Abstract: A folding top assembly for watercraft of other vehicles includes a pair of struts pivotally mounted on actuator housings on opposite sides of the watercraft. The struts support a canvas covering and are moved by the actuators from a folded position in which the canvas covering and the struts are folded at the rear of the boat to an intermediate radar position in which the struts and canvas top are still folded against one another but are deployed in a raised position. One of the struts is maintained in the intermediate position when the top is moved into the fully deployed position, while the other strut is pivoted relative to the one strut. The actuators include a housing defining a bore therewithin, a piston or shuttle slidable in the bore, and a driving mechanism drivingly connecting the piston of each actuator with the struts so that movement of the piston in the bore pivots said struts relative to the piston.

Abstract: An apparatus for fighting a fire comprises a suspendible container having a perforated lower surface each of whose perforations is closed by a heat-sensitive membrane rupturable at an elevated temperature. The container contains a fire retardant material which is released upon rupture of the membrane. The apparatus further includes an electric heater adjacent to the membrane and a smoke detector controlling the heater such that upon the detection of smoke, the heater is switched on to rupture the membrane. A second embodiment has at least one further heat-sensitive membrane embedded in the fire retardant material above the first membrane such that a respective layer of fire retardant material lies above each membrane.

Abstract: A flexible tonneau cover for trucks that is easily folded for storage or shipping. The tonneau cover has a collapsible peripheral frame, with supporting bows spanning the width of the frame. The bows include separable parts for storage or shipping and can be assembled and expanded to spread the frame.

Abstract: A retractable top assembly for a vehicle, commonly referred to as a bimini top, includes a covering mounted on a pair of struts which are movable relative to one another to move the covering between a deployed position covering at least a portion of the vehicle and a retracted position. In the retracted position, the covering is wound upon a spindle rotatably mounted within a housing mounted on one of the struts. The housing has a slot through which the covering extends, so that the covering is attached to the other strut. A torsion spring within the housing biases the spindle in a direction winding the covering onto the spindle and thereby maintaining tautness of the covering as it unwinds from the spindle and is moved into the deployed position.

Abstract: An anti-pressure system for a vessel which is subject to internal pressure created by heating or boiling of its contents, the system including first and second spaced-apart outlets for vapor to exit the vessel, each outlet having a first side communicating with the vessel interior and a second side communicating with the vessel exterior. The invention provides a reliable method of protecting a normally un-pressurized vessel, such as an autoclave, distillation vessel, boiler or the like, from dangerous pressure build-up, resulting from its vapor outlet being blocked, regardless of what other pressure release devices, if any, may be present on the vessel.

Abstract: A soft top tonneau cover is formed from a plurality of hinged frame sections that are foldable between overlaying positions and extended positions. Camlock clamps are integrated into the frame so as to provide a stable, quick release latch to the walls of the bed with a minimum of spacial intrusion into the bed. The hinge between the frame sections has a double pivot so as to automatically tension the top when folded open. Strap clamps are integrated into the frame so as to permit the sections to be secured when folded closed.

Abstract: The flow of media in shot peening, blast cleaning, and similar equipment is improved by applying a time varying magnetic field to the media to thereby degauss the media, allowing the media to flow through equipment without clogging and clumping due to magnetic attraction between the media.

Abstract: A method of resecting a proximal tibia and distal femur for implanting a partial knee prosthesis uses a resecting kit which includes multiple spacers, each of which has a different spacing dimension. A surgeon selects the appropriate spacer with the amount of correction desired to align the patient's leg and installs the spacer with the spacing dimension between the distal femur and proximal tibia which is to receive the partial knee prosthesis. The spacers have projecting stems, upon which a resector is installed. The resector is then aligned with the axis selected by the surgeon according to known methods, and is pinned to the femur and proximal tibia. A distal femoral cut is then made in the femur after which the resector is removed while leaving at least two of the pins in place, the pins being headless pins. A second resector is then installed on the pins to effect the required cut of the tibia.

Abstract: A constant mesh gear driven continuously variable transmission including a minimum of two cones in mesh with either an axial sliding ring gear or an axial sliding circular gear. The cones and ring gear or circular gear are enclosed in a housing. An input shaft is journaled in the housing. The cones rotate about their own axes and revolve about the shaft in some embodiments. The ring gear or axial sliding circular gear is slidable axially relative to the cone gear, and the output gear ratio is varied by the axial position on the ring gear or sliding circular gear.

Abstract: A clamp for securing a tonneau cover to the bed of pick-up truck in which the clamp includes a base secured to the cover and a handle rotatably connected to the base. A cam part is located between the handle and the base, which upon rotation of the handle in a general horizontal plane causes the cam part to shift upwardly toward the base into engagement with the truck bed, securing the cover to the truck bed.

Abstract: A hitch and axle assembly including a support structure detachably securable to a vehicle and an axle assembly. A hitch is mountable on the support structure. The axle assembly includes a primary axle member defining a primary axis. Torsion beam assemblies are coupled to opposite lateral sides of the primary axle member. The torsion beam assemblies each include a torsion member that extends substantially coincident with the primary axis and a lever arm that extends substantially transversely from the torsion member. Wheel assemblies are mounted on a distal portion of the lever arms wherein the wheel assemblies each define an axis of rotation that is parallel and spaced from the primary axis. The two wheel axes are substantially coincident. The torsion bar assemblies may be rotationally adjustable relative to the primary axle to thereby provide for the vertical adjustment of the wheel assemblies.

Abstract: A window cover for a military vehicle which includes both upper and lower armored plates angled away from an underlying vehicle window, an upper reflector overlying the underside of the upper armored plate, and a lower reflector, penetrable by projectiles, positioned in front of the lower armored plate. The window cover allows an occupant of the vehicle to view outside the vehicle window, as light is reflected off the lower reflector onto the upper reflector and then toward the occupant.

Abstract: A latch useable to secure a gate such as typically found on a pontoon boat includes a latch bolt slidably received within a barrel. A spring interposed between the bolt and the back end of the barrel maintains the bolt in an extended position protruding out the mouth of the barrel until the bolt is retracted back within the barrel. A cover carried by the latch bolt prevents debris from entering the spring area in the barrel, which could interfere with the latch's action. The latch secures the gate in its closed position with the bolt extending into a complementary receiver carried by the adjacent wall.

Abstract: An implement for preparing seedbeds and lawns includes a main frame member upon which are mounted scarifying teeth to penetrate the soil and tines which work the soil and prepare the final grade after the soil has been scarified. A subframe is pivotally mounted on the main frame and carries a grading blade ahead of the scarifying teeth when the implement is move in the forward direction. The blade is allowed to float relative to the main frame on the subframe to thereby knock down vegetation, remove rocks and lightly grade the soil. The subframe can be moved relative the main frame to a position lifting the scarifying teeth and the tines off of the ground and allowing the blade to provide a deeper grading of the soil or the subframe may be moved to a position lifting the blade off of the soil so that the sold is contacted only by the scarifying teeth and the tines.