Abstract: A portable tabletop sporting game apparatus includes a game board having at least one opening formed therein. A pair of legs are attached to the game board in order to elevate the game board generally off of the ground. A lever is operatively attached to an underside of the game board and in communication with a man game piece. The man game piece is disposed through the game board opening, such that when the lever is depressed, the man game piece is forced upwardly through the game board opening in order to block or lift a ball, which is being pushed, moved or nudged across the game board.

Abstract: An axle-to-beam connection for axle/suspension systems includes a pair of U-bolt brackets that extend generally to or beyond a selected centerline of the axle. The U-bolt brackets are located a distance from one another so that the distance between the U-bolt brackets is equivalent to or preferably less than the outside diameter of the axle resulting in a slight deformation of the axle and a compressive preload between the axle and the U-bolt brackets when the axle is seated between the U-bolt brackets. A weld is placed between the U-bolt brackets and the axle at or beyond the horizontal centerline of the axle within the residual compressive stress field on the axle created by the interference fit of the axle into the U-boll brackets. Means for securing connection of the axle to the beam includes a U-boll or other similar means to provide additional locating support to the axle.

Abstract: Axially expandable spacers (51, 53) are insertable between a nut (20), on a bolt (19) to be tensioned, and a face (F) on a component (C) and have ramp faces (52, 54) to take up the space as the bolt (19) is tensioned by an hydraulic tensioner (25), where the puller bar (35) is engaged with an extension (121) on the nut (120). A segmented collar (60) has radially movable segments (61) to allow quick engagement/release between the puller bar (35) and the end of the bolt (19) on the nut (120).

Abstract: A frame for a heavy-duty vehicle includes a pair of spaced-apart, parallel, elongated and longitudinally extending main members. Each one of a pair of hangers is attached to and depends below a respective one of the main members. An axle/suspension system is mounted on the hangers. A vertically disposed brace structure extends between and is attached to the hangers and the main members. The brace structure includes a hanger cross member disposed perpendicularly between the hangers and a pair of inclined members each of which extend between and are attached to the hanger cross member and to a respective one of the main members or to a respective one of the main members and a respective one of the hangers. The brace structure efficiently dissipates loads from the axle/suspension system into the frame adjacent the hangers and eliminates the need for additional cross members within the frame.

Abstract: A temperature warning system for a vehicle includes a thermal plug disposed on the wheel end assembly of the vehicle. The thermal plug is in fluid communication with an air supply and with a flow sensor. The flow sensor is operatively connected to a warning light or indicator. Excessive heat in the axle spindle end and/or the wheel end assembly causes a fusible material in the thermal plug to melt allowing air to flow from the air supply through the thermal plug thus activating the flow sensor. The flow sensor in turn activates the warning light or indicator alerting the driver of the vehicle of a problem condition at the wheel end assembly and/or axle spindle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining placement of prosthetic components in joint including defining patient-specific frame of reference for joint, determining patient-specific postoperative range of motion of joint, evaluating patient-specific range of motion of joint, automatically planning placement of components balancing need for range of motion with prosthesis stability through bony coverage, and applying manual adjustments to the automatically planned placement of component by giving greater or lesser weight to need for range of motion or prosthesis stability through bony coverage. Apparatuses for defining center of prosthetic femoral head and axis of prosthetic femoral neck including primary cylinder, first alignment receptacle and second alignment receptacle, and a divot on exterior of primary cylinder, divot having normal parallel to longitudinal axis of second alignment receptacle and position of the divot being translated toward an opening of the first alignment receptacle on the primary cylinder.

Abstract: A multi-stage height control valve for a pneumatic control system of a vehicle includes an air reservoir port, an exhaust port, an air spring port and a pilot port operatively connected to a rotor valve which is in turn operatively connected to the vehicle. The air reservoir port fluidly communicates with an air tank. The air spring port fluidly communicates with the air springs of the vehicle. The exhaust port opens to atmosphere. The pilot port fluidly communicates with a control/warning device such that, when a secondary ride height is reached by the vehicle, the pilot port signals the control/warning device in order to maintain the vehicle at the secondary ride height. The pilot port alternatively provides an air pressure boost in order to quickly re-inflate the air springs of the vehicle to return the vehicle to the primary design ride height.

Abstract: An axle/suspension system for a heavy-duty vehicle, in which the vehicle has a frame that includes a pair of hangers. The axle/suspension system is attached to the hangers, and includes an axle and a pair of suspension assemblies. Each of the suspension assemblies includes an air spring and at least one spring member. The spring member includes a first attachment portion and a second attachment portion. The first attachment portion is generally rigidly connected to the hanger via a clamped connection, and the second attachment portion is operatively connected to the axle. The spring member, connected in this manner, reduces or eliminates dock walk when a cargo transfer vehicle enters the heavy-duty vehicle, and also reduces or eliminates rebound when the cargo transfer vehicle exits the vehicle. The spring member is also capable of being tuned to a predetermined stiffness that is sufficient to control heavy-duty vehicle roll forces.

Abstract: An axle spindle nut assembly secures a wheel end assembly on an axle spindle. The wheel end assembly includes outboard and inboard outboard bearings that are immovably mounted on the axle spindle, and a wheel hub which is rotatably mounting on the bearings. The spindle nut assembly includes a nut that threads onto an outboard end of the axle spindle, and is tightened against the outboard bearing to a selected torque level. The nut includes an outboard surface that is formed with a plurality of features. A washer is formed with a tab that engages a keyway of the axle spindle outboardly of the nut, and with a plurality of mating features that mechanically engage the features formed in the outboard surface of the nut to prevent substantial rotation of the nut after the nut has been tightened to the selected torque level.

