Abstract: The invention is a universal connector which is useful with a variety of differently configured and shaped fittings as well as for applications when the fittings are identical. The connectors provided at either end of the tube may be formed by either compression molding or injection overmolding whereas the connections which are provided internal of either end connection, are positioned on the tube by injection overmolding.

Abstract: A vehicle alignment measurement apparatus includes a first reference member removably mountable on a kingpin of a trailer and a second reference member removably mountable on selected ones of the trailer frame rails typically used to lock a movable slider having front and rear axles in place beneath the trailer. A third reference member is removably mountable on selected ones of wheels mounted on the axles. A distance between the first reference member and the second reference member, which is perpendicular to the rail, is measured to determine the alignment of the frame rails relative to the kingpin. A distance between the first reference member and the third reference member, which is aligned with the axle centerline, is measured to determine the alignment of the front axle relative to the kingpin. A pair of the third reference members can be used to align the rear axle to the front axle.

Abstract: A portable heater adapted for use in a recreational enclosure or temporary work enclosure includes a housing having an air inlet on the lower front face. A gas supply is partially enclosed by the housing which provides propane to the mouth of a burner venturi located within the housing. Air is drawn through the air inlet and also enters the mouth of the burner venturi. The air and gas are mixed thoroughly as they travel upwardly through the burner venturi. A chimney effect increases fresh air flow velocity into the burner venturi and allows the heater to operate at a reduced fuel gas pressure. Upon exiting the burner venturi, the air/gas mixture is to a plenum and radiant surface where combustion takes place. Any conventional means may be provided to ignite the air/gas mixture in order to cause combustion. The combustion products deflect off a deflector, which is cooled on a rear face by air flow through the housing, which decreases the temperature of the combustion products before exiting an outlet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for image texture analysis in which the image is mapped into a first set of binary representation by a monotonically varying operator, such as a threshold operator. Each binary representation in the first set of binary representations is mapped to a further set of binary representations using a second monotonically varying operator, such as a spatial operator. The result of the two mappings is a matrix of binary image representations. Each binary image representation is allocated a scalar value to form an array of scalar values which may be analysed to identify defined texture characteristics.

Abstract: A one-piece polyolefin connector or polymeric blend connector with the characteristics of a polymer having the specific density of between 0.90 and 0.96 g/cc capitalizing on the aspect ratio of the connector and angularity of the sealing surface in combination for use in applications less physically demanding than those for use with crosslinked polyethylene material.

Abstract: A lockable nut system for use with threaded steel bar which includes a screw threaded nut for engagement with the threaded steel bar and a locking member which is slidably engageable with the bar. The locking member is adapted to resist rotation about the bar and is also axially engageable with the nut to prevent rotation of the nut. The locking member has one or more fingers to engage the nut with an end of the finger being displaced to engage the nut as a result of deformation of a finger actuating tab or a dished body of the locking member. The locking member may engage the bar by displacement of an end of at least one tongue as a result of deformation of a tongue actuating tab during compression between the nut and a second structure.

Abstract: This invention relates to a connector having an inner polymeric liner with either two opposed flared ends or one flared end and an opposed sealing end, a bendable outer metallic sleeve having two opposed flared ends of essentially similar geometry to either the polymeric liner flared ends or one flared end and an opposed sealing end shelf, and two outwardly facing threaded nuts, each of said nuts having a shelf which engages the opposed flared ends of said metallic sleeve. The connector will often have a ribbed segment between the ends and washers for sealing engagement with the interior wall end portion of the liner at the flared end.

Abstract: A lift-type axle/suspension system of a heavy-duty vehicle includes ride air springs for providing vehicle load support when the system is lowered, and one or more lift air springs for selectively raising the system when such additional load support is unnecessary or when greater vehicle maneuverability is desired. An apparatus integrates and simultaneously controls the operating systems for the lift and ride air springs. The control apparatus includes a plurality of conduits and valves which enable pressurized air from the lift air springs to be rapidly provided to the ride air springs when the system is being lowered. The additional air supplements the normal source of air from the vehicle compressed air source to ensure sufficient and timely air for smooth and efficient operation of the ride air springs without excessive buckling or folding, thus maintaining adequate overall vehicle air pressure needed for operating other vehicle components.

Abstract: A mounting system for a digging tooth of an excavator bucket has an adaptor nose with upper and lower bearing surfaces tapering convergently towards a free end thereof. A digging tooth having a convergently tapering socket locates on said adaptor nose with a screw-threaded connector extending, in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of said tooth, between a connector abutment on the adaptor nose and a tooth coupling on the tooth.

Abstract: A disposable nozzle for an airless, polyurethane spray gun has an inlet chamber section sealingly latched to the gun nose for receiving polyurethane foam components, a mixing chamber section adjacent the inlet chamber containing a static mixer for mixing the polyurethane components and a dispensing tip section adjacent the mixing chamber for discharging the polyurethane as a spray. The dispensing tip has a longitudinally extending passage terminating at a rectangular opening in the tip defined by long side edges and short side edges. The length of the long side edges are generally maintained throughout the tip passage and approximate the diameter of the mixing chamber exit to produce a consistent rectangular fan spray pattern from the nozzle. Spray guide tabs extend from the long side edges of the rectangular tip opening to alleviate nozzle drip during dispensing.

