Abstract: A wheelchair bowling kit and bowling wheelchair are described. Embodiments of the wheelchair bowling kit can be implemented to allow a handicapped bowler to bowl more conventionally. Generally, the wheelchair bowling kit can include a drive mechanism and a locking mechanism. The drive mechanism can be implemented to propel a wheelchair forward using only one hand while the other hand is free to hold a bowling ball. The locking mechanism can be included to keep a castor of the wheelchair from rotating, resulting in the wheelchair moving in a substantially straight line. The bowling wheelchair can include components similar to the drive mechanism and locking mechanism that are manufactured as part of the bowling wheelchair.

Abstract: The present invention relates to wheelchair improvements and, in particular, to a wheelchair including a monocoque structural skin according to one aspect, and a suspension assembly according to another aspect.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein are configured to receive forces generated by a user moving their appendages, and convert the force into mechanical force and/or energy. More specifically, embodiments may convert axial and/or tangential force into rotational force. The rotational force may be utilized to power devices, drivetrains, vehicles, such as bicycles, tricycles, kayaks, boats, etc.

Abstract: A bicycle assembly can include a bicycle frame that can have a main frame, a sub-frame and a shock absorber. The sub-frame can move in relation to the main frame and the shock can be used to regulate that relationship. A extension body can be used to establish a rear pivot point of the shock absorber. In some embodiments, the extension body can also be used to adjust the length of the combined shock absorber and extension body.

Abstract: An accessory exchange system for trailers for that provides for various interchangeable accessories to be attached to the trailer. The accessory exchange system for trailers generally includes a mounting bracket for mounting to the frame of a trailer, a base coupler extending from the mounting bracket, a support arm removably connected to the base coupler, and an accessory device removably connected to the support arm.

Abstract: A drawbar support assembly includes a rail member attached to a hitch frame, a slider member and a drawbar support. The slider member is slidable in the rail member. The drawbar support has rollers which rollingly engage the slider member so that the drawbar is swingable laterally. The rail member includes a forwardly facing curved slot which slidably receives the tabs which project from the slider member. A spring unit is coupled between the rail member and the slider member and operates to urge the slider member to a central position relative to the rail member.

Abstract: A tow hitch with a main body which is adapted to be fixed relative to a towing vehicle, and a coupling movable relative to the body between a first position arranged to engage a tow bar, and a second position for towing.

Abstract: A chain attachment insert has a body with a flat underside, and provides an open loop chain attachment for receiving a chain or hook in a socket in the bed of a truck. A T-bolt portion of the chain attachment insert is received in the socket. A hole through the body extends parallel to the axis of rotation defined by the T-bolt portion, and an interference peg is vertically slidable into the hole after rotation of the chain attachment insert relative to the socket. The interference peg then rests with a portion of the interference peg in the socket to interfere with and prevent the chain attachment insert from rotating relative to the socket. A lock secures the interference peg within the hole in the body.

Abstract: The invention is an accessory boardsport foot-binding mounting plate. The invention provides a means for the rapid adjustment of foot-binding mounting angles without the use of tools. The invention is comprised of two concentric discs, which, in isolation from each other, have no moving parts. The invention is to be mounted between a foot-binding and a board. When mounted, the upper disc can be manually rotated over the lower disc, clockwise and counterclockwise, to effect a rotational lock and unlock of the foot-binding. When unlocked, the foot-binding drops approximately 1/10th of an inch, disengages from its retaining plate, and can be freely rotated to any desired angle in 360 degrees on the plane of the board. The foot-binding angle can be changed with or without the users foot actively strapped into the foot-binding.

Abstract: A device is provided for adjustably mounting a snowboard binding to a snowboard. The device includes a snowboard binding interface assembly configured to attach to the snowboard and attach to the snowboard binding. The snowboard binding interface assembly includes a base plate configured to rotate relative to the snowboard and a locking element connected to the base plate and enabling the snowboard binding interface assembly to be locked in a selected rotational orientation.

