Abstract: An apparatus for controlling bus doors (14, 16) that are arranged as a pair of doors that move in coordinated relation between door open positions and door closed positions, enables passengers to access an interior area (12) of a bus (10). The apparatus includes an actuator (28, 226). The actuator includes a drive lever (34, 228) that is selectively rotationally movable between rotational positions in which both of the doors are in the open positions and in the closed positions. Exemplary arrangements include at least one controller (128) that is operative to prevent the doors from causing damage to or from being damaged by engagement with obstructions. The controller further enables a bus driver or other authorized user to control access to the interior area of the bus using a user mobile device (144).

Abstract: A tie down (10, 116, 122, 128) is used for connecting a connecting member (58) such as a rope, cord, chain, wire or hook into operative connection with a supporting structure such as a wall (66). The tie down includes an annular base (16) and a centerpiece (32). An eye (36) is movably mounted in connection with the centerpiece to facilitate the engagement of the eye with a connecting member. A light ring (28, 128) includes at least one light (30). The at least one light is selectively operative to surroundingly illuminate the centerpiece and the eye.

Abstract: A flexible shaft drive transmission for transmitting rotational power between a drive motor and a gear train of a power operated tool. The flexible shaft drive transmission includes an elongated drive shaft assembly including a rotatable drive transmitting shaft assembly extending through an outer casing. The shaft drive transmission includes a motor end coupling affixed to one end the outer casing and adapted to be releasably connected to a mating coupling of the drive motor. The motor end coupling includes a coupling body having an outer surface tapered region tapering from a larger diameter to a smaller diameter at a distal end of the tapered region to facilitate insertion and proper alignment with the drive motor coupling. The drive transmitting shaft assembly includes a driven fitting having a plurality of drive faces surrounding an axially extending locating member for engagement with a mating drive fitting of the drive motor.

Abstract: A blade guide assembly for receiving the head assembly of a power operated rotary knife. The blade guide assembly includes: a blade guide and a cover secured to the blade guide to secure the head assembly within the blade guide. The blade guide includes a top wall, a bottom wall and an outer wall, an arcuate blade-receiving groove spaced radially inwardly from the outer wall, extending axially from the top wall and defining peripherally spaced apart ends, a head member-receiving channel extending radially inwardly from the outer wall and intersecting the arcuate groove, and a notched region intersecting the peripherally spaced apart ends of the arcuate blade-receiving groove. The cover includes a base secured to the top wall of the blade guide and overlying at least a portion of the arcuate blade-receiving groove and an outer extension defining an opening axially aligned with the notched region of the blade guide.

Abstract: A blade guide assembly for receiving the head assembly of a power operated rotary knife. The blade guide assembly includes: a blade guide and a cover secured to the blade guide to secure the head assembly within the blade guide. The blade guide includes a top wall, a bottom wall and an outer wall, an arcuate blade-receiving groove spaced radially inwardly from the outer wall, extending axially from the top wall and defining peripherally spaced apart ends, a head member-receiving channel extending radially inwardly from the outer wall and intersecting the arcuate groove, and a notched region intersecting the peripherally spaced apart ends of the arcuate blade-receiving groove. The cover includes a base secured to the top wall of the blade guide and overlying at least a portion of the arcuate blade-receiving groove and an outer extension defining an opening axially aligned with the notched region of the blade guide.

Abstract: A flexible shaft drive transmission for transmitting rotational power between a drive motor and a gear train of a power operated tool. The flexible shaft drive transmission includes an elongated drive shaft assembly including a rotatable drive transmitting shaft assembly extending through an outer casing. The shaft drive transmission includes a motor end coupling affixed to one end the outer casing and adapted to be releasably connected to a mating coupling of the drive motor. The motor end coupling includes a coupling body having an outer surface tapered region tapering from a larger diameter to a smaller diameter at a distal end of the tapered region to facilitate insertion and proper alignment with the drive motor coupling. The drive transmitting shaft assembly includes a driven fitting having a plurality of drive faces surrounding an axially extending locating member for engagement with a mating drive fitting of the drive motor.

Abstract: A rotary knife with an improved drive transmission. The knife includes a tubular handle assembly, an annular blade, a blade housing, a pneumatic motor, and a drive transmission assembly. The transmission includes a drive or pinion gear, a drive shaft, and a connector assembly that inhibits axial movement of the pinion gear into the blade housing by the force of air pressure.

Abstract: A flexible shaft drive transmission for a power driven tool. The transmission features a first end connectable to a drive motor and a second end connectable to the power driven tool. The transmission includes a flexible drive shaft assembly comprising a flexible elongated drive transmitting member, a first end of the drive transmitting member including a first coupling operatively coupled to the drive motor and a second end of the drive transmitting member including a second coupling operatively coupled to the power driven tool. The transmission further includes a tubular casing surrounding and coaxial with said drive shaft assembly and supporting said drive shaft assembly for rotation generally about a longitudinal axis of said drive shaft assembly relative to said casing. The casing includes a core comprising a spiral wound strip of material having interlocking opposing edges, a braided wire layer surrounding the core, and a polymer layer surrounding the braided wire layer.

Abstract: Helical members applied in flexshaft assemblies for retaining lubricant inside a flexshaft casing 22. The helical members have a helix that is opposite of a helix of wires that make up a flexible drive member. The helical members direct the lubricant away from an end of the flexshaft assembly that the helix of wires tends to direct the lubricant toward.

Abstract: A rotary knife with an improved drive transmission. The knife includes a tubular handle assembly, an annular blade, a blade housing, a pneumatic motor, and a drive transmission assembly. The transmission includes a drive or pinion gear, a drive shaft, and a connector assembly that inhibits axial movement of the pinion gear into the blade housing by the force of air pressure.

Abstract: Helical members applied in flexshaft assemblies for retaining lubricant inside a flexshaft casing 22. The helical members have a helix that is opposite of a helix of wires that make up a flexible drive member. The helical members direct the lubricant away from an end of the flexshaft assembly that the helix of wires tends to direct the lubricant toward.