable with the seat between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A steering apparatus includes an inner column, an outer column fitted onto the inner column, a vehicle body mounting bracket, a distance bracket fixed to the outer circumference of the outer column and slidably held between left and right side plates of the vehicle body mounting bracket, and a tightening rod. The distance bracket is formed with telescopic slots through which the tightening rod is inserted. The distance bracket includes left and right front tightening portions and left and right rear tightening portions. The axial distance between the pair of left and right front tightening portions and the pair of left and right rear tightening portions is shorter than the axial length of each telescopic slot. The outer column is formed with a pair of left and right through-holes into which the left and right front tightening portions or the left and right rear tightening portions is inserted.

Abstract: A cap assembly (40) for attachment to an external fixture (44) on a tank (52) of a tanker trailer (50), including: a collar (42) configured to secure the cap assembly to the tank external fixture and defining a collar opening (46) concentrically aligned with an opening (54) of the fixture; a lid (60) that is moveable between a closed position where the lid covers the collar opening and is in sealing engagement with the collar, and an open position where the lid is vertically raised from the collar and pivoted laterally away from the collar opening; and an actuator assembly (72) that is configured to move the lid from the closed position to the open position during a single stroke of the actuator assembly, and which is remotely operable from a location off of the tanker trailer.

Abstract: The present application is directed to dual rotating shrink label systems for a container with non-parallel. A base label may be shrunk to non-rotatably conform to the non-parallel sides of the container. A rotating top label may be shrunk to conform over the base label. The rotating top label may have one or more transparent windows displaying printed information on the base label.

Abstract: A label includes an optical function layer configured to pass light of a certain wavelength, a light absorption pattern facing one major surface of the optical function layer and configured to absorb the light of the wavelength, and a light reflecting layer facing the other major surface of the optical function layer and configured to reflect the light of the wavelength. The light reflecting layer is configured to raise an absorbance at the wavelength when heated.

Abstract: An optically variable security element for securing valuable articles has an optically variable color layer. The optically variable color layer includes a plurality of microcapsules, each of which exhibits a capsule shell, a carrier liquid enclosed in the capsule shell, and at least one optically variable and magnetically alignable pigment that is substantially freely rotatable in the microcapsule and reversibly alignable by an external magnetic field, and that is developed to be multilayer having at least one magnetic layer and having at least one non-magnetic layer.

Abstract: Promotional codes are printed using thermochromic inks in a manner that conceals the codes until a beverage or other article is cooled sufficiently to reveal the codes.

Abstract: A plug connection (1) for fluid lines, with two intermateable coupling parts (2, 3), which in an inserted state can be releasably locked via a locking device (4) consisting of two outer radial flange-like retaining ribs (21, 31) of the two coupling parts (2, 3), which are adjacent in an insertion direction (S) and axial (X-X) in inserted state and a retaining part (5) with an annular contour, which in preassembled state can be axially and radially fixed and undetachably assembled on one of the two coupling parts (3) and in an assembled state axially and radially encompasses the retaining ribs (21, 31) of the two coupling parts with at least one radially elastically moving retaining section (53) with a C-shaped axial section having two collars (51, 52). The plug connection incorporates features to ensure the undetachability of the retaining part (5) and minimize the space requirement, in particular during disassembly.

Abstract: A socket assembly includes a socket body, a plug retainer and a socket sleeve. The socket body defines a bore that extends through the socket body and at least one retention opening that extends into the bore. The plug retainer is operably associated with the socket body. The plug retainer includes a retainer. The plug retainer pivots between an engaged position, in which a portion of the retainer is disposed in the bore of the socket body, and a disengaged position, in which the bore is free of the portion of the retainer. The socket sleeve is disposed about the socket body and is adapted for selective axial movement between a first position and a second position. The socket sleeve actuates the plug retainer to the engaged position in the first position and the disengaged position in the second position.

Abstract: A connector includes a housing having a connecting portion, an insertion portion, and slits, and a retainer having arms, and engaging portions. The engaging portions are engaged with a flange portion of a first pipe member so as to retain the first pipe member. An inclinatory contact portion is provided between inner circumferential surfaces of the slits and outer surfaces of the, such that the pair of arms are urged in directions of approaching each other when a force to pull out the first pipe member from the insertion portion is exerted.

Abstract: A pipe connecting device having a joint body including a fitting cylinder to which a flared synthetic resin-made tube is to be externally fitted, an external thread formed on a radially outward side of the fitting cylinder; and a union nut including an internal thread screwed with the external thread, and a tube pressing portion that presses a diameter changing portion formed between a flared portion in the tube, and a non-flared portion, in the direction of the axis. In a fastening completion state in which the tube pressing portion is caused to press the diameter changing portion by a screw advancement of the union nut, the screw advancement being produced by screwing the internal thread to the external thread, positions of a basal end of the external thread and a tip end of the union nut in the directions of axes coincident with each other.

Abstract: A pipe element has a circumferential shoulder at one end. The shoulder has an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of the pipe element. A groove is positioned adjacent to the shoulder. The groove has a floor surface with an outer diameter less than the outer diameter of the pipe element. A bead is positioned contiguous with the groove. The bead has an apex with an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of the pipe element. A combination of roller tools is used to cold work pipe elements and impart a desired shape to the sidewall in one method of manufacture. In another method, a spin forming tool is revolved in an orbit of increasing diameter within the pipe element captured within a die.

