Abstract: Systems and methods for deploying emergency roadside signaling devices are disclosed. In one aspect, a control system for an object placing device of an autonomous vehicle includes a processor, and a computer-readable memory in communication with the processor and having stored thereon computer-executable instructions to cause the processor to: receive a signal comprising instructions to activate the object placing device; and provide instructions to the object placing device to place a plurality of signaling devices in accordance with predetermined criteria.

Abstract: Systems and methods for deploying emergency roadside signaling devices are disclosed. In one aspect, system for an autonomous vehicle includes one or more signaling devices configured to visually notify other vehicles when placed on or near a roadway, and an object placing device configured to place the one or more signaling devices. The system further includes a processor and a computer-readable memory in communication with the processor and having stored thereon computer-executable instructions to cause the processor to: determine that the autonomous vehicle has experienced a malfunction, and provide instructions to the object placing device to place the one or more signaling devices on or near the roadway.

Abstract: Systems and methods for deploying emergency roadside signaling devices are disclosed. In one aspect, a control system for an object placing device of an autonomous vehicle includes a processor, and a computer-readable memory in communication with the processor and having stored thereon computer-executable instructions to cause the processor to: receive a signal comprising instructions to activate the object placing device; and provide instructions to the object placing device to place a plurality of signaling devices in accordance with predetermined criteria.

Abstract: A ball assembly is intended to be mounted on a stem of a tow vehicle, and to be used in conjunction with a hitch portion of a trailer hitch assembly. The ball assembly, generally, includes a body member which is substantially spherical in shape, the body member having a partial bore formed substantially vertically therein for receiving a stem of a towing vehicle therein, the body member further having first and second transverse registering apertures formed therethrough. The ball assembly also includes a locking pin which is slidably movable in the registering apertures of the body member, and structure for connecting the pin to the body member. In a preferred embodiment, the connecting structure includes an enlarged shoulder portion on the pin, and a stop member disposed in the first transverse aperture of the body member, the stop member preventing the shoulder portion from moving therepast.

Abstract: A process for the production of an alkyl salicylic acid in which the alkyl substituent has at least 6 carbon atoms is disclosed, comprising reacting salicylic acid with an olefin having at least 6 carbon atoms at elevated temperature in the presence of sulphuric acid as a catalyst. Lubricating oil additives comprising a metal salt of such alkylated salicylic acids and a process for making them are also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for locating distal locking holes in an implanted intramedullary rod is disclosed. An insert member having at least one high-energy permanent magnet carried with its poles along an axis transverse to a longitudinal axis of the insert member at a distal end thereof is disclosed. The insert member is inserted into an implanted intramedullary rod and aligned so that the poles of the high-energy permanent magnet(s) are aligned with an axis of the distal locking hole(s) of the implanted intramedullary rod. A detector magnet, also constructed from a high-energy magnetic material, is utilized to find the location of the distal locking hole axis by means of attraction to the inserted high-energy magnet. It has been found that by using a high-energy magnetic material such as neodymium, a high force of attraction can exist exterior of the bone to locate the axis.

Abstract: The present invention is a ball hitch connector for use with a conventional ball hitch socket. The ball hitch connector includes a spherical body having a polygonally shaped bore to receive a generally cylindrical stud, where the upper section of the stud has a polygonal shape complimentary to the bore of the spherical body. The stud attaches to a generally conical collar, by means of a latch pin through two bored holes, one located in the lower section of the stud and one located in the base of the collar. The stud and attached collar are insertable within a base plate. The base of the collar is polygonal in shape. The base plate is a ring which has an inner cavity of corresponding shape to the collar. The collar and attached stud are held in place by means of the complimentary configured base plate cavity. The stud is secured to the base plate by a fastening means such as a nut and washer.

Abstract: A cutter head assembly is described as including blade-receiving slots of a particular design and geometry to receive different types of cutting blades having cutting face portions which do not require resharpening. The cutter head assembly provides for positioning of such different types of cutting blades so that a negative hook position is avoided for any blade designed within a range of selected parameters for use in the assembly. This assembly provides for radial adjustment of blade positions so as to offer different cutter diameters for a given assembly. In addition, cutting blades having built-in side rake angles are disclosed for use with such a cutter head assembly.