Abstract: A system for automatically and simultaneously controlling one or more vehicle functions by detecting the direction of movement of and the distance traveled by the vehicle. The control system includes an electronic sensor mounted on a selected one of the vehicle axles adjacent to and facing an anti-lock braking system tone ring of a selected one of the wheel hubs mounted on the axle. The sensor is electrically connected to an electronic control unit, which in turn is electrically connected to a vehicle function actuation device such as a lift axle solenoid or back-up alarm actuation device. The sensor transmits direction and distance information to the electronic control unit based on the movements of a plurality of teeth formed on the tone ring. The control system is a stand-alone system that is free of interfacing with other vehicle systems, such as the anti-lock braking system.

Abstract: A flexible hose and a method for manufacturing the same includes a hose tube having a smooth exterior surface. The hose tube exterior surface has a fabric and cover laminated or wrapped thereon. The lead end of a single wire is helically wound about the hose tube on top of the cover. The wire in turn is at least partially encased by a rubber ridge preferably having a height greater than the thickness of the hose tube wall. The rubber ridge tapers in the direction of valleys formed between the ridges, and the resulting hose structure has improved flexibility by enabling the hose to flex at every valley, yet sufficient strength for heavy duty applications.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to a solderless metallic-encased, polymeric-lined connector system.

Abstract: This invention discloses blends of phosphites comprising bis-(2,4-dicumylphenyl) pentaerythritol diphosphite and hindered phenol antioxidants useful as stabilizers against thermooxidative degradation of polymers during melt processing. Polymer compositions comprising the blends show improved resistance to thermooxidative degradation during melt processing as measured by melt flow index and yellowness index.

Abstract: The invention relates to window framing systems which seal against exterior surfaces, particularly embossed surfaces. The system is held together with a plurality of screws. The inner component of the frame contains at least one hollow void having a V-shaped strut which provides additional structural support to the inner component and minimizes any dimpling or screw breakthrough due to the use of automatic screwdrivers having a torque which is in excess of the mechanical strength of the inner frame member.

Abstract: An air-free, relatively lightweight lift assembly for an axle/suspension system of a highway/rail convertible semi-trailer, utilizes a transversely-oriented coil torsion spring having a relatively low spring rate. The torsion spring is captured between a stationary plate and a rotatable plate. A flexible link is pivotally attached at its upper end to the rotatable plate and at its lower end to the axle. This assembly results in a variable rate moment arm and continuously increasing leverage when the suspension air spring is overinflated to lower the system for transfer of the trailer from a highway tractor to a rail bogie, thus enabling use of a less robust air spring. The assembly conversely creates a decrease in leverage at the lifted rail transport position, to securely maintain the axle/suspension system in the rail position. For highway use, the lift assembly provides suspension damping without shock absorbers.

Abstract: A vent tube for hollow axles of heavy-duty vehicles such as semi-trailers releases built-up air pressure from the wheel hub and axle while preventing ingress of contaminants into the axle and hub. The vent tube includes a tubular portion preformed from a flexible material into a generally coiled configuration. The tubular portion is biased to the coiled state so that when stretched about the axle and released, it firmly grips the axle without the need for fasteners. One end of the tubular portion includes a fitting for plumbing into the axle and the opposite end includes a one-way check valve such as a duck bill. The vent tube is disposed in a protected location within the hollow beam of the vehicle suspension assembly, and on a relatively stress-free location of the axle within a window of an axle sleeve.

Abstract: A control system for a heavy-duty vehicle such as a dump-type straight truck includes a portable radio frequency transmitter and a radio frequency receiver. The radio frequency receiver is operatively connected to a vehicle device or assembly which performs a function such as operation of the vehicle dump bed or raising and lowering of the vehicle axle/suspension system, so that the function can be controlled from the cab of the vehicle by the radio frequency transmitter, and whereby the function occurs substantially instantaneously due to the use of radio frequency and eliminates the need for a custom hard-wired control system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid dispensing device incorporating a push-button actuator normally biased in the closed position, a housing for receiving the aerosol canisters and a carrying case for the entire assembly. Activation is achieved by longitudinal axial compression followed by snapping engagement of the housing fitted about the aerosol valves which depresses the aerosol valves.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sizing and separating particles of generally low-density materials includes a stand, a frame movably suspended on the stand by a plurality of suspension assemblies, and an elongated screen box mounted on the frame. The screen box receives material to be processed at an input end and includes openings at an output end for discharging processed material. The frame and screen box are disposed at an incline relative to a horizontal surface on which the stand rests, so that material travels downwardly in the screen box toward the output openings. A vibrator motor is mounted on the frame input end. The arrangement of the motor and suspensions results in imposition of a combination generally circular planar motion to the frame and screen box at the input end and a generally oblong linear reciprocating motion at the central portion and the output end of the apparatus.