Abstract: A reading staff book system provides the book reader with a simple and efficient way of holding a book and maintaining it during the reading process. The system includes a “reading staff” which is rigidly secured to and extends down from a back cover of a book. The reading staff is then held by the reader, thereby permitting unimpeded access to all pages of the book. Each page can be turned without the need to physically grasp the book, providing the reader with a free hand and, importantly, allowing for an easier and more enjoyable reading experience.

Abstract: The present invention provides a printer for applying a stamp onto an official document, wherein the printer comprises an access level with an inlet for inserting the document into and removing the document from the printer, a processing level including a print head, and an inter-level document transport system for moving a document receiving platen between the access level and the processing level. The access level and the processing level are at least partly arranged on top of each other. The present invention also provides an imaging system for a printer and a method for processing an official document with a printer.

Abstract: A security feature, a document including a security feature, and a method of producing a document are provided. In one example a security document is disclosed to include a substrate having a micro-replicated lacquer applied to a first side of the substrate and a metal complex ink applied to the first side of the substrate thereby covering the micro-replicated lacquer applied to the first side of the substrate.

Abstract: A security feature, a document including a security feature, and a method of producing a document are provided. In one example a security document is disclosed to include a substrate having an imprinted lacquer applied to a first side of the substrate and a metal complex ink applied to the first side of the substrate thereby covering the imprinted lacquer applied to the first side of the substrate. The security document further includes a laser feature created in the metal complex ink.

Abstract: A security feature, a document including a security feature, and a method of producing a document are provided. In one example a security document is disclosed to include a substrate having an embossed lacquer applied to a first side of the substrate and a metal complex ink applied to the first side of the substrate thereby covering the embossed lacquer applied to the first side of the substrate. The security document further includes a laser feature created in the metal complex ink.

Abstract: The application relates to a forgery-proof object, particularly a forgery-proof label having, applied to a first main surface of the object, a multicolored imprint of at least two coloring compounds each of which comprises a different color and which, in a random manner, both at least partially run into one another and are smudged or blown together. The coloring compounds are preferably in the form of pigment droplets, and said running and smudging is brought about by a corresponding air nozzle which acts on the coloring compounds applied to the object, before they dry.

Abstract: A decal assembly applied to a finished wood floor comprising a visible layer, a clear layer adhered to the visible layer, and a floor finish layer, wherein an outer surface of the floor finish has a coefficient of friction similar to the finished wood floor. The floor finish may be water-based or oil-based and the decal assembly may include an adhesion promotion layer disposed between the clear layer and the floor finish layer. The decal assembly may also include the clear layer having a roughened outer surface. The decal may be installed on a wood floor by laminating a clear layer to a visible layer, roughening an outer surface of the clear layer and applying a floor finish to the outer surface of the clear layer after the roughening step. An adhesion promotion layer may also be applied between the clear layer and the floor finish layer.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a floor board comprises the steps of supplying a panel, printing a curable substance or surface removing substance onto the panel in a predefined pattern for creating an elevation on the panel at the pattern or removing a portion of the surface of the panel at the pattern, respectively, and curing the curable substance or removing any reaction products of the surface removing substance and the panel.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a decoration formed of an embossed envelope the internal surface of which includes at least one attachment adapted for fixing the decoration.

Abstract: The invention provides a canvas for painting or printing. More specifically, it is a pre-assembled structure which allows flat storage and transportation. It is easy to assemble and has supports with different thicknesses. It has a support for painting or printing and an integrated frame.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a lightweight wheel with high strength flexible spokes of the present invention, includes providing a rim and hub, and a plurality of lightweight, flexible and resilient spokes between the rim and hub made of fibrous material that causes the spokes to be both lighter in weight and stronger than comparable steel spokes. The wheel includes a nipple within the rim that receives the high strength spoke and allows for flexibility in adapting the spoke to wheels having differing shapes and sizes.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing tire noise may include a rim with a tire mounted thereto in a wheel; a resonance tube provided along an external circumferential surface of the rim, and configured such that a first edge portion thereof in a width direction is provided with a first flange locked to a first side wall of the rim and a second edge portion thereof in the width direction is provided with a second flange; a strap provided along the external circumferential surface of the rim to surround the second flange of the resonance tube such that the resonance tube is brought into contact with the external circumferential surface of the rim; and a protruding portion configured to protrude from the external circumferential surface of the rim to prevent the resonance tube and the strap from being moved in the width direction thereof.

