Abstract: As a part of the manufacture of concrete products, such as concrete pipe, manholes and the like, the joint rings applied during the casting process much be removed. The invention relates to a joint ring removal system in which a vertically oriented concrete product, containing a joint ring, is gripped to hold the product stationary while a joint ring pulling force is applied. Then, a shocking force is applied laterally to the joint ring to free it from the concrete joint. The amount of pulling force applied to the joint ring is less than that required to separate the joint ring from the concrete while the shocking force is applied in a direction transverse to the pulling force so that no harmful tensile shocking forces are transmitted to the concrete joint. The pulling force on the joint ring is variably applied and timed with the shocking force.

Abstract: An electrical assembly that prevents contaminants from migrating to the coil windings within an encapsulant forming the main housing through the use of a sealing assembly located within an over-molded, thermoplastic encapsulant. Before over-molding, an elastomeric seal is installed on each lead wire to be sealed, and this wire/seal subassembly is then inserted into a seal housing made from the same basic thermoplastic as the encapsulant forming the housing. The seal housing has one or more continuous ribs, with sharp edges, that circumvent the outer surface of the seal housing. During over-molding to form the main housing, the molten encapsulant surrounds the seal housing and melts the tips of the ribs. Upon cooling, the (no thermoplastic solidifies and the encapsulant bonds to the seal housing along each of its ribs.

Abstract: A linkage assembly for expandable rooms for recreational vehicles to affect the coordinated movement of parallelogram linkage members through the actuation of a glide arm that will extend or retract the expandable room. The glide arm is powered by a hydraulic cylinder and moves generally vertically along a vehicle frame member as the hydraulic cylinder rod extends or retracts to move the expandable room relative to the vehicle frame. The glide arm is pivotally connected to one link in each of two pairs of parallelogram linkage members, the linkage members extending between points of pivotal attachment with a second structural member, such as an expandable room member, and the vehicle frame member.

Abstract: A supporting structure for vehicles that have an expandable room. Telescoping double tube extension beams are secured to the vehicle structure and combined with hydraulic extension cylinders to move the extendable room from the retracted to the extended position and back again. The inner tube of each extension beam is connected to the outer wall of the extendable room using a pivot connector that includes a mounting plate which has extending from it spaced apart support plates that provide bearing surfaces to support a journal. The journal has a transverse opening extending through it between the support plates, and a connecting member is used to attach the inner tube to the journal and therefore to the room mounting plate.

Abstract: A bucket sweeper combination unit that is used in connection with a skid loader or skid steer which has universal mounts and remote hydraulics that power the unit. The sweeper is mounted to the lift arms of the loader ahead of the bucket. Chains are attached to the rear of the sweeper and the lift arms of the loader, and the bucket is pivotally attached to the mounting arms so that it can be pivoted when it is desired to dump the spoil material. A spoil guard is located on the bucket side of the rotating brush of the sweeper unit so that as the material is picked up by the brush, it will be deflected by the spoil guard directly into the bucket and retained in the bucket by the downwardly extending portion of the spoil guard. Preferably, the spoil guard is made adjustable so that its position can be moved closer to the rotating brush as the bristles wear shorter.

Abstract: An improved, dynamic level detection and leveling system utilizing a biaxial inclinosensor to generate a series of measurements that reflect a level of tilt. When sufficient measurements have been collected, an average value is obtained. If the average value obtained exceeds (in either direction, low or high) a selected value limit, then corrective action may be instituted, or a signal may be generated to indicate a need for automatic or manual correction. Such measurements are taken along both axes of the biaxial sensor. Leveling system response is minimized by selecting not only a value limit, but also a value null limit.

Abstract: A push-pull drive chain mechanism and scissors linkage assembly powered by a hydraulic cylinder to affect the coordinated, linear movement of an expandable room in a recreational vehicle. The drive chain moves generally vertically along a first structural member, such as a vehicle frame member, as the hydraulic cylinder extends or retracts to move the expandable room relative to the vehicle frame. The drive chain is pivotally connected at the proper place on the scissors-type linkage assembly, the links that form the scissors extending and crossing for pivotal attachment to a structural member of the vehicle body and a structural member of the expandable room. The drive chain is constructed and guided to provide the required force for opening and closing the scissors assembly.

Abstract: An illuminated back-lighted display unit that is capable of displaying a variety of different types of artwork, messages, logos, or pictures in various applications within a home, commercial building, vehicle, or anywhere a miniature back-lighted display is desired. The display unit has a main housing which contains a light source that may include a diffuser and a cover lens or glass that includes one or more layers of the artwork to be displayed. The cover glass is trimmed with a trim bezel, and when assembled, the unit is provided with some means of mounting the assembly to the window or other structure through which it will be viewed.

