Abstract: An actuator, especially for a vehicle protection system, comprises at least one wire (14) variable in shape depending on temperature made from a shape memory alloy and an elongate pyrotechnical element (12) connected to the shape-variable wire (14) so that upon ignition of the pyrotechnical element (12) the wire (14) is heated and experiences a change of length. The vehicle protection system is, for example, an airbag system comprising an airbag and a regulating mechanism for the internal airbag pressure, wherein the wire (14) of the actuator (10) is connected to the regulating mechanism so that a change of shape of the wire (14) exerts a force on the regulating mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the securing of a garnish in a vehicle. The garnish is disposed over the airbag and secures to one or more apertures in the vehicle. The garnish includes a cover, which hides the airbag before it is deployed. A tether is attached to the cover. The tether extends from the cover, and includes a flexible securing portion which is received in the vehicle aperture. When the airbag deploys, the garnish is displaced. Displacement of the garnish, and deployment of the airbag, is enabled by the flexible securing portion, which deforms in response to the airbag, thereby allowing deployment while maintaining attachment of the cover to the vehicle.

Abstract: A trailer and method of manufacturing a trailer are provided. The trailer has a storage vessel which may include hoppers and which is partially formed from a plurality of top wall segments having peaks. The peaks or other components may be angled relative to one another to provide improved aerodynamics. A jig is provided to facilitate the manufacturing process.

Abstract: A reversible notebook combines the features of accordion-folded pages and unique string binding. The accordion-folded pages allow for the continuous presentation of text or images with no area lost to bound margins. This is ideal for small presentations such as a portfolio of business cards. As another advantage, the notebook has uniform thickness rather than being thicker at one spine than the other. The string binding allows the notebook to be opened at either spine while the other spine remains secured closed. In conjunction with the accordion fold, this allows for presentation of two different sequences of content. The notebook may be large enough to use as a journal or album. For larger implementations, magnets or locks may be used to further secure one or both spines.

Abstract: A spiral notebook repair strip includes a substrate having a first side and second side having a latent pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) thereon. The substrate includes at least a pair of cut openings extending from an edge of the substrate inwardly and each terminate in a separate aperture for receiving a portion of a wire binder of the spiral notebook.

Abstract: A book format, and methods to create such books, where the first story page on one of the leaves of the book and a second story page on an adjacent leaf are in diametric contraposition to each other. The first set of first story pages carries an illustration of a portion of a story with each successive first story page carrying another illustration of another portion of the story, so that the set of first story pages taken together illustrate substantially the entire story. The second story pages carry mirror images of the illustrations on their corresponding first story pages. The pages are disposed so that the audience sees the first story pages and their respective illustrations while the storyteller or reader sees the second story pages, optionally with text, and the mirror images of the illustrations corresponding to the first story pages viewed by the audience.

Abstract: An assembly adapted for use as a polymer bank note with optical-based security features. The apparatus includes a planar substrate formed of a thin layer or sheet of transparent polymer such as a polypropylene. The apparatus includes an image stack (e.g., multiple layers of ink and other materials) applied to a first side of the planar substrate. An optical security assembly is provided that includes an array of lenses on the first side of the planar substrate that extends on the first side adjacent to the image stack. The optical security assembly includes an image element, such as interlaced images, on a second side of the planar substrate opposite the lens array. The lenses are each configured to have a focal length corresponding to the thickness of the planar substrate and to focus at the second side upon a portion of the image element to provide “in-substrate focusing.

Abstract: A clamp assembly for temporarily applying compressive force to a flange connection assembly, such as a bolted pipe flange. Frame members are pivotally attached to interconnecting linkage members to form an elongate assembly having joinable ends. When installed around the circumference of a flange connection assembly, interchangeable cuff members removably attached to the frame members apply compressive forces to a flange connection assembly in order to facilitate a fluid-pressure seal.

Abstract: Couplings for use with mating couplings with locking rings are disclosed. A stem coupling may have a coupling head configured to attach with a head portion of the mating coupling, a stem mated to the coupling head where the stem has a threaded portion on an outer surface, and a retractable locking sleeve positioned on a portion of the coupling head. The retractable locking sleeve may have a locked position and an unlocked position for preventing and permitting the coupling head to attach to or_detach from the mating coupling. The stem coupling includes a stem locking ring having a first position preventing axial movement of the locking sleeve and a second position permitting axial movement of the locking sleeve. The stem locking ring may also include at least one of a color and indicia to alert a user to a type of media for which the stem coupling is intended.