Abstract: A cart that combines the utilities of a conventional three-wheeled pushcart and golf bag into a single piece of equipment. The cart comprises a collapsible three wheeled configuration and push bar. These collapsible mechanisms enable the cart to be transformed into two positions: folded or extended. The cart is also equipped with 14 individual slots (pipes) for holding a standard set of golf clubs. Two tool belts are also attached to each side of the cart for personal storage. In an extended position, the cart is designed to be used for walking as one would when using a “pushcart and bag combination”. In a folded position, the cart can be mounted securely onto the back of a motorized cart for riding, similar to a conventional golf bag. This compact folded position is also intended for the purpose and convenience of storage.

Abstract: Protective covering bags for handlebars for vehicles such as motorcycle as the like, which allows the vehicle to be operated while the bags are in place over the handlebars. Specifically, a covering apparatus for protecting the handlebars and handlebar controls of a handlebar-controlled vehicle, comprising: a left-handed covering comprising a left handlebar opening thereof, sized to fit over and enclose a left handlebar of the vehicle and any controls on the left handlebar; and a right-handed covering comprising a right-handlebar opening thereof, sized to fit over and enclose a right handlebar of the vehicle and any controls on the right handlebar; wherein: the left and right handlebar coverings are similar but are not identical, possessing opposite handedness from one another; and the left and right handlebar coverings comprise a weatherproof or weather-resistant material.

Abstract: A method of making a vehicle interior panel includes irradiating a covering layer material in a manner that reduces the strength of the material while preserving the thickness of the covering layer. An irradiated portion of the covering layer is arranged to at least partially overlie an airbag door region of an underlying substrate to help define the location of an airbag tear seam. The irradiation process can be carried out using an electron beam or ultraviolet light. Natural or synthetic organic materials may have their chemical structures altered by irradiation in a manner that reduces the strength of the material, thus reducing or eliminating the need for stress-concentrating features in covering layers and enabling non-visible tear seams to be formed in high strength materials like leather.

Abstract: An airbag formed of an airbag fabric (10) having a slit-shaped adaptive ventilation opening (11) which in the folded-up state of the airbag is held in at least a partially closed state by an arrester strap (20) having an end overlapping the adaptive ventilation opening (11) and fastened to the airbag fabric (10). The arrester strap (20) is guided through a safety-loop opening (31). The safety-loop opening is formed by a reinforcing blank (13) enclosing the ventilation opening (11) and the opening (31) for the arrester strap (20) is formed by an edge area of the reinforcing blank (31) not connected to the airbag fabric (10), and in that the end of the arrester strap is connected with both the airbag fabric (10) and with the reinforcing blank (13) in an area lying opposite with respect the edge section of the ventilation opening (11) forming the opening (31).

Abstract: Rollover protection device (10) for a motor vehicle has a supporting frame (11) extending in the vehicle transverse direction and rollover protection cassettes (12). Each rollover protection cassette (12) has a rollover body (14) that can be deployed from a housing (13). A connecting profile (15) of the supporting frame (11) extends between the rollover protection cassettes (12). Columns (16) are positioned between lateral ends of the connecting profile (15) of the supporting frame (11) and the housings (13) of the rollover protection cassettes (12). Each of these columns (16) is connected to the housings (13) of the rollover protection cassettes (12) and to the connecting profile (15) of the supporting frame (11). Each column (16) can be connected to a center tunnel of a body shell of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A collapsible step platform and receiver post are adapted to be attached to a vehicle hitch receiver. Oblique cross members of the step body provide additional protection in the event of a rear-end collision.

Abstract: The invention relates to a steering column for a motor vehicle, which steering column can be displaced in at least one displacement direction, which comprises, for the purpose of displacement in the displacement direction or in at least one of the displacement directions, a spindle drive driven by a drive motor, which spindle drive has a threaded spindle extending in an axial direction. The drive motor is connected to a part of the steering column, which carries the drive motor, via a damping unit that has a primary connecting part having a first contact surface and a secondary connecting part having a second contact surface, wherein the first and the second contact surface are spaced apart from each other in the axial direction of the threaded spindle, and an elastomer or viscoelastic damping material is arranged between the first and the second contact surfaces.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant restraint method, system, and apparatus. The system includes a seat belt associated with a seat of a vehicle and a shoulder belt portion of the seat belt comprising a shoulder stabilizing zone and a thorax belt portion, wherein the shoulder stabilizing zone includes a larger width dimension than the thorax belt portion. The system also includes a pretensioning device associated with the shoulder belt portion of the seat belt. The pretensioning device is configured to cinch and lock the shoulder stabilizing zone around a shoulder region of the occupant, thereby preventing forward rotation of the shoulder region, in response to a side impact collision.

