Abstract: An electronic system that monitors a trailer hitch assembly having a plate hitch with a throat for receiving a kingpin of a trailer and a locking mechanism for locking the kingpin within the throat. The electronic system determines whether the trailer hitch assemblies is properly coupled to the trailer, and comprises a first magnet creating a first magnetic flux, and a first Hall-effect sensor for sensing the position of the kingpin of the trailer relative to the throat of the hitch plate by measuring the first magnetic flux. The system further comprises a control circuit operably coupled with the first Hall-effect sensor in determining whether the first magnetic flux indicates a proper location of the kingpin of the trailer relative to the throat of the hitch plate. The electronic system discriminates between the kingpin and foreign materials, thereby assuring proper locking of the locking mechanism.
Abstract: A waterfall spillway is provided and has a front wall with a top portion and a bottom portion as well as a back wall substantially parallel with the front wall and having top, central, and bottom portions. A base wall is also included and connects the bottom portion of the front wall with the bottom portion of the back wall. A cavity is formed between the front wall and the back wall. A shelf extends from the top portion of the front wall, and is substantially parallel with the base wall. One or more of the side spillways may also be included.
Abstract: A combined hook and clip includes a mounting housing which can be integrated into a vehicle panel or separately provided and which includes a recess for receiving a pivoted combined hook and clip. The hook and clip includes a mounting collar, which is pivotally mounted within the housing by a pivot pin, a downwardly and inwardly projecting leg extending from the mounting collar to a base. Extending integrally upwardly and outwardly from the base is a second leg which, together with the first leg and base, defines a generally U-shaped hook. Extending downwardly from the second leg and projecting below the base is a third leg with a gripper member facing the housing for defining a clip. A bias member retains the combined hook and clip within the recess of the housing and urges the clip into a gripping position.
Abstract: A housing supports a parking brake lever assembly, including a manual lever, a brake cable tension adjustment control, and a cable coupling assembly for coupling the lever to the vehicle's parking brake cables mounted to the chassis of a vehicle during assembly. The cable coupling assembly, tension adjustment control and parking brake lever assembly are inter-coupled and mounted to the housing forming a floor console which can be snap-fitted into a vehicle quickly during assembly with the parking brake lever automatically coupled to the vehicle's parking brake cables and the tension quickly adjusted external to the console for proper tension and operation during assembly.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 5, 1997
Date of Patent:
October 26, 1999
Assignee:
Prince Corporation
Inventors:
Nels R. Smith, Scott A. Hansen, Kim L. Van Order