Abstract: A threaded joint for a steel pipe includes a pin and a box each of which is provided with a contact surface that includes an unthreaded metal contact portion having a seal portion and a threaded portion. This threaded joint includes an ultraviolet ray-curable resin coating film that is formed on the contact surface of at least one of the pin and the box; and an acrylic silicone resin coating film that is formed on at least a portion of a surface of the ultraviolet ray-curable resin coating film.

Abstract: A joint for a double wall tube assembly includes an adapter having an inner wall and an outer wall connected by a web, and a flange extending from the outer wall. The inner wall is configured to receive an inner tube of a double wall tube assembly. The outer wall is configured to be connected to an outer tube of the double wall tube assembly.

Abstract: A barbed hose end fitting apparatus for a PTFE core hose sealing couples a PTFE core hose to a fluid component. The fitting apparatus includes a fitting carrying a first barb for sealing insertion of one end of a PTFE hose forced over the first barb. An opposite end of the fitting includes threads to couple the fitting to another fluid component. A gripping surface formed of hex flats can be disposed intermediate between the ends of the body to facilitate coupling and uncoupling of the fitting to another component.

Abstract: Devices and methods for reversibly securing first and second component subs of submersible well pump assembly. First and second component subs are provided with connection end portions which are placed into a sealed abutting relation. A connecting collar is threaded onto the first component sub. A locking groove on the first component sub receives a locking dog therein.

Abstract: An electrical control and power supply system for at least one helicopter motor/generator, the system including a first DC/AC converter selectively delivering AC electrical power to the at least one motor/generator, depending on respective positions of contactors of a connection matrix actuated from an electronic control circuit, the first DC/AC converter powered with DC by a DC power supply device that includes either a circuit for rectifying an AC voltage delivered via a contactor by a starter/generator of an APU, or a voltage booster DC/DC converter powered from a battery via a contactor. The connection matrix further includes a contactor connecting the first DC/AC converter in parallel with the second DC/AC converter to make it possible, once at least one of the motors/generators has started, to inject additional power from the starter/generator of the APU.

Abstract: A wind turbine is provided having a first converter connected between an electric generator of the wind turbine and a DC link and a second converter connected between the DC link and an output of the wind turbine connectable to a utility grid. The wind turbine further includes a wind turbine controller adapted to control at least one of an output current of the wind turbine, an output voltage of the wind turbine, a reactive output power of the wind turbine, an output voltage of the DC link and an output current of the DC link. The wind turbine further includes a communication device adapted to receive a control signal and to set a control parameter of the wind turbine controller in accordance with the control signal. A network converter, method of operating a wind turbine, methods of operating a wind park and computer-readable storage medium are also provided.

Abstract: An airborne wind energy conversion system with a ground generator and unorthodox power capture or transfer means, including such embodiments as: a system with an ultra-long flexible wing, which serves both for power harvesting and power transfer; a system with a tethered wing, the tether having an airfoil cross section in at least a substantial part of its length and participating in power harvesting; a system with a very long semi-circular wing, harvesting and transferring wind power by its helical motion; a system in which a conventional wing both harvests wind power and excites waves in the tether, the waves transferring the power.

Abstract: A regenerative electricity system that can be installed in an electric vehicle to recharge the batteries with the movement of the vehicle while it is driven.

Abstract: Transverse and longitudinal wave energy is transformed into useful mechanical energy. The basic unit is composed of a linkage body with a socket located at each end. A main bevel gear inserted into each socket engages with a bevel gear attached to a transverse power shaft. A one way clutch permits the bevel gear to move in one direction. A number of these units can be connected end on end to magnify the mechanical energy transformed from wave energy. The terminus of the transverse power shaft is connected to the rotor of an electrical generator. As the linkage bodies interact with the force of the waves, the transverse power shaft is rotated which then causes the rotor of the electric generator to spin creating electricity.