Abstract: A skate shield for use with ice skates. The skate shield includes a rigid shell made at least of outer and inner layers of fiber reinforced plastic or polymer (FRP), and a fastener assembly for releasably securing the shell to a boot portion of the ice skate. The shell includes a medial side portion interconnected to a lateral side section via a top portion. A reinforced section formed by reinforcing layers laminated between the outer and inner layers is provided in at least one of the medial side portion and the lateral side portion of the shell.

Abstract: A ski stabilizing and training device used in combination with a pair of skis to assist a novice skier in learning to ski includes a metal coil spring which acts as an orienting and spacing device for the tip portions of the pair of skis. A pair of attachment members removably attach the metal coil spring to the ski tip portions. The metal coil spring maintains a desired spacing of the skis with the ski tip portions pointed inward. The metal coil spring is of sufficient stiffness to prevent crossing of the ski tip portions while skiing.

Abstract: A method of authenticating an item with a security mark includes providing a substrate (100); printing the security mark on the substrate with invisible ultraviolet (UV) absorbing ink (102); applying a coating comprised of UV fluorescent varnish (104) over the security mark and substrate; illuminating an area comprising the security mark and coating with UV light; identifying a reduced fluorescence image of the security mark; comparing the reduced fluorescence image with the security mark; and authenticating the item if the reduced fluorescence image matches the security mark.

Abstract: The invention concerns a unitary authentication process of a material object consisting of a construction phase of an authenticator system comprising at least: a message image selection step; a support image selection step; a message and support images transformation step to generate at least two shared images according to a transformation process implementing at least a random sequence, the message image not being accessible in each shared image taken individually; a recording step of at least one shared image. According to the invention, in the construction phase of an authenticator each random sequence, the so-called material signature, is extracted or generated from at least one structural characteristic of at least one region of the material object and is liable to be generated on request and obtained identically from the material object.

Abstract: Setting position, direction and magnitude of compressive force applied to a crossing part. A joint with: crossing part in which first and second channels bored in casings cross on an XY plane; and pressure device holds casings from both sides with crossing part between the direction of the Z-axis perpendicular to the XY plane by a pressure member and applies compressive force to the crossing part, the pressure device with: a bored part h is formed in the casings, into which the pressure device is fitted and supports pressure; adjusting the compressive force, the pressure member is in position including an intersection of a peripheral wall of the first and second channels in the z-axis direction, an abutting part of the pressure member and bottom of the bored part presses intersection of peripheral walls; a noncontact part provided to the center preventing the center of the crossing part from pressing.

Abstract: A saddle, in particular a clamping saddle for plastic pipes, containing a branch projection, a saddle piece, centre axes (X), (Y) and (Z), and a groove for the arrangement of a seal, wherein the inner cheek of the groove is arranged, throughout the course of the groove, perpendicular to the inner surface of the saddle piece.

Abstract: A coupling brace is provided. The coupling brace may include a pressure element operably connected to a collar so as to hold and secure a sewage conduit and an inlet pipe tightly together. The pressure element may include a pressure plate perpendicularly joined to a pressure arm. The collar may include two annular braces perpendicularly joined to a brace arm. When the sewer conduit is disposed within the inlet pipe, the two annular braces may securely embrace the inlet pipe and be adjustably interconnected by a cinching belt about the inlet pipe. The brace arm and the pressure arm may be operably engaged to adjust the vertical dimension between the pressure plate and the two annular braces so as to prevent movement or separation between the sewage conduit and the inlet pipe through the application of inward pressure.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for preventing fluid exchange between the interior and exterior of containment enclosures such as process-, hazard-, and research-enclosure systems generally, gloveboxes, containment systems, isolation systems, confinement systems, cleanrooms, negative air systems, and positive air system areas while simultaneously providing material transfer into and out of the enclosures. The system comprises a cylinder adapted to be received by a region of a containment enclosure forming an aperture so that a hermetic seal exists between the cylinder and the aperture; a canister coaxially positioned within, and in slidable communication with the cylinder such that a hermetic seal exists between the canister and the glove port. The invention also provides a method for transporting material into or out of a containment structure.

