Abstract: A motor vehicle main chassis includes left and right main frame rails having extending along opposite lateral sides of the chassis. An extended rear frame member having left and right rear frame rails is disposed below and attached to the main frame rails, the rear frame rails extending horizontally in a plane situated below and parallel to the main frame rails. Left and right intermediate spacer rails are attached, respectively, to a bottom surface of the left and right main frame rails and extend rearwardly of the main frame rails. The left and right rear frame rails may be attached, respectively, to a bottom surface of said left and right intermediate spacer rails and extend rearwardly therefrom.

Abstract: A grille shelter includes a housing comprising a rear wall, a first side wall and a second side wall. A roof member is pivotally connected to a top edge of the housing and at least one pivoting panel is connected to one of the first side wall and second side wall. The pivoting panels are moveable between a first (open) position, wherein a user can access the grille within the shelter, and a second (closed) position, wherein the shelter conceals a grille contained therein. The roof member is also moveable between a first and second position. The grille shelter is configured to allow use of the grille while the grille remains positioned within the grille shelter and may optionally include a floor platform and other accessories to assist the user.

Abstract: A pallet is formed of two or more sections formed of plastic materials. The sections are adjustably fixed together using elongated connectors dimensioned to fit closely in channels with each of the connectors extending between a channel of one section and a channel of an adjoining section. The sections and the connectors are adjustably secured together by mechanical fasteners. Spaced apertures are provided through each of the channels and similarly spaced apertures are provided through each of the connectors whereby the dimensions of the pallet are adjustable. Pallets are provided that can be nested in an inverted orientation without increasing the thickness of the inverted pair greater than the thickness of a single pallet.

Abstract: A cradle assembly for aerial ladders (or booms) includes an assembly for rotatably and pivotally supporting an aerial ladder or boom, a first pair of upwardly extending parallel support flanges and a second pair of upwardly extending parallel support flanges extending upwardly from the surface of said turntable, the second pair of flanges extending to a substantially lesser elevation than said first pair of flanges; a cradle formed by a pair of parallel cradle arms laterally spaced to support a base end of said ladder or boom therebetween and at least one cross member connecting said arms, each of said arms having an end pivotally connected to a flange of said first pair of flanges; a hydraulic cylinder pivotally (which may be dual acting) attached to each of said cradle arms at a point spaced away from said first pair of flanges and an extendable-retractable rod projecting from each hydraulic cylinder and having an outer end pivotally attached to a flange of said second pair of flanges.

Abstract: An aerial ladder roller assembly to improve the function of the ladder during extension and retraction of sections of a multiple-section aerial ladder. One embodiment has a plurality of aligned apertures for rotatably mounting and a roller that is rotatably mounted in a housing. The housing has a roller pad and an aperture through which a roller extends. The housing is adapted for pivotal mounting at a point approximately central to the length of the axis. A roller is rotatably mounted in the housing on each side of the pivotal mounting point. A pair of rollers is rotatably mounted in the housing on each side of the pivotal mounting point. Also provided is a multiple-section ladder, having at least two nested sections with a housing having at least one roller is rotatably and pivotally mounted extending through an aperture. The slide plate of the second section juxtaposes the roller assembly.

Abstract: A cam lock device for flexible ropes, cords or similar elongated materials has a pivotable cam element with a convexly curved, preferably knurled periphery and an eccentrically located pivot point supporting it on a base. A stationary cam surface integral with the base faces the cam element and includes at least one curved surface projecting towards the cam element for wedging the elongated material between the cam element and the stationary cam surface. A retaining edge above the stationary cam surface is spaced from the base a sufficient distance to allow pivoting of the cam element in a channel between the base and the edge. A pivot pin through the pivot point is supported on opposite ends thus stably supporting the cam element.

Abstract: A method and system to improve efficiency and performance of a power supply by providing a consistent voltage level into a multiple-pole circuit breaker (10) to improve efficiency, reduce heat generation and increase the speed and consistency of “turn-on” times. A power supply (14) for changing waveform comprises circuitry for receiving at least one waveform having first and second components. Circuitry is provided for changing the first component and means for outputting a waveform comprising the outputs from the changing circuitry are also provided.