Abstract: A system for harvesting, storing, and generating energy includes a subsurface structure supporting machinery to convert received energy into potential energy, store that potential energy, and at a later time convert that potential energy into electrical energy. The system includes one or more buoyant chambers that support the subsurface structure and are maintained with an internal that is approximately equal to the ambient pressure at their deployed depth. The system is anchored to the seafloor with one or more mo lines. Suspended from the subsurface structure are one or more weights that are hoisted up or lowered down by one or more winches The one or more winches comprise a spooling drum, and one or more motors and/or one or more generators or one or more motor/generators.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gravity based energy conversion system. The gravity based energy conversion system includes a circular pulley, a first container, a second container, a rotational energy conversion unit, and an electric energy generation unit. The first container and the second container are suspended on either sides of the circular member using a connecting member. According to the present invention, weight of the first container and the second container is altered to obtain continuous ascending and descending movements of the first container and the second container. The ascending and descending movements of the first container and the second container generates a bi-directional circular motion at the circular member. The rotational energy conversion unit converts the bi-directional circular motion of the circular member into a unidirectional rotational movement.

Abstract: Disclosed is a glove box for an automobile. The glove box for an automobile includes a glove box door which is open/closed; a first lock rod including an end protruding to a side of the glove box door in the glove box door to lock the side of the glove box door; and a second lock rod including an end protruding to an opposite side of the glove box door in the glove box door to lock the opposite side of the glove box door.

Abstract: A glove box for a vehicle according to the present invention includes: a push rod housing which is fixed to a glove box door; a push rod which is slidably disposed in the push rod housing in order to lock or unlock the glove box door; and a guide rod which is coupled to the push rod, and moved along an outer surface of the push rod housing when the push rod slides, such that when a user presses the knob, the knob is operated without rattling.

Abstract: An electric lock for doors has a housing with an opening, including a first catch and a second catch, an overlap formed by which enables the operation of the present invention. A blocking element connected to a driving device is displaced between an opening position and a closing position whereby the blocking element would stop the first catch from turning when being in the closing position, therefore controlling the turning of the second catch, rendering the opening a locked status and locking up the latch; when the blocking element is in the opening position, the blocking against the first catch would be eliminated, therefore turning the second catch together and rendering the opening an unlocked status, allowing the latch to be unlocked.

Abstract: A safety bolt device comprising: a drop down bolt, the drop down bolt comprising: a cross-member; a first vertical pin attached to a first end of the cross-member; a second vertical pin attached to a second end of the cross-member, the second vertical pin parallel to the first vertical pin, and a fixed distance from the first vertical pin; a door receiver configured to receive the first vertical pin, the door receiver comprising: a bolt; a bolt vertical pin hole located on the bolt, the bolt vertical pin hole being a through hole, and the bolt vertical pin hole oriented generally perpendicular to the length of the bolt, and the bolt vertical pin hole configured to accept the first vertical pin; a jamb receiver configured to receive the second vertical pin, the jamb receiver comprising: a pin; a pin vertical pin hole located on the pin, the pin vertical pin hole being a through hole, and the pin vertical pin hole oriented generally perpendicular to the length of the pin, and the pin vertical pin hole configure

Abstract: An anti-ligature handle and escutcheon for operating a lock. The handle and escutcheon are smoothly curved in all directions to eliminate hanging points and prevent suicide by preventing the attachment of a ligature to the handle or escutcheon. The handle is curved to allow fingers to be inserted behind the handle to pull on the handle. The handle is attached to a handle plate that slides behind an escutcheon plate portion of the escutcheon. Multiple ligature traps in the form of an inverted “V” are positioned in parallel offset rows between the handle plate and the escutcheon plate to prevent the insertion of a ligature around the handle and handle plate.

Abstract: A flipping hook apparatus for allowing a user to reduce the number of cooking utensils needed for a given job, eliminating food dropping, moving a user's hand further away from a heating element while manipulating food, minimizing arm and wrist twisting while manipulating food, and more safely lower food onto cooking surfaces. The flipping hook apparatus comprises a hook member having an elongated shaft and a hook portion permanently attached to an elongated handle. The hook portion is defined by a 90 degree bend in the elongated shaft, followed by a 1 inch diameter roll in a 150 to 160 degree angle. It is contemplated that the hook member is constructed out of stainless steel and the handle is constructed out of wood having up to three coats of polyurethane so as to seal and protect the wood.