Abstract: A fitting for use with corrugated tubing includes a nut having a passage therethrough for receiving the tubing, the tubing being corrugated tubing having a series of peaks and valleys; at least one retainer, the retainer having a sealing surface for placement in a valley of the corrugated tubing; a body, the body having a linear body sealing surface, wherein upon sealing, the tubing is compressed between the sealing surface and the body sealing surface at a line seal; and wherein the nut includes a nut surface, the nut surface engaging a retainer surface on the retainer to direct the retainer towards a centerline of the fitting upon engagement of the nut and body.

Abstract: A threadless connection assembly for use in connecting two tubular members. A connection assembly includes connection portions having interlocking splines and a link lock that secures the two connection portions axially.

Abstract: An aseptic coupling device includes: a main body defining a front face; a membrane coupled to the front face, the membrane including a first portion coupled to the front face and a second portion folded over on the first portion; and a low friction member positioned between the first and second portions of the membrane.

Abstract: The device connects a first end-coupler with a second end-coupler, in particular of a piping. A nut is provided with a threaded bore in which the first end-coupler is screwed along a longitudinal axis. In a tightening position, the first end-coupler is in axial stress with a second end-coupler accommodated in the nut. Anti-rotation means are provided between the nut and at least one of the end-couplers to prevent relative rotation except when a torque exceeding a predetermined threshold is applied thereto. The anti-rotation means consist of at least one tab made in the material of the nut to lockingly interfere with substantially planar faces formed on the second end-coupler.

Abstract: A generator system includes an AC generator having one or more phases; a transformer having the same number of phase as the generator; for each phase of the AC generator, a capacitive element having a first terminal electrically connected to an output winding of the AC generator and a second terminal electrically connected to a primary winding of a respective phase of the transformer; a prime mover in driving engagement with the AC generator; and a load connected to a secondary winding of the transformer. A method to reduce the mechanical input to the AC generator includes reducing the counter torque of the generator system via a respective series connected capacitive element having a first terminal electrically connected to the output winding of the AC generator and a second terminal electrically connected to a primary winding of a respective phase of the transformer.

Abstract: A power generation apparatus for generating power from water flows is described. The power generation apparatus includes: a generator; a first blade set operatively mounted to the generator for rotation in a selected direction in response to flowing water from a selected direction; a second blade set operatively mounted to the generator for rotation and operatively connected to the first blade set, the second blade set being disposed coaxially with, and downstream of or in a wake zone of, the first blade set; wherein the generator is adapted to be driven by at least one of the blade sets, the generator being disposed generally coaxially between the first and second blade sets.

Abstract: An electric power generation system may be constructed of multiple similar generator modules arranged between a rotor and a stator. The rotor may be coupled to and/or integrated with a turbine that is configured to rotate in the presence of a fluid stream such as wind or water. Each generator module may have a rotor portion configured to generate a magnetic field having at least one characteristic that changes with respect to the rotational speed of the rotor. Each generator module may further have a stator portion configured to generate an alternating electric current responsive to the magnetic field. The generated electric current may be controlled by the stator portion of the generator module in order to magnetically control the rotational speed of the rotor and the turbine. Separation between the rotor and stator portions of the generator module may be magnetically maintained.

Abstract: A vertical axis windmill with a deceleration control system includes: a stationary shaft, a rotary shaft rotatably sleeved onto the stationary shaft, plural blades fixed to the rotary shaft, and a generator disposed between the stationary shaft and the rotary shaft. The deceleration control system includes a damping plate, a magnetic-force generating unit, a rectifier, and a control unit. The magnetic-force generating unit generates an eddy current to produce a damping effect. The rectifier converts AC voltage outputted from the generator into DC voltage. The control unit is coupled between the rectifier and the magnetic-force generating unit and sets a conduction level. When the DC voltage is lower than the conduction level, the rectifier and the magnetic-force generating unit are electrically disconnected from each other, and when the DC voltage is greater than the conduction level, the rectifier and the magnetic-force generating unit are electrically connected to each other.