Abstract: A bus assembly for switchgear includes a pair of elongated members each of an L-shaped cross section with a lateral side and a transverse side integral with the lateral side. The elongated members are positioned in a juxtaposed spaced apart relationship forming a hollow rectangular tube wherein the lateral sides are generally parallel to each other and the transverse sides are generally parallel to each other. Support members connected to the lateral sides may be U-shaped components engaging lateral exterior sides of the elongated members and may be connected to an element having flange which extends from the bases of the U-shaped components for connection to a horizontal bus bar. A connecting device may be provided with separated extending legs adapted for attachment to components of a laminated horizontal bus member.

Abstract: Methods and systems for efficient and effective distribution of system management messages between customer and service provider sites are provided. Customer sites each recognize characteristics of the content of messages distributed by the system and receive only messages relevant to the customer site. System dynamic changes are adapted to such as inter-site communication link interruption or congestion and providing seamless automated information technologies operations during these system dynamic changes. Automated management services are only postponed until such communication link can be restored. Two illustrative embodiments are provided. In one embodiment, system management resides at the service provider site with local system management backup at the customer site. In a second embodiment, system management resides at both the service provider site and customer site.

Abstract: This invention is a flow measurement device that has high spatial (less than 1.0×1.0 mm2) and temporal resolution (greater than 10 s to 100 s kHz) to measure flow properties in unsteady and direction-reversing conditions. The present invention can have an oscillating substrate, hot wire prongs, a hot wire attached to the hot wire prong, sensor leads from the prongs to a constant temperature anemometry circuit (CTA), means for the oscillating substrate to oscillate the substrate at a frequency greater than a characteristic cycle frequency of the flow to be measured, at a frequency less than a CTA bandwidth frequency, and such that a frequency and amplitude (Aw) of oscillation are sufficiently large to be detected, and means to obtain two measurements during an oscillation cycle when the hot wire is at its maximum oscillation velocity. Alternatively, the prongs can be eliminated and a hot wire or hot film can be directly applied to the oscillating substrate.

Abstract: The invention is a reusable scent lure dispenser. One embodiment can be made of a variety of materials, large enough to throw, comprising two hemispherical body members, each having a planar flange extending along and attached to their outer periphery, a releasable means to couple the body members by their flanges, and a means along the flanges' outer peripheries to form an airtight seal against one another, one body member also having scent openings on its flange within the means to form an airtight seal, and can include a scent carrier disposed within the interior of one of the body members. The lure dispenser can be colored for various appropriate applications. Reflective material may be attached to the exposed surfaces of the hemispherical body members to allow easy retrieval at night. A tab with a mounting hole can allow easy hanging, such as in a tree.

Abstract: An assist device for facilitating bedding changes on a mattress includes an inflatable pneumatic bladder adapted to be positioned under a mattress. The bladder has a length and width somewhat less than those of the mattress. The pneumatic bladder is enclosed and is provided with an opening which is in fluid flow communication with a source of compressed gas, preferably a compressor. A switch is provided for controllably activating flow of compressed gas from the source into the bladder. The bladder may be configured with recessed sections so that the volume of air or other gas required to inflate said bladder is minimized. An opening to enable escape of compressed gas from the bladder may be provided in the compressor or may be valve extending through a surface of the bladder.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system to use feedback control algorithms to monitor and dynamically modify front and rear braking torque to initiate braking based on driver demand, initially favoring regenerative braking more than conventional braking balance would indicate while monitoring and maintaining vehicle controllability factors such as oversteer and understeer. A simple proportional-integral-derivative feedback controller can be used. Vehicle sensors for wheel speed, lateral acceleration, yaw rate, and brake position can provide input to the controller to monitor vehicle conditions and to activate non-regenerative and regenerative braking in varying proportions based on at least one actual vehicle controllability value and predetermined target value for controllability and optimization of energy recovery. Controllability factors can include predetermined longitudinal wheel slip ratios or a comparison of tire slip angle or yaw rate to a target value.

Abstract: A control strategy for a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) to meet driver expectation for hill holding or creep capability found in conventional automobiles with an automatic transmission. The strategy is activated when the PRNDL is in drive or low-drive position and no accelerator applied. Alternatively, the strategy can also require no brake being applied as well. The strategy can use the traction motor, generator motor or engine to achieve creep or hill holding. The engine is used when the traction motor temperature exceeds a predefined value or the engine is already running. If the engine is not running, the strategy can determine when to start it and regulate the amount of engine torque needed to hold the vehicle on the hill using the generator motor. The strategy maintains efficient engine usage and minimizes battery usage and loss.