Abstract: A wheel assembly includes a magneto-rheological elastomer (MRE) assembly disposed between a rim and a tire assembly. The MRE assembly may be configured to adjust a tire pressure within a chamber between the rim and the tire assembly when a magnetic field is applied to the MRE assembly.

Abstract: A mounting system for temporarily holding a device proximate to a panel while an individual works on the device, before the device is mounted to the panel, is provided. The mounting system can include a generally L-shaped bracket that has a catch tab extending from a distal end of the bracket. A panel is also included, the panel having a key hole with a catch slot. The catch tab can be passed through the key hole and engage the catch slot, thereby providing a temporary mount for a device attached to the generally L-shaped bracket.

Abstract: A cover for a container is provided in one embodiment. The cover has an upper side and an underside. The underside comes in physical contact with a container when the cover is in a closed position. A hinge pivotally secures the cover to the container. A lock is secured opposite the hinge and on the underside of the cover. The lock automatically and securely affixes the cover to the container when the cover is in the closed position. A release is positioned on the upper side of the cover to disengage the lock and releases the cover from the container. In another embodiment, the cover tilts at an angle when not fully closed, revealing a high contrast color on the upper inner sidewall of the container, providing a visible indication that the container is open.

Abstract: A passive vehicle surface preparation apparatus includes a mounting assembly and a support arm assembly having support arms pivotally connected to the mounting assembly. The vehicle preparation apparatus further includes a first wiper assembly having a stationary preparation surface for wiping the top surfaces of a vehicle. The vehicle preparation apparatus may also include vertical wiper assemblies for wiping the side panels of the vehicle.

Abstract: A system for detecting defects in paint coatings includes a temperature manipulation apparatus configured to change the temperature of a surface and a coating applied to the surface. The system may further include an infrared sensor for measuring the change in temperature (over time) of the surface and coating and a processor to compare the measured change in temperature of the surface and coating to an expected change of temperature (over time) in order to determine anomalies in the coatings. A self-referencing method of determining defects is also disclosed, wherein surrounding pixels are utilized as a reference in the detection process for calculating the change in temperature of each pixel. In addition, application of the inventive aspects to inspection of adhesion interfaces is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for detecting defects in paint coatings includes a temperature manipulation apparatus configured to change the temperature of a surface and a coating applied to the surface. The system may further include an infrared sensor for measuring the change in temperature of the surface and coating and a processor to compare the measured change in temperature of the surface and coating to an expected change of temperature in order to determine anomalies in the coatings.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adjustable hold-down assembly for securely holding heavy and/or bulky goods such as automobile seats to a shipping pallet for transportation thereof. The shipping pallet has a base and a hold-down assembly and which has a cross-bar positioned between two securing posts that are movably attached to the base. The cross-bar is configured for rotational movement relative to the base and linear movement with respect to the securing posts.

Abstract: A dolly device for loading and unloading a container which comprises a control frame that pivots among a plurality of operational positions such that the control frame facilitates the loading or unloading of the container and supports the container while being transported from location to location.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for supplying a continuous source of wire includes a base supporting at least first and second sources of wire, a wire joining apparatus adjacent the base configured to weld a first wire from the first source with a second wire from the second source and a swing arm apparatus adjacent the first and second sources of wire. The swing arm apparatus may comprise a swing arm assembly configured to position a source cover over the second source of wire upon depletion of a feed wire in the first source of wire.

Abstract: An automatic hitch may include a base, a support surface, a jaw assembly connected to the base and having engaged and disengaged positions and a biasing member associated with the jaw assembly. The biasing member may be configured to normally bias the jaw assembly toward the support surface. The automatic hitch may also include a release mechanism configured to apply upward force to the jaw assembly upon downward actuation of the release mechanism to move the jaw assembly into the disengaged position.

Abstract: A dispensing arrangement for inserting a part into a cast iron mold includes a dispenser apparatus configured to dispense a predetermined number of parts, a staging apparatus configured to position the parts in a selective orientation and a jig apparatus configured to grip and lift the parts from the staging apparatus and position the parts in a die of a mold. The apparatus may be located adjacent the mold in use.

Abstract: A wet scrubber including an acceleration cone for accelerating an airflow containing paint particles and having a curved inner wall on which water used for capturing paint particles flows downwardly, a mixing chamber for mixing the airflow and water and provided with an impingement pool on which the airflow impacts, a vortex chamber for creating a swirling flow of air and water that further aids the capture of paint particles, and a discharge volute communicating with the vortex chamber and provided with an enlarged discharge port for discharging the air and water. The wet scrubber is used in a paint spray booth, and provides the advantages of reduction in both energy consumption and noise and improvement in the efficiency of the capturing of paint particles.

Abstract: A wet scrubber including an acceleration cone for accelerating an airflow containing paint particles and having a curved inner wall on which water used for capturing paint particles flows downwardly, a mixing chamber for mixing the airflow and water and provided with an impingement pool on which the airflow impacts, a vortex chamber for creating a swirling flow of air and water that further aids the capture of paint particles, and a discharge volute communicating with the vortex chamber and provided with an enlarged discharge port for discharging the air and water. The wet scrubber is used in a paint spray booth, and provides the advantages of reduction in both energy consumption and noise and improvement in the efficiency of the capturing of paint particles.