Abstract: The invention is on the one hand a power generating apparatus exploiting wind energy, comprising a body (10), a main rotor unit (12) comprising a front rotating part being fitted with front blades being adjustable at an angle, and a rear rotating part being fitted with rear blades adjustable at an angle, said front rotating part and rear rotating part have rotation axes aligned parallel to each other, preferably being coincident with each other, a blade adjustment unit being adapted for adjusting of the front blades and the rear blades to rotate in opposite directions, a cable (18) enabling kiting of the body (10), a generator unit adapted for generating electric power from rotation of the front rotating part and the rear rotating part, and a wire adapted for conducting electric power generated by the generator unit, and the main rotor unit (12) is arranged in an opening (11) of and coupled to the body (10), and the main rotor unit (12) comprises blades being turnable into a covering position covering at leas

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method of operating a wind park having a plurality of wind power installations. A wind power installation includes an electrical energy storage means associated with the wind power installation to store electrical energy which is consumed for starting up the wind power installation after stoppage and consumed for emergency shutdown of the wind power installation. In some embodiments, the wind power installation includes a control system to control taking of energy from the electrical energy storage means for an emergency shutdown procedure such that a sufficient emergency shutdown reserve is maintained in the electrical energy storage means to start a first wind power installation without consuming energy from a network.

Abstract: A reversible electrical machine (1) comprising: a first electrical device (10) having a first stator (11) and a first rotor (12); a second electrical device (20) including a second rotor (22) and a second stator (21) together with an outlet shaft (50) and first disengageable coupling means (30) enabling said first and second rotors (12, 22) to be associated and dissociated in rotation. Said reversible electrical machine (1) also includes second disengageable coupling means (40) that are disengageable under a predetermined force and that mechanically connect said second rotor (22) to said outlet shaft (50). Said first electrical device (10) is a motor for transmitting high mechanical power to said outlet shaft (50), while said second electrical device (20) is a motor-generator for operating in motor mode to transmit additional mechanical power to said outlet shaft (50), and in generator mode for receiving mechanical power from said outlet shaft (50).

Abstract: A wave power plant for extracting power from the wave movement of a water surface area, said wave power plant comprising a frame construction in which at least one rotor is journalled, and wherein the rotor is suspended in the frame construction on a rotor shaft which is, in the normal use situation of the wave power plant, essentially horizontal to the effect that the rotor is able to rotate about the rotor shaft which is retained in the frame construction, and wherein means are configured for maintaining each of the rotors partially immersed in a water surface area. The invention provides increased output efficiency of such wave power plant by the rotors being mounted on the rotor shaft via a free-running mechanism which is configured such that the rotor is able to transfer momentum to the rotor shaft essentially only when it rotates the one way about the rotor shaft.

Abstract: An electric power generation assembly includes a frame, an intake unit, an air storage unit, two water tanks, two pulling units and a power generating unit. The intake unit has an air bag to which an inhale tube and an exhale tube are connected. The air storage unit has an air tank whose underside is connected to the exhale tube. The two water tanks each have a pressure tube which is connected to the air tank. The two pulling units are respectively located in the water tanks and each include multiple stationary pulleys, a float, a release valve, an air hose connected to the pressure tube and a cable. The release valve is connected to the top of the float and the air hose is connected to the float. The cable is connected between the two floats via the stationary pulleys. The power generating unit is connected to the cables.

Abstract: A main rotor system of an aircraft is provided including a first rotor coupled to a transmission and configured to rotate about an axis in a first direction. A second rotor is similarly coupled to the transmission and is configured to rotate about the axis in a second direction. At least the first rotor includes an individual blade control system (IBCS) configured to adjust a pitch of each of a plurality of blade of the first rotor independently. At least one slip ring is configured to transmit electrical power and/or a control signal to the at least one IBCS.

Abstract: A magnetic power generating machine, including a central magnet, which is configured to traverse a path having first and second ends, and is connected by a linkage to rotate a shaft as the central magnet traverses the path, first and second side magnets, which are respectively disposed adjacent to the first and second ends of the path and are oriented to repel the central magnet, so that a magnetic force between the central magnet and the first and second side magnets causes the central magnet to oscillate between the ends of the path, thereby rotating the shaft and first and second shutter assemblies, each including at least one ferromagnetic shutter and a mechanism which is arranged to open the at least one ferromagnetic shutter as the central magnet approaches the shutter assembly, thereby modulating the magnetic force synchronously with oscillation of the central magnet.