Abstract: This invention relates to a generator arrangement, including: a generator located within a flow passage wherein the flow passage has an inlet and an outlet, and the generator includes at least one contra-rotating blade arrangement which is configured to be rotated about a principle axis of the generator by a flow of liquid in the flow passage, and wherein the at least one blade has an adjustable pitch; an array of sensors located downstream of the blade arrangement for detecting the outlet flow conditions; a controller for determining the outlet flow conditions on the basis of conditions sensed by the sensor array; and, a pitch control system for adjusting the pitch of the at least one blade so as to affect the flow conditions at the outlet of the flow passage.

Abstract: A machine is described that includes an electric drive for propelling the machine along a ground surface. The machine includes an electric power supply system configured to deliver operating electrical power to the electric drive. The electric power system includes a first generator and a second generator. The electric power system also includes a first rectifier coupled to the first generator and having a first direct current (DC) output and a second rectifier coupled to the second generator and having a second DC output. Both the first DC output and the second DC output are coupled to the single DC bus, thereby providing an arrangement for the first rectifier and the second rectifier to simultaneously provide power to the single DC bus. The electrical power system also includes a first inverter/controller coupled to the single DC bus and configured to provide a controlled alternating current to a first motor.

Abstract: A vehicle has a motor serving as a driving source for running the vehicle, a high-power assembled battery and a high-capacity assembled battery each capable of supplying an electric power to the motor, and a temperature adjusting mechanism adjusting the temperature of each of the high-power assembled battery and the high-capacity assembled battery. The temperature adjusting mechanism supplies a heat exchange medium for use in the temperature adjustment of the high-power assembled battery and the high-capacity assembled battery to each of the assembled batteries. The high-power assembled battery is capable of charge and discharge with a current relatively larger than that in the high-capacity assembled battery.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gas turbine power generation system, that includes a hydrogen-cooled generator having hydrogen as coolant, a plant hydrogen storage, generator auxiliaries and an emergency power supply system. The power generation system includes a fuel cell using hydrogen as fuel. The fuel cell is supplied via a line with hydrogen fuel from the hydrogen filling of the hydrogen-cooled generator in case of failure or disruption of the power supply from the gas turbine power generation system. In a preferred embodiment the fuel cell is supplied with additional hydrogen via a line from the plant hydrogen storage and/or with additional hydrogen via a line from generator auxiliaries in case of failure or disruption of the power supply from the gas turbine power generation system.

Abstract: Water turbines on the surface of moving water can capture hydrokinetic energy (HKE) from waves, currents and other flows. This invention uses a novel system to keep the horizontal-axis water turbines (WAWT) and vertical-axis water turbines (VAWT) operating on the surface of water by mounting them on bridge columns, seawalls, oil rigs, piers and similar structures to capture energy from the moving water next to said structures.

Abstract: A kite for a system for extracting energy from the wind, the kite comprising: a body having a wing for providing lift; means for connecting the wing to a tether; and means for controlling the flight of the kite in the wind, wherein the wing is constructed with an asymmetry in a spanwise direction from a first end of the wing to a second end of the wing to provide the wing with a naturally asymmetric shape at least when in flight. The asymmetry may be provided to optimise the shape of the wing for a flight pattern in which one end of the wing has a higher speed than the other end of the wing. For example, the asymmetry may be optimised to allow the kite to follow a flight pattern resembling a circle or spiral, from the point of view of a base unit of the system.

Abstract: A scalable portable modular power plant that includes an electrical substation module containing a substation container with a first transformer and a second transformer positioned at the first and second ends of the substation container, and a plurality of containerized electric generator modules each positioned relative to a corner of the substation module, where each electric generator module is connected to one of the two transformers.

Abstract: A scalable portable modular power plant that includes an electrical substation module containing a substation container with a first transformer and a second transformer positioned at the first and second ends of the substation container, and a plurality of containerized electric generator modules each positioned relative to a corner of the substation nodule, where each electric generator module is connected to one of the two transformers.

Abstract: An auxiliary electrical power system for a motor vehicle is described. Generally speaking, the system includes a hydraulic pump, a hydraulic motor and an auxiliary alternator. The pump is coupled to and driven by the vehicle engine mounted within the engine compartment of the vehicle, and the pump operates to pump fluid at a pressure. The hydraulic motor is operatively coupled to the hydraulic pump and turns a gear coupled to the motor. The alternator has a gear coupled by a belt to the gear of the hydraulic motor. the auxiliary alternator is positioned outside the vehicle engine compartment to conserve space for other critical engine components. Further, the hydraulic pump may be coupled to the engine power-take-off shaft. The motor gear to alternator gear ratio is about 1:4 to allow charging even at low engine idle.

Abstract: A control device for a hybrid vehicle has an engine, a starter motor that starts the engine, a driving motor that transmits a motor torque to the engine and a drive wheel, a starting motor selective control unit that starts the engine using the starter motor in response to a driving force request by a driver of the hybrid vehicle during a selected mode of operation in which the driving motor serves as the driving source, and that starts the engine using the driving motor in response to a system request.