Abstract: A lifting hook includes a hook body with a hook stem; a tip; a safety latch with a fastening end and a free latch end, the fastening end being pivotally fastened close to the stem for movement between an open and a closed position, the safety latch being in the open position substantially against the inside of the hook body in a position that leaves the hook jaw open while in a closed position the latch end extends across the hook jaw to the tip of the hook, closing the jaw from the inside; and an actuator of the safety latch arranged between the safety latch and the hook stem, the actuator of the safety latch including delay mechanism configured to return the safety latch from the open position to the closed position in a delayed manner. A safety latch of a lifting hook is also provided.

Abstract: An adapter for a dielectric hot stick, the hot stick having a hook, the hook being movable along an axis of travel that includes a retracted position where the hook is within an axial passage in the hot stick, and an extended position where the hook is extended past a work end of the hot stick, the adapter comprising: a frame with a hot stick seat shaped to be mounted on the work end of the hot stick, the frame defining a lever passage positioned to at least partially align with the axial passage in use; and a lever assembly pivotally connected to the frame, the lever assembly having a first end with a connector for the hook and being at least partially within the lever passage, and the lever assembly having a second end defining or connected to a tool part to move the tool part relative to the frame to carry out a function when the hook moves along the axis of travel.

Abstract: An end effector for the packaging industry comprises has a frame, a bridge on top of the frame, a rack and pinion assembly, actuation rods, carrier assemblies, and vacuum ports. The rack and pinion assembly is configured to be operatively connected to a robot's rotatable shaft, and to the actuation rods. The actuation rods are fixedly connected to one or more of the carrier assemblies. As the robot's shaft rotates, the rack and pinion assembly is actuated, which actuates the actuation rods, which causes the carrier assemblies fixedly connected to the actuation rods to move longitudinally along the frame. Each carrier assembly includes a carrier block and at least one pick-up member. Each carrier block has at least one arm with a grabber to cooperate with an adjacent arm with grabbers of an adjacent carrier block(s) of the same subgroup.

Abstract: A rail wheel with a wheel body and wheel brake discs connected thereto with fastening elements on both sides is designed in such a way that at least in the respective contact regions of the wheel brake discs a mechanically and thermally highly resilient intermediate layer is arranged on the wheel body

Abstract: An acoustic spray foam control system and method for a vehicle includes an acoustic spray foam control baffle, a wedge member and acoustic spray foam. The acoustic spray foam control baffle is mounted within a cavity defined in a vehicle body of the vehicle. The acoustic spray foam control baffle has a tapered recess portion defining a tapered recess. The wedge member is complementarily received in the tapered recess of the tapered recess portion of the acoustic spray foam control baffle for applying force against the tapered recess portion to set the acoustic spray foam control baffle within the cavity. The acoustic spray foam is injected into the cavity on one side of the acoustic spray foam control baffle and contained thereby.

Abstract: A decoration part includes a base member having a front-side surface and an outer peripheral end portion, a skin covering the front-side surface of the base member, and a holding member mounted to the front-side surface of the base member and arranged on a rear-surface side of the skin. The skin has a stitch line formed with a thread, and a part of the stitch line is arranged in the outer peripheral end portion. The holding member holds the thread with which the skin and the holding member are sewed and has a linear shape extending along the stitch line. The holding member has a mount portion mounted to a holding member mount portion of the base member and a stitch portion that is sewed with the thread. The holding member has the stitch portion closer to an outer peripheral end of the base member than the mount portion.

Abstract: A method for a two person rescue team to rescue an incapacitated person from a hazardous environment includes a wheeled platform with a contoured recess shaped to accommodate an air pack. The platform is sufficiently low to the ground so that a transported person, as well as the rescue personnel can be kept below the heat in an inflamed building. The platform straddles a water hose which is used as an escape path by the rescue team to extract the incapacitated person.

Abstract: A center console has a basic support on which functional parts and trim parts are attachable. In order to provide a center console having a basic support which is of simple construction and/or is manufacturable in a cost-effective manner, the basic support (3), in a front region (5), is formed from a plastic material and, in a rear region (6), is formed from a metallic material.

Abstract: A storage compartment apparatus for a door of a vehicle includes an elongated body that extends along an axis. The elongated body includes impact-absorbing elements arranged along the axis and an axially elongated storage compartment opening at an axial end and coextending with the impact-absorbing elements along the axis.

