Abstract: A method and apparatus (10) for aligning a towed vehicle (12) with a towing vehicle (14) is disclosed. The method is implemented with an alignment apparatus (10) including a base (22) configured for attachment to the towed vehicle (12), a platform (23) rotatably mounted on the base (22), and a level device (24) mounted on the rotatable platform (23). While the towed vehicle (12) is connected to the towing vehicle (14), the platform (23) and level device (24) are rotated until the level device (24) is in its level position. This sets a reference height position for the towed vehicle (12). When it is desired to reconnect the towed vehicle (12) with the towing vehicle (14), the towed vehicle (12) is raised until the level device (24) is once again in its level position. In one embodiment, the alignment apparatus includes a base hingedly connected to a mounting bracket for permitting side-to-side leveling of the towed vehicle.

Abstract: An automotive electrical wiring harness for connecting the electrical system of a towing vehicle to that of a trailer or the like has a flat connector at one end which is foldable along a hinge line of weakness in the body of the connector. When folded, the connector body is smaller than the diameter of a small opening in the bumper of the towing vehicle so as to permit the connector to be passed through the opening while the rest of the harness stays behind. Once on the far side of the opening, the connector is unfolded to reestablish its original flat, full size configuration, whereupon it may be coupled with other connector components of the vehicle's electrical system. Optionally, a protective sleeve may be slipped over the connector and frictionally retained in place thereon once the connector has been passed through the opening, so as to maintain structural integrity of the connection and to guard against the ingress of moisture and contaminants.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is an apparatus for automatically aligning and feeding articles on an article loading machine between dividers to form lanes of articles. The apparatus includes a pivoting guide chute which swings back and forth across a conveyor to discharge a predetermined number of articles intermittently into parallel lanes through actuation of jaws and/or a presser bar clamp assembly. An indexing assembly for the guide chute is provided which includes a double acting pneumatic cylinder and a connecting block which is slidably mounted and connected to the piston of the double acting cylinder. The connecting block has a plurality of interconnected guide slots in its upper surface with a stop position at each end of each slot. A second pneumatic cylinder having a cam follower which slides within the guide slots, blocks and releases the cam follower at each stop and thereby frees the first cylinder to move the chute to the next lane.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for opening the major and minor flaps of a box container being conveyed on an article loading machine designated generally as (A). The apparatus includes a flap opening foot (54) carried on the end of a rocker shaft (46) which is, in turn, carried on a carriage (48). The end of the rocker shaft is attached to a bell-crank lever having an arm (80) and a pin (82) which travels in a cam slot (52) formed in an elongated guide plate (50). The guide plate (50) is clamped onto the edge of a side flap engaging plate (68). The slot (52) is contoured to impart a rocking motion to the foot (54) through the bell-crank linkage so that the foot dips under a closed flap (16a) of the box and lifts it toward an open position. An elastic cord (110) engages the flap and retains it in the open position. A rear minor flap opening device is illustrated at (102) which includes a claw (104). The arm (102) is pivotable and as the box (16) is conveyed therebeneath, the claw (104) catches a closed end flap (16d).