Abstract: A system and method is provided that improves the under frequency response of gas turbines by providing a fast-response power augmentation system. The system includes a tank storing a blended mixture of motive fuel such as ethanol or methanol and demineralized water in a predetermined ratio that is provided as a diluent to be injected into the compressor bellmouth, the Compressor Discharge Chamber (CDC), and/or the combustion system via one to three dedicated circuits. To achieve the instantaneous injection of the diluent at the correct pressure and for the appropriate duration to meet the needs of the gas turbine Grid compliance mandate, an accumulator is used as the motive force to drive the augmentation fluid in the dedicated circuits. The injected diluent is microprocessor controlled to either be simultaneous into all three circuits or is sequenced based on a determination of the best turbine control and performance.

Abstract: An apparatus that retracts a plunger along an axis about which a handle pivots. The handle has two ends that are perpendicular, the second end having a sidewall with a barrel forming a chamber in which the plunger is slidably mounted. The sidewall has elongated slots through which opposing roller bars that extend from the plunger protrude through. A collar body is rotatably mounted to the second end and has opposing openings with triangular surfaces. The roller bars rest on the triangular surfaces, and when the first end of the handle is rotated about the central axis, the slot sidewalls drive the roller bars around the triangular surfaces, thereby causing axial movement of the plunger away toward the first end of the handle without moving the first end to move out of the plane in which it rotates.

Abstract: A rotary actuator includes a plurality of plate members stacked and coupled together for rotation relative to each other. A biasing member provides a biasing force tending to cause a rotatable end plate member to rotate in a biasing direction relative to a non-rotatable end plate member. Each plate member has a plurality of notches at its periphery. A SMA wire extends through the plurality of notches so that as the SMA wire is heated, the SMA wire rotates each rotatable plate member from a cold position in a direction opposite the biasing direction to a hot position. As the SMA wire cools, the biasing member rotates each rotatable plate member in the biasing direction from the hot position and returns each rotatable plate member to the cold position.

Abstract: A latch mechanism for a vehicle includes a mounting bracket defining a slot configured to receive a striker of the vehicle. The latch mechanism also includes a catch pivotally coupled to the mounting bracket. The catch is pivotable between a first position in which the catch allows removal of the striker from the slot, a second position in which the catch secures the striker within the slot, and a third position in which the catch pivots past the second position. The latch mechanism further includes a dampener element operable to slow movement of the catch as the catch pivots from the second position to the third position.

Abstract: A vehicle lock strike (11) is disclosed for use with a latch (10) for a vehicle sliding door. The latch includes a two pivoting latch bar (16) having at least one pawl (19) with a stop surface (23). The lock strike includes a main plate (31) having a locking wall (33) with a L-shaped tang (35) which has an inwardly facing catch surface (36), a top surface (37), and an outwardly facing gap surface (38). The lock strike also includes a second plate (41) coupled to the locking wall having a top end surface (47), and an inwardly facing catch surface (48). A gap (50) is created between the tang and the second plate to receive a lower portion of the pawl. The top of the second plate is positioned higher than the top of the locking wall.

Abstract: A water seal system is provided for a latch assembly that comprises a housing having a receptacle in which a handle extends therein. A trigger extends from the handle through an aperture in the receptacle to a latching mechanism on a rear side of the housing. The trigger is operative to cause the latching mechanism to operate, responsive to movement of the handle. The water seal system includes a gasket mounted to a metal backing plate, with slots extending through the backing plate and gasket. The trigger extends through the slots such that the backing plate abuts a stop surface of the trigger. Movement of the handle from the extended position to the retracted position is operative to cause the stop surface to urge the backing plate to compress the gasket adjacent portions of the receptacle that extend around the aperture.

Abstract: A spreader bar for use with a boom lift or ceiling is disclosed. The spreader bar includes at least two arms and an integral scale. Ideally, the load sensor of the scale is located within the spreader bar, preferably centrally within a cavity located between the arms. Thus, there is zero lift height loss when using the spreader bar since a separate scale need not be added between the spreader bar and the boom. Preferably, a pivoting connection member is provided to mount the spreader bar to the boom. The pivoting connection member allows tilting of the spreader bar in any direction perpendicular to the vertical axis. Ideally, 360 degrees of rotation is also provided by the connection member.

Abstract: An end effector device attached to a tip end portion of a robot arm includes a plurality of support units provided on a blade. Each of the support units includes: a plurality of nail pieces configured to support peripheral portions of a plurality of semiconductor wafers such that the semiconductor wafers are parallel to one another and spaced apart from one another; and a pitch changing mechanism configured to change upper-lower intervals of the nail pieces. The pitch changing mechanism includes: a coil spring configured to support the plurality of nail pieces such that the plurality of nail pieces are spaced apart from one another in an upper-lower direction and elastically deform in the upper-lower direction; and an operating mechanism configured to cause the coil spring to elastically deform in the upper-lower direction. The operating mechanism includes a piston pin fitted in the coil spring to move up and down.