Abstract: An apparatus for assisting opening/closing of a gate for a truck may include a housing mounted onto a lower side of the floor panel, a lifter having a first end pivotally coupled to the floor, wherein the lifter generates elastic repulsive force when being compressed while a length of the lifter is decreased, a first arm having a first end pivotally connected to a second end of the lifter, a second arm having a first end pivotally mounted on the housing and a second end pivotally connected to a second end of the first arm, and a third arm having a first end pivotally connected to a third end of the second arm and a second end pivotally connected to the gate, wherein when the gate rotates downwardly and is opened, the first arm, the second arm, and the third arm are moved to compress the lifter.

Abstract: A two-wheeled vehicle includes a frame, a plurality of ground-engaging members for supporting the frame, and an engine supported by the frame and operably coupled to the ground-engaging members. Additionally, the two-wheeled vehicle includes an upper and lower fairing assembly that cooperate together to define wind flow around the vehicle. Vents and deflectors are controllable to regulate the airflow to the rider. A vehicle control unit is operable to control the heated grips and the cruise control. A trunk is provided for mounting to the motorcycle and is electrically coupled to a harness running beneath the seat. The vehicle is further profiled to receive a hand held GMRS handset and smart phone.

Abstract: A vehicle has a load-carrying structure limited by end and side walls and open at the top. A cover system covers the load-carrying structure in a closed position, and uncovers it in an open position. The cover system has at least one roof segment, swiveled between the closed position and the open position using at least one swivel mechanism having at least one drive shaft, with the roof segment being rigidly attached to the drive shaft. A drive turns the drive shaft, which is rotatably secured to at least two swivel levers that are able to be swiveled on a shared swivel axis, thus moving the drive axis between its position on the upper longitudinal edge of one of the two side walls and a position that is laterally spaced from the side wall, and aligning the shared swivel axis with the upper longitudinal edge of the side walls.

Abstract: An enclosure assembly enabling the selective covering of an area such as the bed of a pickup truck. The assembly includes a plurality of extendable collapsible cover section interconnected by an actuation system. The actuation system enables the rear cover section of the assembly to be pivoted to a collapsed or extended position by a pivoting structure having unique cam and leverage characteristics. The entire assembly can be selectively power operated or locked into position using a clutch mechanism associated with the actuation system. The actuation system can be powered by an electric motor or by a hand crank operating through bevel gears in case of a system failure.

Abstract: A tonneau cover system for a cargo box of a pickup truck including a cover member positionable generally over the cargo box of the pickup truck and a locking spring clamp assembly. The locking spring assembly having: a linkage member coupled to the cover member at a connection location along the linkage member; and a latch housing slidably coupled to the linkage member. The latch housing includes an engaging member engaging the cargo box of the pickup truck in a latched position. A first biasing member urges the latch housing into the latched position. A locking feature releasably couples the linkage member and the latch housing into a locked position, such that a distance between the connection location and the engaging member is generally constant in the latched position and generally maintained by the locking feature in a locked position.

Abstract: A composite soft top assembly having a convertible roof portion that provides an open air feel with a soft, flexible outer layer. The composite soft top assembly further includes soft sides with hard glass or hard polymer materials connected to a frame, which is connected to the soft sides of the assembly. Additionally, the rear window has a removable horseshoe frame structure about which the hard rear window is connected with hinges to allow for the rear window to pivot about at least one hinge between an open and closed position. Additionally, the rear window can have a wiper or electronic wire mounts for a center high mount stop lamp. Additionally, the horseshoe frame structure allows for the connection of other electrical components such as a rear defrost system.

Abstract: A door frame for a vehicle for ensuring aesthetic features of the vehicle, reducing the production cost, and minimizing the entire weight may be coupled with a bright molding providing for improving aesthetic features of a vehicle and a door glass run guiding open/close of a door glass. The door frame may include: one outer frame at which the bright molding is mounted; and one inner frame disposed at an internal side compared with the outer frame, coupled with the outer frame. The door glass run may be interposed and coupled between a glass run supporting portion formed at the bright molding and a glass run contact portion formed at the outer frame, and the bright molding may be directly mounted to the outer frame without an additional member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a door frame for a vehicle that may be coupled with a bright molding provided for improving aesthetic features of the vehicle. The door frame may include an outer frame at which the bright molding is mounted and an inner frame. The outer frame may be disposed to an external side of the vehicle and have a shape in accord with a shape of the bright molding. The inner frame may be disposed at an internal side of the vehicle with respect to the outer frame and have a shape in accord with the shape of the outer frame. The shapes of the bright molding and the outer frame may be formed such that the bright molding is directly mounted to the outer frame without aid from any additional coupling member.