Abstract: A drive line arrangement for self-propelled agricultural product applicator includes an engine connected to a remotely mounted pump arrangement by a driveshaft that passes through an axle of a frame of the applicator. The axle includes an axle tube extending transversely across the frame and defining front and rear facing surfaces of the axle tube, and a tubular-shaped tunnel fixedly attached to and extending through the axle from the front to the rear facing surfaces of the axle tube, and defining an internal opening of the tunnel for passage of the driveshaft through the tunnel. The tunnel extends beyond at least one of the front and rear facing surfaces of the axle tube to structurally reinforce the axle tube around the opening in the tunnel.

Abstract: Provided is a tire, comprising a tread surface divided into a plurality of land portions by at least one circumferential groove extending along a tire equator and tread edges, wherein at least one of the land portions divided by the at least one circumferential groove and the tread edges comprises a plurality of blocks divided by a plurality of width direction grooves; each of the blocks has a shape that protrudes from four sides toward a central portion; and each of the width direction grooves comprises a sipe portion.

Abstract: A supplemental tire tread for installation on an outer surface of a solid tire, the outer surface of the solid tire defining opposed sidewalls and a tread surface that extend between the sidewalls. The supplemental tire tread has a tread body having an outer tread surface, an inner surface, and an attachment for attaching the tread body around the tread surface of the tire. The inner surface of the tread body has tire supports with tire receiving receptacles that open away from the inner surface of the tread body and receive the solid tires when installed. The tread body has anchor receptacles that engage anchors that pierce the solid tires to support the tread body against relative rotation of the solid tire and the tread body.

Abstract: A wheel for an autonomous cleaning robot that maneuvers the robot on a floor surface includes a tire having first and second opposing outer edges and a middle portion having a tread pattern between the first and second outer edges, the tread pattern comprising a plurality of raised tread having trenches therebetween. Each of the plurality of raised tread includes a first raised tread portion extending from the first outer edge to the middle portion and substantially perpendicular to the first and second outer edges; a second raised tread portion extending at an angle away from the first raised tread portion; and a third raised tread portion extending from the second raised tread portion to the second outer edge and substantially perpendicular to the first and second outer edges, the third raised tread portion being laterally offset from the first raised tread portion.

Abstract: A tread block arrangement suitable for a tire or for a tread band for a tire. The tread block arrangement comprises a tread block that limits a first primary sipe. The first primary sipe comprises at least a first deep part and a second deep part separated from the first deep part by a first shallow part. A depth of the first deep part is at least three times a depth of the first shallow part and a depth of the second deep part is at least three times the depth of the first shallow part. The first deep part is limited in a longitudinal direction of the first primary sipe by a primary first end wall and a secondary first end wall such that a first angle between the primary first end wall and the secondary first end wall is from 1 degree to 30 degrees.

Abstract: A method for detecting a change in the rolling radius of a tire and a method for monitoring the state of the tire are based on the analysis of signals representing an actual speed of a vehicle on which the tyre is fitted and a speed of rotation of the wheel bearing the vehicle.

Abstract: A mark indicating portion arranged on a sidewall portion is provided with a reference surface provided on a surface of the sidewall portion and a mark 4 formed on the reference surface. A surface of the mark is inclined in a tire radial direction. Further, the mark is provided with a concave portion in which the surface is lower than the reference surface and a convex portion in which the surface is higher than the reference surface. The concave portion is arranged on one side in the tire radial direction and the convex portion is arranged on the other side in the tyre tire radial direction.

