Abstract: Systems and methods for coordinating and controlling vehicles, for example heavy trucks, to follow closely behind each other, or linking to form a platoon. In one aspect, on-board controllers in each vehicle interact with vehicular sensors to monitor and control, for example, gear ratios on vehicles. A front vehicle can shift a gear which, via a vehicle-to-vehicle communication link, can cause a rear vehicle to shift gears. To maintain a gap, vehicles may shift gears at various relative positions based on a grade of a road.

Abstract: An electrical connector can include a receptacle disposed in a housing. The housing can include a second end and an openable first end having at least two housing portions that are movable relative to each other between: an open position in which the receptacle is accessible by a plug through the housing portions; and a closed position in which the receptacle is not accessible by the plug through the housing portions. At least one of the housing portions can be biased toward the open position. The electrical connector can further include a grip coupled to the housing and movable relative to the housing between a first position that permits movement of the housing portions to the open position; and a second position in which the grip overlies the at least one biased-open housing portion such that the grip prevents movement of the housing portions to the open position.

Abstract: A heat pump dispenser includes a housing having a handle portion and a barrel portion. A feeder section is coupled to the handle portion. The feeder section includes a feeder mechanism and a dispensing trigger assembly operably coupled to the feeder mechanism. The feeder mechanism includes a gear assembly having a drive gear operably engaged to a plunger housed in the barrel portion. The trigger assembly includes a trigger having a ratchet portion. The ratchet portion selectively engages and rotates the drive gear to move the plunger toward a dispensing opening provided in the barrel portion and into engagement with an adhesive/filler stick. The feeder mechanism is selectively actuated by the dispensing trigger assembly to advance the adhesive/filler stick into a heater section of the barrel portion.

Abstract: A heat pump dispenser includes a housing having a handle portion and a barrel portion. A feeder section is coupled to the handle portion. The feeder section includes a feeder mechanism and a dispensing trigger assembly operably coupled to the feeder mechanism. The feeder mechanism includes a gear assembly having a drive gear operably engaged to a plunger housed in the barrel portion. The trigger assembly includes a trigger having a ratchet portion. The ratchet portion selectively engages and rotates the drive gear to move the plunger toward a dispensing opening provided in the barrel portion and into engagement with an adhesive/filler stick. The feeder mechanism is selectively actuated by the dispensing trigger assembly to advance the adhesive/filler stick into a heater section of the barrel portion.

Abstract: A swaging system includes a unique cartridge containing a nut and ferrule combination. The cartridge or cartridges are fed to a loading station where the nut and ferrules are removed from the cartridge, properly oriented or aligned on the tube end, and pre-swaged to the tube end. System also includes a kit that includes a tube bender, a cutting station, a deburring station, and a blower/vacuum chip collector.

Abstract: A reciprocating saw and one or more blades for cutting material. The reciprocating saw includes a drive system and a gear arrangement that is designed to cause first and second reciprocating saw blades to partially or fully reciprocate in opposite directions. The two reciprocating saw blades can include a tooth configuration that facilitates in maintaining the blades together during the cutting of material.

Abstract: An oscillating multi-tool for cutting, scraping, sanding, or grinding of material. The oscillating multi-tool includes a body, a drive system and a gear arrangement. The drive system and the gear arrangement are designed to cause first and second tool attachments to partially or fully oscillate in opposite directions. The gear arrangement is connected or interconnected to first and second tool connectors. The first tool attachment is connected to the first tool connector and the second tool attachment is connected to the second tool connector. The gear arrangement causes the first and second tool connectors to move when the drive system is activated to thereby cause the first and second tool attachments to partially or fully oscillate in opposite directions relative to one another.

Abstract: A reciprocating saw for cutting material. The reciprocating saw includes a drive system and a gear arrangement that is designed to cause first and second reciprocating saw blades to partially or fully reciprocate in opposite directions. The gear arrangement is connected or interconnected to first and second blade carrying arms. The first reciprocating saw blade is connected to the first blade carrying arm and the second reciprocating saw blade is connected to the second blade carrying arm. The gear arrangement causes the first and second blade carrying arms to move when the drive system is activated to thereby cause the first and second reciprocating saw blades to partially or fully reciprocate in opposite directions relative to one another. The gear arrangement is designed to enable a stroke length of the first and second reciprocating saw blades to be changed.

Abstract: A slide animation projector for the yard comprises a solenoid that forces a translating rod to reciprocate in a spiked motion. An elongated slot in the translating rod seats a slide cartridge having at least two stationary, adjacent images. The slide reciprocates in repeated succession, wherein the adjacent images give an impression of movement.

Abstract: A kit for dispensing a viscous fluid from a container comprising: a nozzle for coupling to an outlet of the container defining a nozzle opening for dispensing the viscous fluid from the container, the nozzle including applicator engaging structure; and an applicator including a working area and nozzle engaging structure releasably engageable with the applicator engaging structure of the nozzle to releasably secure the applicator to the nozzle. The applicator further including a working area for spreading the viscous fluid dispensed by the nozzle. The kit also including another applicator and the nozzle may be selectively engageable with either of the two applicators. The applicators may be in the form of a spatula applicator and a brush applicator or may be in any other suitable form.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electric-powered, shoe care apparatus adapted for one-handed operation by a user. The shoe care apparatus is adapted to receive two removable and replaceable heads; a first head is for low-speed application of polish or cleaning material, and a second head is for high-speed polishing or buffing. In some embodiments of the invention, the two heads are driven simultaneously at these two different respective speeds. In alternate embodiments, the two heads are driven separately at these two different respective speeds.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a roof clamp and, more specifically, to a plastic clamp that removable secures itself between shingles to attach a holiday decoration to the roof. The present roof clamp comprises a textured, rectangular backplate that is pushed under adjacent shingles. Two prongs extend from a center portion of the backplate such that they travel between the two adjacent shingles. A rectangular front plate is hingedly attached to the back plate along their lower lengths. The two prongs travel through two corresponding apertures on the front plate to lockingly engage the roof clamp in place by means of a catch release. A narrow plastic hook extends from the lower side of the backplate. A gripping prong is hingedly attached to the hook at its terminal end. The gripping prong is capable of rotating such that it can be manipulated to reconcile with and grasp the rigid angle of the decorative element it is holding.