Abstract: A ladder assembly including a mounting system and a ladder that is adapted to be pivotally attached to a vehicle such as the tailgate of a truck bed. When the tailgate is opened, the ladder can be pivoted away from the vehicle bed to a substantially perpendicular position with respect to the tailgate or its original orientation. Following, the lower end of the ladder is adapted to pivot downwardly such that the lower end of the tailgate contacts the ground surface. The ladder is further pivotable about a second pivot member in a lateral manner such that the lower ends of the support legs of the tailgate ladder contact the ground depending on the slope of the ground surface.

Abstract: A regulator assembly which receives a variable reference signal to control the fluid pressure of a supply fluid supplied to a motor. The variable reference signal which represents the work performed by the motor also passes through a relief valve. When the output torque of the motor reaches a predetermined value, the relief valve opens and a portion of the fluid supplied to the motor is vented to an exhaust conduit to protect any mechanism operated by the motor from receiving excessive torque.

Abstract: An intermittent motion gear apparatus for positioning a control valve to an open position in response to a predetermined input. An input greater than the predetermined input has no effect on the valve's position but sets a mechanical servo for a desired output corresponding to an operational position of a motor. When the operational position of the motor is reached, a feedback signal acts on the intermittent motion to move the control valve to a null or closed position.

Abstract: A control system for a motor through which a specific rotary output is obtained from a given input signal by controlling an operational supply of fluidic energy. The control system includes a direct mechanical servo which receives the input signal to control a rotary plate directional valve through which the operational supply of fluid is communicated to the motor. The direct mechanical servo includes a compound epicyclic gear train and an intermittent motion gear mechanism which compares the input position with the output position of the motor to establish a feedback signal which repositions the rotary valve plate directional valve to a null position when the rotary output equals that requested by the input signal. The control system further includes a regulator assembly which receives a variable reference signal to control the fluid pressure of the supply fluid. The variable reference signal which represents the work performed by the motor also passes through a relief valve.

Abstract: A cask has an inner rectangular enclosure of stainless steel fitting, with a slight clearance in the similarly shaped interior of a generally rectangular body of depleted uranium serving as a gamma ray shield. A cylindrical shell surrounds the generally rectangular gamma ray shield and copper partitions divide the annular space therebetween into a plurality of compartments for a neutron absorbing liquid. Flow paths between compartments are provided without removing copper from the partitions or interrupting any radial heat conduction path of any partition. Transverse partitions in certain of the compartments provide for holding the radial thickness of the liquid generally uniform throughout the circumference of the cask.