Abstract: The present invention concerns un rotary joint (10, 10?) apt to transfer a fluid between two entities, one of which is in rotary motion with respect to the other, said rotary joint (10, 10?) being characterised in that it comprises a cylindrical internal element (11), apt to be fixed to said entity in rotary motion, and a plurality of annular external elements (14, 15, 17, 18), which can be coupled and which are self-centering, which can be fitted modularly, said external elements (14, 15, 17, 18) comprising at least two head elements (14), at least two housing elements (15) of respective gaskets (16), two bearing elements (17) and at least one fluid inlet element (18), said at least one fluid inlet element (18) being placed in an intermediate position between said two bearing elements (17), said at least two housing elements (15) of respective gaskets (16) being arranged externally with respect to said two bearing elements (17) and said at least two head elements (14) being arranged externally with respect t

Abstract: An apparatus for use in measuring a parameter is provided that includes a pry end, a handle, and a sensor that detects a parameter imparted onto the apparatus when the handle is grasped and the pry end is between a tire and a wheel. An output member is also included that outputs the parameter received from the sensor. The handle, the sensor and the output member are part of an electronic torque wrench.

Abstract: A method for providing additional tractionability to a vehicle tire (20) for mitigating slippery road conditions such as ice and snow. The main embodiment for the main embodiment uses three cleats (26) per tire (20) and a cleat hub (28). Chain welts (32) and adjustable bungee cords (30) complete the install to form a contiguous unit gripping around the perimeter of the tire (20). All of the individual parts are lightweight for easy distribution to the tires (20) needing traction. They are easy to install. They are quick to install at roughly five minutes per tire (20). They are also both easy and quick to dismantle. Being solid bodied members, they are easy to keep clean by quickly hosing them down and they stack up for easy storage.

Abstract: A bicycle wheel comprises a rim and a valve assembly. The rim includes a radially inner wall having an inner opening and a radially outer wall having an outer opening. A first portion of the rim includes a first securing feature (e.g., inner threads). The valve assembly is positioned in the inner opening and outer opening and includes a second securing feature (e.g., outer threads) engaging the first securing feature. The rim can include a plate that defines the first engaging feature. The valve assembly preferably includes a valve stem and a resilient bumper coupled to the valve stem and aligned with a second portion of the rim. The valve assembly can further include a seal member compressed between the valve stem and the rim. Preferably, the seal member is positioned in an annular groove in an underside of an enlarged head of the valve stem.

Abstract: A universal threaded novelty mount is used to mount a threaded novelty item such as a threaded wheel light, threaded valve cap, and/or threaded figurine designed to thread onto a common American, and/or French mouth tire (tyre) valve stem.

Abstract: The invention is a system for optimizing a trailer path and a tow vehicle path. The system includes image sensors configured to capture images of a trailer and images of a path of travel both in front of and behind the trailer and tow vehicle, a weight determination system, accelerometers that sense acceleration of the tow vehicle and/or the trailer, a data input device configured to receive input data, and a processing device. The processing device includes a processor and non-volatile memory. The processor is configured to receive image data from the image sensors, receive weight data from the weight determination system, receive accelerometer data from the one or more accelerometers and receive the input data from the data input device. Additionally, the processor is configured to determine a trailer path and a tow vehicle path based on the image data, accelerometer data, and the input data.

Abstract: The invention relates to a trailer coupling for a motor vehicle, with a coupling arm (11, 111, 211), on the free longitudinal end region (12) of which a coupling body (13), in particular a coupling ball (14), for the coupling of a trailer (190) or a load carrier (290) is arranged, and the other longitudinal end region (15) of which forms a holding end (16) for holding and/or movable mounting on a supporting structure (70) of the motor vehicle (90), wherein the coupling arm has supporting straps (20, 21) which extend along a longitudinal extent of the coupling arm at a transverse distance (22) to each other between the longitudinal end regions (12, 15). It is provided that the supporting straps (20, 21) are connected to each other by a plurality of connecting struts (26-31) in the manner of a lattice structure (24) or rib structure (25).