Abstract: A door frame for a vehicle may include an outer frame disposed at an external side of the vehicle, and an inner frame disposed at an internal side of the vehicle compared with the outer frame and having a shape in accord with a shape of the outer frame. The outer frame and a bright molding provided for improving aesthetic features of the vehicle may be configured such that the bright molding is able to be directly mounted to the outer frame.

Abstract: An apparatus turns a front wheel of a vehicle inward during an offset frontal impact. The apparatus includes a first frame rail and a second frame rail spaced from each other. A bumper is supported by the first and second frame rails. A beam extends between and engages the first and second frame rails. The beam includes an extension extending from the first frame rail away from the second frame rail to a first end spaced from the first frame rail for being positioned forward of the front wheel and for being forced into the front wheel during the offset frontal impact.

Abstract: A vehicle with a driver's cab including a driver unit with a vertically suspended floor structure and a vehicle steering control, a vehicle speed control and a driver's seat. The cab is provided with a deformation zone behind the driver unit for absorbing force in case of a frontal collision. A horizontal beam belonging to the cab frame structure is positioned in front of the driver unit. An arrangement for positively locking the beam to the driver unit is provided in case a frontal collision causes the beam to contact the driver unit.

Abstract: A turning working vehicle is provided with a monitor arrangement structure where a driver's seat is arranged on an operation part disposed on a turning body, and a working part manipulation lever which manipulates a working part and a monitor which displays various information are disposed on either one of left and right sides of the driver's seat. The monitor is arranged in an upright state outside and in front of the working part manipulation lever, and a display screen of the monitor is directed toward a viewpoint side of an operator seated on the driver's seat and performing manipulation while viewing a front side. An outer manipulation lever is arranged in an upright state behind the monitor thus allowing the operator to view the display screen of the monitor between the outer manipulation lever and the working part manipulation lever within a field of vision of the operator.

Abstract: A cargo management system including a vehicle load floor having a cellulose-based core to compartmentalize a cargo area of the vehicle into an upper compartment and a covered lower compartment is provided. The floor has a wood grain finish. The load floor includes a compression-molded composite panel that includes first and second outer layers of fiber-reinforced thermoplastic material, first and second sheets of thermoplastic adhesive and a core of cellulose-based material and positioned between the outer layers. The core has a large number of cavities. The outer layers are bonded to the core by the first and second sheets and by press molding. The first outer layer having a top surface on which a multi-layer sheet is bonded by the press molding. The multi-layer sheet has a substantially planar upper support surface to support cargo in the upper compartment and to provide the load floor with the wood grain finish.

Abstract: A cargo management system including an automotive vehicle seat having a backrest which separates the vehicle interior into a passenger area at the front of the vehicle and a cargo area at the rear of the vehicle is provided. The system includes a vehicle load floor which includes first and second outer layers and a core of cellulose-based material positioned between the outer layers and having a large number of cavities. The outer layers of the load floor are bonded to the core by press molding. The load floor has a wood grain finish. A compression-molded, composite cargo trim panel is secured to the backrest and includes a base layer and a coverstock sheet bonded to the base layer by press molding. The coverstock sheet provides the trim panel with a wood grain finish in an upper compartment of the cargo area.

Abstract: A cargo management system including a vehicle load floor and a pair of opposing cargo trim panels supported above the load floor at opposite sides of the load floor within the interior of the vehicle is provided. The load floor has a wood grain finish. The load floor includes a first outer layer, a second outer layer and a core of cellulose-based material positioned between the outer layers and having a large number of cavities. The outer layers are bonded to the core by press molding. The trim panels are compression-molded, composite cargo trim panels supported above the vehicle load floor at opposite sides of the load floor. Each panel includes a base layer and a coverstock sheet bonded to the base layer by press molding. Each coverstock sheet provides its respective trim panel with a wood grain finish.