Abstract: Apparatus for securing a child safety seat and for impact dispersal. A tether system secures the child safety seat to the LATCH anchors in a vehicle. The tether tightening system attached to a frame tightens the tethers after they are snugged to the vehicle, thereby ensuring the safety seat is secured. In one embodiment, a screw-type adjustment allows for fully tightening the tethers after they are snugged up with a locking device. The child safety seat is attached to the frame with a hydraulic impact dispersal system connected to a platform that pivots. The force of an impact applies a rotational force to the platform. The energy from the impact is dispersed by the application of the platform's rotational force to a hydraulic cylinder that has a fluid connection to a dispersal valve.

Abstract: Apparatus for securing a child safety seat and for impact dispersal. A tether system secures the child safety seat to the LATCH anchors in a vehicle. The tether tightening system attached to a frame tightens the tethers after they are snugged to the vehicle, thereby ensuring the safety seat is secured. In one embodiment, a screw-type adjustment allows for fully tightening the tethers after they are snugged up with a locking device. The child safety seat is attached to the frame with a hydraulic impact dispersal system connected to a platform that pivots. The force of an impact applies a rotational force to the platform. The energy from the impact is dispersed by the application of the platform's rotational force to a hydraulic cylinder that has a fluid connection to a dispersal valve.

Abstract: An extension valve for an impact dispersal system that includes an extendable member. The extension valve includes an actuating port that operates a first piston connected to a second piston. The second piston has a seat that isolates an inlet and an outlet. When a fluid with a specified pressure is applied to said actuating port, the first piston overcomes a preset bias and causes said second piston to move to an unseated position, which allows fluid communication between the inlet and outlet ports. With a pressurized tank connected to the inlet port, actuation of the extension valve causes a pressurized fluid to flow through the extension valve, through a check valve, and into a fluid chamber in a cylinder, thereby causing a cylinder piston to extend into an impact ready position.

Abstract: An extension valve for an impact dispersal system that includes an extendable member. The extension valve includes an actuating port that operates a first piston connected to a second piston. The second piston has a seat that isolates an inlet and an outlet. When a fluid with a specified pressure is applied to said actuating port, the first piston overcomes a preset bias and causes said second piston to move to an unseated position, which allows fluid communication between the inlet and outlet ports. With a pressurized tank connected to the inlet port, actuation of the extension valve causes a pressurized fluid to flow through the extension valve, through a check valve, and into a fluid chamber in a cylinder, thereby causing a cylinder piston to extend into an impact ready position.

Abstract: A variable valve for impact dispersal of a force, such as a force caused by an impact or explosion. The apparatus includes a valve with a spring biased piston that engages an outlet bore as the piston moves in response to the pressure of a fluid at an inlet port. The valve is in fluid communication with a cylinder that receives an impulse force. The fluid flow from the cylinder is controlled by the variable valve, which disperses the force accordingly at a controlled rate. In one embodiment, a pressurized reservoir is connected to an extension valve and a check valve that allows the cylinder to be filled with fluid from the reservoir when the extension valve is actuated. Applications for such a system include connection to aircraft seats and to aircraft landing gear.

Abstract: A variable valve for impact dispersal of a force, such as a force caused by an impact or explosion. The apparatus includes a valve with a spring biased piston that engages an outlet bore as the piston moves in response to the pressure of a fluid at an inlet port. The valve is in fluid communication with a cylinder that receives an impulse force. The fluid flow from the cylinder is controlled by the variable valve, which disperses the force accordingly at a controlled rate. In one embodiment, a pressurized reservoir is connected to an extension valve and a check valve that allows the cylinder to be filled with fluid from the reservoir when the extension valve is actuated. Applications for such a system include connection to aircraft seats and to aircraft landing gear.

Abstract: An apparatus for impact dispersal of a force applied to a vehicle, such as a motor vehicle or other carrier. The apparatus includes a hydraulic cylinder in fluid communication with a relief valve and a flow restrictor connected in series. The piston rod of each cylinder receives the force of an impact, which causes the fluid in the cylinder to undergo an increase in pressure, which is relieved by multiple relief valves and serially connected flow restrictors. In one embodiment, the relief valves and the flow restrictors are incorporated into a single valve. The system responds to an amount of force caused by an impact and disperses the force accordingly at a controlled rate. Applications for such an embodiment include connection to vehicle bumpers, to a seat back where the cylinder is double-acting, and to landing feet for air-drop carriers.

Abstract: An improvement in a self-loading apparatus for picking up and moving a bale of hay having diameters of up to about 3 or 4 feet and longitudinal lengths of up to about 5 or 6 feet. The apparatus is of the type including a main frame member supported on wheels mounted near the end of the main frame. A hitch frame has one end pivotally connected to the front end portion of the main frame, with the other end of the hitch frame adapted for attachment to a tow vehicle. The main frame is adapted to be tilted upwardly about the support wheels when braking devices on the wheels are activated and the tow vehicle is backed up. A pair of load engaging and clamping swing arms are pivotally attached to the respective sides of the main frame.

Abstract: A self-loading apparatus for picking up and moving a large bale of material, such as large, cylindrical shaped bales of hay having diameters up to about 3 or 4 feet and longitudinal lengths up to about 5 or 6 feet. The apparatus includes a main frame member supported on wheels mounted near the end of the main frame. A hitch frame has one end pivotally connected to the front end portion of the main frame, with the other end of the hitch frame adapted for attachment to a tow vehicle. The main frame is adapted to be tilted upwardly about the support wheels when braking means on the wheels are activated and the tow vehicle is backed up. A pair of load engaging and clamping swing arms are pivotally attached to the respective sides of the main frame.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for handling one or more large bales of material. A mobile chassis forms a load-carrying chamber open at the rear end so that the chassis can be backed over one or more bales. A tongue is attached to the forward end of the chassis. The tongue is preferably attached to the chassis for between a position in which the motive vehicle and the chassis are in longitudinal alignment and a second position in which the motive vehicle is parallel with and laterally offset from the chassis, leaving the front of the chassis open to be pulled forward over one or more bales. A pair of load-lifting and supporting members are pivotally attached to the respective sides of the load-carrying chamber. Track members extend transversely across the top of the load-carrying chamber, with a pair of carriages adapted to move outwardly along the track members. Longitudinally expandable force members are connected between the carriages and the load-lifting structures.