Abstract: A leaf spring assembly resiliently supporting a wheel carrier on a vehicle body of a motor vehicle. The leaf spring assembly including first and second spring leaves and a clamp having a clamping part exerting a clamping force whereby the first and second spring leaves are held together by the clamp. A bridging part arranged between the first spring leaf and the clamping part transmits at least part of the clamping force from the clamping part to the first spring leaf bridging the second spring leaf and reducing the clamping force exerted thereon.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing energy consumption by an active suspension system for a vehicle is disclosed. The system and method includes determining whether the vehicle is in park or neutral and determining the speed of the vehicle. The active suspension system is set to a normal operating mode if the speed is greater than a predetermined speed. A throttle angle is determined if the speed is less than a predetermined speed. The active suspension system is set to a normal operating mode if the throttle angle is greater than a predetermined angle and to a power saving mode if the throttle angle is less than a predetermined angle for more than a predetermined amount of time.

Abstract: Embodiments and examples are disclosed for placement configurations of HVAC units for electric vehicles. For one embodiment, a vehicle includes a front compartment, a cabin compartment, a vehicle body, and a HVAC unit. The front compartment is at a front end of the vehicle. The cabin compartment is at a center of the vehicle to contain passengers. The body of the vehicle contains a dashwall separating the front compartment from the cabin compartment. The heat ventilation air conditioning (HVAC) unit is situated in the front compartment, separated from the cabin compartment by the dashwall, where the HVAC unit provides heat, ventilation, and air conditioning to the user in the cabin compartment.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an exterior surface, a sensor disposed on the exterior surface, a passenger cabin fixed relative to the exterior surface, a duct receiving airflow from the passenger cabin, and a valve disposed in the duct and movable between a first position directing the airflow to the sensor and a second position directing the airflow outside the vehicle.

Abstract: A refrigeration system for cooling a refrigeration compartment. The refrigeration system comprises a cooling reservoir for cooling refrigerant in a first loop using energy recovered from an engine exhaust stream and a refrigeration circuit comprising a compressor drivable by an internal combustion motor, the compressor circulating refrigerant in a second loop. The refrigeration system comprises at least one heat exchanger in communication with the first and second loops to receive cooled refrigerant, and at least one blower for forcing air over the at least one heat exchanger. A controller selectively activates the internal combustion motor based on a temperature of the cooling reservoir.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coolant circulation loop (100) for a motor vehicle comprising a heat-exchange device (120) comprising at least an evaporator (121) and a distribution element (155) controlled to configure the loop in at least a first mode in which the coolant does not pass through the evaporator and a second mode in which the coolant passes through the evaporator. According to the invention, the loop further comprises at least one thermal energy storage module (160) comprising a material capable of changing phase (163), the storage module being arranged on the passage of the fluid whether the loop is configured according to the first or the second mode.

Abstract: A refrigeration system for a vehicle is provided and includes inside and outside condenser circuits. The inside condenser circuit includes a first valve receiving a first portion of refrigerant out of a compressor, and a cabin condenser receiving and condensing the first portion from the first valve while heating an interior of a cabin. The outside condenser circuit includes: a second valve receiving a second portion of the refrigerant out of the compressor; an outside condenser receiving and compressing the second portion from the second valve; a reservoir downstream from the cabin condenser and the outside condenser receiving the first and second portions; a heat exchanger downstream from the reservoir; and a bypass valve connected in parallel with the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger and the bypass valve receive portions of the refrigerant from the reservoir. A control module controls positions of the first, second and bypass valves.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a heat pump system for a vehicle, which can independently use waste heat of an engine just as a heat source by separating a heat generation part from a heat absorption part in the heat pump system using a water-cooled condenser, and reduce a length of a loop by separating a high temperature cooling water loop. The heat pump system for a vehicle includes: a first cooling water line for circulating cooling water by connecting a vehicle driving part and a chiller with each other; a second cooling water line disposed in an air-conditioning case for circulating cooling water by connecting a heater core used for heating the interior of the vehicle and a water-cooled condenser with each other; and a valve disposed between the first cooling water line and the second cooling water line.

Abstract: An absorption heat pump device includes a heat exchange unit through which a heat exchange fluid flows, a rotor that includes a hollow rotary shaft member including a first internal flow path and discharges a solution in the first internal flow path by a centrifugal force, and an application member that moves with rotation of the rotor to apply the solution, which flows through the first internal flow path and is discharged, along a heat transfer surface of the heat exchange unit.