Abstract: A display package comprising a single sheet template adapted to receive printing on one side thereof is disclosed. The package comprises a container front panel, top panel, bottom panel, rear panel and two side panels, in combination with a display flap. Selected walls or “panels” may be extended to provide structures or reinforcement adapted to serve as load bearing hangers or other attachment means so that the product package may be displayed to consumers. Through the use of adhesives or other fastening means, the single piece construction may be made more rigid or durable at selected locations to promote resistance to disfiguration when manipulated by consumers at the point of display and prior to purchase, and to minimize undetected violation of product security. The package may be displayed in a variety of positions due to the use of printing in a variety of directions and selected placement of hangers.

Abstract: A vehicle ride-height and automatic suspension control system for a vehicle having an air suspension system. The automatic suspension control system provides the vehicle operator with selectable ride-heights and controls vehicle level as it rounds curves or corners. The system utilizes a series of photoelectric sensors that are linked between the vehicle chassis and axles and are combined with the vehicle steering system. Continuously sampling of the photoelectric sensors by a controller increments or decrements a digital register. When the counter reaches either the upper or lower selected threshold values the appropriate air bag is inflated or deflated for a duration of time. System sensitivity is adjustable by selecting different counter thresholds and by selecting the duration of air bag inflation or deflation.

Abstract: A grip that can be easily attached to and removed from a handgun or a rifle. In the case of a handgun, the grip is easily slipped onto the gun frame ahead of the trigger guard, and it extends downwardly with the exterior surface containing soft and comfortable finger grips for the other hand of the user. In the case of a rifle, the grip is provided at its upper end with a quick detachable mechanism that can be quickly attached and removed from the conventional mounting base on the under side of the stock of the rifle. The grip is provided with a soft material on its exterior surface with finger grips so that the rifle can be comfortably gripped by the user and allow the rifle to be held steadily when aiming and shooting.

Abstract: A space saving system to provide stable and supported movement of an expandable room or other moveable structure relative to a vehicle or other base structure is disclosed. The space saving system provides an inner and outer nested tubular member within a floor of the base structure. Low friction bearings are used to separate and support the nested tubular members relative to one another. The inner member is fixed to the base structure and the outer member is allowed to move telescopically relative to the inner member. The outer member is vertically supported by the base structure through use of a low friction bearing. The expandable room is supported upon the outer member.

Abstract: A method for providing a seal in an annular space between a rehabilitative pipe liner and a conduit wall is provided. Areas on the surface of a section of a conduit wall surrounding lateral connections are provided with an expandable sealing agent, preferably during an investigative and/or cleaning inspection of the conduit section and preferably without repeated withdrawal and insertion of equipment between the provision of the agent at successive lateral connections. The rehabilitative pipe liner is then installed in the conduit section and a curing agent or agents such as heat, visible light, ultraviolet light, chemical agents, sonic energy or other radiant energy means is applied to cure or form the rehabilitative pipe liner and to cause the expandable sealing agent to expand and fill at least a portion of the annular space that may exist between the rehabilitative pipe liner and the conduit wall.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved vacuum excavation system for use in the excavation of earth, waste, or other materials. A liftable and pivotable slurry or spoils tank and vacuum system are mounted on a mobile base. If required, a fluid source may be used to loosen earth or hard-packed material that may be drawn into the tank by the vacuum system. The slurry tank includes a manifold system that may receive air or other fluid to agitate the slurry or spoils to facilitate the release of solids from the tank. An exit port is provided in the tank to allow controlled release of the slurry. A valve means is utilized to allow for the use of a pump or air moving system wherein flow may be directed alternatively between the vacuum function to draw a slurry stream into the tank and a pressurizing function wherein air or other fluid is forced into the tank through the manifold system.

Abstract: A wakeup circuit is disclosed that allows for provision of a circuit completing ground connection in response to actuation of a control for a networked accessory such that a resting system may draw zero current when not in use and respond upon actuation through the powering of a central control module and networked accessories. A safety circuit is also disclosed for removing power from networked accessories in the event communication with a central control module is lost. A combination circuit is disclosed wherein the safety circuit is integral with the wakeup circuit to provide a circuit appropriate for use in a system of networked accessories wherein energy conservation is a priority and improved safety in the form of improved power termination reliability is desired.

Abstract: A linkage mechanism provides for the extension and retraction of rooms in recreational vehicles while maximizing the space inside the vehicle. Braced parallel linkage members are applied between a vehicle frame member and an expandable room member. A hydraulic cylinder or other force assist element may be used to drive a slotted glide arm which, in turn, causes the braced parallelogram linkage to shift, thus pulling or pushing the room frame member relative to the vehicle.

Abstract: A system for maintaining a surcharge on a sanitary sewer collection system to minimize the pressure differential across pipe walls carrying the waste and to offset the buoyant effects of hydrostatic pressure on the outside of the pipe. Pinch valves or other remotely controllable pipe closing devices are employed in combination with a system of monitors and a centralized control system to maintain and periodically release fluid from the surcharged system.

Abstract: A cammed vertical arm support system is described for the support and control of an expandable room that may be moved between a retracted position within a vehicle to an expanded position outward from the vehicle. The cammed relationship allows the room floor to lie above and generally parallel with the vehicle floor when the room is retracted and beside and generally flush with the vehicle floor when the room is extended. A moveable housing to conceal vertical arms is also disclosed.