Abstract: An electromagnetic relay for starting a motor of a starter includes a resistor to reduce an activation current that flows through the motor from a battery for activation of the motor, a relay contact that causes the starting current to flow while bypassing the resistor, a relay coil that forms an electromagnet when excited by energization, and a control circuit that controls an excited state of the relay coil for activation of the motor to open or close the relay contact, thus controlling energization of the motor from the battery via the resistor. The electromagnetic relay incorporates therein the control circuit.

Abstract: A method for limiting an inrush current, which is implemented in an electrical power circuit (1) of a motor vehicle starter (15). The starter includes an electromagnetic contactor (12) and an electric motor (7) comprising motor windings (6) having a rated inductance (L0). The method consists in controlling the rate of variation of the inrush current by means of an inductive element (8) inserted in series into the electrical power circuit (1). According to the invention, an initial value of the variation rate is substantially separate from the rated inductance (L0). According to another feature, the initial value is a function of a coupling coefficient between a primary winding (8) and a secondary winding (10) of a transformer (9), the primary winding (8) of which constitutes the inductive element.

Abstract: A lock can include a catch and a pawl. The catch can be brought into an opening position and a closed position. The catch can be brought into holding engagement with a lock striker. The pawl may be brought into a position, where it is in blocking engagement with the catch. The pawl may be deflected into a release position. A pawl actuation lever is provided. A switchable lock arrangement in an unlocked state can be included. A first drive train component is decoupled from the pawl for letting the pawl actuation lever run free without deflecting the pawl or a first drive train component is blocked for blocking an actuation of the pawl actuation lever. A crash condition causes the switchable lock arrangement to be in the locked state such that during the crash condition a crash induced actuation of the pawl actuation lever runs free or is blocked.

Abstract: A lock device for an opening/closing device, provided with: lock sections located on both sides of the lid; a pair of link rods provided with hook sections provided at the front ends of the pair of link rod; pressing means for pressing the hook sections in the direction in which the hook sections engage with the lock sections; a pusher for sliding the hook sections in the direction in which the hook sections do not engage with the lock sections; pressing members disposed on both sides of an opening and pressing the lid in the direction in which the lid opens; and a holding lever and a holding protrusion which hold the hook sections in a state in which the hook sections do not engage with the lock sections.

Abstract: A latch is disclosed herein.

Abstract: A gate keeper is provided for attachment of a gate latch to a T-post. In an embodiment, a gate keeper comprises a connector and a gate latch. The gate latch is constructed of a rigid length of material having a latching region, a base region, an extending region, and a u-shaped region. The latching region extends approximately perpendicular to the base region in a first plane. The base region extends approximately perpendicular to the extending region in the first plane. The extending region extends approximately perpendicular with the u-shaped region in a second plane. The connector circumposes the T-post, between a pair of studs. The height of the connector is adjusted by arrangement of the connector between differing pair of studs along the T-post. The gate latch axially rotates about the base region, allowing the u-shaped region to secure a gate rail attached to a movable gate.

Abstract: An ornamental grille arranged for attachment to a peripheral frame of a motor vehicle radiator grille includes a grille structure having respective grille elements. Domes are formed on points of intersection of the grille elements of the grille structure.

Abstract: A motor vehicle structure is disclosed which includes a cross member, at least one side member connected to the cross member via a crash box. At least one strut supports a lateral region of the cross member, and the strut is connected to a molded part which is connected to the crash box and/or the side member.

Abstract: A bumper fixing clip includes a leg portion engaging with a vehicle body panel; engagement claws engaging with a plurality of engagement holes formed on a bumper side; and an engagement member including a second engagement claw engageable with or retractable from one of the engagement holes formed on the bumper side by operating an operation portion, and fixing the bumper to the vehicle body panel. The engagement member is integrally formed with a fixing clip main body, and includes an approximately rod-like operation portion; the second engagement claw formed in a vicinity of a turning center of the operation portion; and an abutment piece formed on a side opposite to the second engagement claw.