Abstract: There is disclosed a vehicle air conditioner device of a so-called heat pump system to accurately perform efficient and comfortable heating of a vehicle interior. The vehicle air conditioner device includes a heating medium circulating circuit 23 which heats air to be supplied from an air flow passage 3 to a vehicle interior. A controller calculates a required heating capability TGQhtr of the heating medium circulating circuit to complement a shortage of an actual heating capability Qhp to a required heating capability TGQ of a radiator 4. The controller calculates a decrease amount ?Qhp of the actual heating capability Qhp from a difference ?TXO between a refrigerant evaporation temperature TXO of an outdoor heat exchanger 7 and a refrigerant evaporation temperature TXObase in non-frosting, and adds the decrease amount ?Qhp to the required heating capability TGQhtr to execute the heating by the heating medium circulating circuit.

Abstract: A heat pump system including a compressor mounted on a refrigerant circulation line for compressing and discharging refrigerant. An internal heat exchanger is mounted inside an air-conditioning case. An evaporator is mounted inside the air-conditioning case. An external heat exchanger is mounted outside the air-conditioning case. Refrigerant discharged from the internal heat exchanger is selectively expanded between the internal heat exchanger and the external heat exchanger. Refrigerant is also expanded along the refrigerant circulation line at an inlet side of the evaporator. A coolant circulation line is configured to circulate coolant toward electronic units of the vehicle. A refrigerant-coolant heat exchanger is configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant flowing the refrigerant circulation line and the coolant circulating through the coolant circulation line.

Abstract: A refrigeration system includes a generator, a power generation engine, a refrigerator, an electric power converter, an output control unit, and a characteristic estimation unit that estimates a refrigerator characteristic of a refrigerator according to an outside air temperature and a temperature of a cooling target space. The refrigeration system includes an output calculation unit that calculates a drive output as a target drive output that optimizes an energy efficiency of the entire system based on the refrigerator characteristic estimated by the characteristic estimation unit, an engine characteristic of the power generation engine, and a generator characteristic of the generator. Further, the output control unit controls the drive output to approach the target drive output calculated by the output calculation unit.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally relate to a vehicle door glass damping system that functions like a clamp along a perimeter of a door glass when the door glass is in a closed position. The system includes an actuator assembly having a motor housing and a plunger. The assembly is configured to apply a force in the vehicle lateral direction force to a perimeter edge of the door glass. A plurality of actuator assemblies may be provided about the perimeter of the door glass at multiple locations. The actuator assembly may be a single touch location or may touch off on the whole perimeter of the door glass. When the door glass is displaced, a sealing member body within a glass run channel pivotally compresses which creates a compression seal between the sealing member body and the exterior surface of the door glass.

Abstract: A side window visor designed to attach to a vehicle window channel. The side window visor can be arranged and configured to extend over a portion of a window area for preventing inclement weather from entering the passenger cabin with the window slightly opened. A full length tab is reduced to form a plurality of tabs along the tab area of a side window visor. The plurality of tabs located on the side window visor allows the auto-up window feature to be used without causing large resistance and retraction of the window.

Abstract: A convertible door assembly includes (a) an upper door section, defining a window opening, (b) a lower door section, (c) a releasable locking feature, retaining the upper door section to the lower door section, and (d) a window. The window is displaceable between a raised position, closing the window opening and a lowered position, concealed within an internal door cavity formed in the upper door section and the lower door section.

Abstract: A vehicle cab having a moveable roof section. The movement of the roof section is based on the location of the sun relative to the vehicle cab, such that the roof section moves to act as a sun shade for the cab. The roof section is provided with a sun sensor to determine the sun location, so that the roof section can automatically move to provide an adaptive sun shade.

Abstract: A retractable roof apparatus for an autonomous hardtop vehicle is described. The apparatus includes a vehicle roof having an opening to a compartment that extends below the surface of the vehicle roof and a retractable cover assembly that encloses sensor devices. The retractable cover assembly includes a top panel having a peripheral size and shape that matches the roof opening to the compartment. The sensors include an array of cameras having a field of view of the full width of the vehicle in at least the front of the vehicle when the retractable roof cover is in the raised position. The height of the top panel in the raised position above the vehicle roof is a minimal height to accommodate the height of the cameras. When the retractable cover assembly is retracted into the compartment, the top panel is flush with the surrounding roof panel of the vehicle.

Abstract: A tonneau system comprising: (a) a plurality of tonneau sections; (b) a retraction system including: (i) a drive roller; (ii) a pulley spaced apart from the drive roller; (iii) a track extending from a location proximate to the drive roller to a location proximate to the pulley; and (iv) a line connected to the drive roller and one or more of the plurality of tonneau sections; wherein the line extends between the one or more of the plurality of tonneau sections and the driver roller when the plurality of tonneau sections are in the closed position, and the line extends from the one or more of the plurality of tonneau sections around the pulley and to the drive roller when the plurality of tonneau sections are in the stored position.

Abstract: An enclosure system for open-top vehicles is described. The enclosure system may include a top system coupleable with an open-top vehicle, the top system forming a top surface among a rear gate of the open-top vehicle, a first side of the open-top vehicle, a second side of the open-top vehicle, and a wall system, the top system, the wall system, the first side, the second side, and the rear gate of the open top-vehicle forming an enclosure. In some implementations, the top system may include top frame members, rigid surfaces, and a removable top panel. The wall system may be coupled with the top system and include a rigid wall extending between the top system and a floor of the open-top vehicle, the wall system separating the enclosure from a passenger area of the open-top vehicle.

Abstract: An integrated glassrun and bright strip assembly includes a body forming a glassrun portion of the assembly, and a bright strip mounting region extends outwardly therefrom to receive an associated bright strip. The bright strip is either a separate component or an integral portion of a support member. If a separate component, the bright strip is mechanically mounted to the integrated assembly. If the bright strip is an integral portion of the support member, a portion of the support member is exposed on a show surface of the integrated assembly.

Abstract: A protective tarp is provided that includes a laminar body adapted to cover the top of the vehicle and attach thereto. The tarp is formed by two foldable layers (3), internal and external, of flexible and airtight material, between which there exists, at least, a chamber (4) inflatable through, at least, a valve (5); in that, when it is inflated, this chamber (4), determines a 2 to 2.50 centimetres thick padded surface encompassing, at least, the area of the tarp (1) that remains in correspondence with the top part of the vehicle. The valve (5) is provided with an adaptor for the use of the bottles of pressurized CO2 gas for inflating and arranged in the area of the door of the driver of the vehicle, being provided with closing means (6) that cover it, there are magnets, when the chamber (4) is inflated, to the outline of the vehicle.

Abstract: A reinforcement structure for protection of a vehicle power source, e.g. a battery pack or a fuel cell. The reinforcement structure extends in a first, a second and a third direction (D1, D2, D3) being perpendicular to each other, wherein an extension of the reinforcement structure is at least 5 times larger in the first and second directions than in the third direction. The reinforcement structure has a tapered shape as seen in a plane spanned by the first and second directions. The present disclosure also relates to a reinforcement unit, a vehicle power source arrangement and a vehicle utilizing such reinforcement structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a structural component for a motor vehicle, comprising an at least partially hollow profiled segment, which can be connected to a motor vehicle body by means of at least two fastening elements arranged in a fastening section. The problem addressed by the invention is that of increasing the crash safety of the structural component. This problem is solved in that a reinforcing element (6) is arranged in the fastening section between a lateral impact surface (16) and the fastening elements (4), which reinforcing element extends in the longitudinal direction of the profiled segment and, in the event of an impact from the impact surface, laterally comes into contact with the fastening means at least partially by means of displacement of the fastening elements, the impact energy thus being absorbed.

Abstract: A battery system for an electric vehicle includes a first battery module with a first heater and a second battery module with a second heater. The battery system also includes a control system configured to selectively activate the first or the second heater to dissipate energy from the first or the second battery module.