Abstract: A security mount for displaying an article such as a handheld device is provided that includes a device mount that can be secured to a handheld device and a base mount that can be secured to a display structure. The device mount is releasably connected to a tether such that the device mount can be detached from the tether without detaching the device mount from the handheld device.

Abstract: An extractor for a vacuum cleaning system of the type based on a cyclonic separator. The extractor comprises an annular body located adjacent the cyclonic separator and has an annular opening communicating with the cyclonic separator. A mesh covers the annular opening. In use the air circulating in the cyclonic separator vents through the extractor but debris in the air stream is stopped by the mesh.

Abstract: A landscape material includes a plurality of fibers. Each of the fibers includes a generally uniform length, such as in a range of from about 3.0 inches to about 10.0 inches, and a generally uniform cross sectional area, so that the landscape material generally is lighter in weight and more uniform in appearance than landscape material of the prior art. The landscape material optionally includes an additive such as a colorant. A method for making landscape material is also provided. The method includes the steps of providing a wood section and cutting the wood section into a plurality of ribbons. Each of the ribbons has a generally uniform cross sectional area, and the ribbons are reduced to fibers, each of which has a generally uniform length.

Abstract: A system for attaching architectural panels to the outer surface of a residential or commercial building includes a vertically disposed stiffener attached to a panel and also to the outer surface of the building. The stiffener interlocks with a base clip which is attached to an adjacent upper panel. A vertically disposed bracket and a clip are each attached to opposite edges of the panel. The vertically disposed bracket and the clip engage a second clip and a second bracket, respectively, in an adjacent panel in order to attach the panel to the outer surface of the building.

Abstract: A gimbal mount in which an optical element is mounted in a carriage that mounts for rotation in a holder, which in turn mounts for rotation in a body. A first pair of counter-acting adjustment screws act upon a face of the holder to rotate the holder about a first axis. A second pair of counter-acting adjustment screws act upon a face of the carriage to rotate the carriage about a second axis. The first axis and second axis are orthogonal in the preferred embodiment.

Abstract: A pneumatic proportioning system for heavy-duty vehicle air springs includes an air supply, a height control valve and a solenoid valve in fluid communication with one another and with the air springs of at least one axle/suspension systems of a heavy-duty vehicle. A proportioning means is in fluid communication with the air supply, with the height control valve, with the solenoid valve, with the air springs and with atmosphere and operates to proportion loads between the air springs of the axle/suspension systems when the solenoid valve is activated during operation of the heavy-duty vehicle.

Abstract: A stump grinding wheel includes a wheel disc, which includes multiple recesses formed about its periphery. A peripheral cutter assembly is disposed in each one of the recesses and is mounted on the wheel disc. Multiple side cutter assemblies are mounted on the wheel disc, and each one includes a first pocket and a second pocket. The first pocket is disposed on one side of the wheel disc and the second pocket is disposed on the other side of the wheel disc, and a wear pad is formed adjacent a selected end of each pocket. A cutting tooth is received in aligned openings formed in the first pocket, the wheel disc, and the second pocket. A nut threadably engages the cutting tooth of the side cutter assembly to secure the tooth to the first and second pockets, and to secure the pockets to the wheel disc.

Abstract: A hubcap for a wheel end assembly of a heavy-duty vehicle seals an outboard end of the wheel end assembly. The wheel end assembly includes a wheel hub formed with a cavity that contains lubricant, and the hubcap positively engages and mounts on the outboard end of the wheel hub to prevent the escape of lubricant and the ingress of contaminants. The integrally-formed hubcap includes a generally cylindrical sidewall and an outboard wall that extends generally perpendicular to the sidewall. A lip extends inboardly from and a shoulder extends radially outwardly from an inboard end of the sidewall, and the lip and shoulder cooperate to positively mechanically engage the outboard end of the wheel hub. An O-ring is disposed between the lip and the wheel hub to provide a seal. The hubcap also is adapted to accommodate components of a tire inflation system and other auxiliary components.

Abstract: A portable drilling device for use in horizontal boring through a substrate beneath an impediment includes a motor mounted on an inclined stabilizer bar. The inclined stabilizer bar includes a handle for use by the operator of the drilling unit which allows the operator to guide the unit during operation. A shaft is operatively mounted on the motor and is rotatably carried by the stabilizer bar. The shaft is in turn attached to an auger which is rotatably carried within a bearing housing assembly that is attached to the inclined stabilizer bar at a predetermined angle. A skid shoe is mounted underneath the shaft-auger attachment point and is attached to both the housing and the inclined stabilizer bar, whereby, when the motor is engaged the shaft and the auger are rotated in order to bore a horizontal opening through the substrate beneath an impediment such as a sidewalk or driveway.

Abstract: A frame for a heavy-duty vehicle includes a pail of spaced-apart, parallel, elongated, and longitudinally-extending main members. At least a pair of transverse cross members extend between and are attached to the main members, and each one of at least a pair of hangers is attached to and depends from a respective one of the main members and/or the cross members. A component is disposed between each one of the hangers and its respective main member, or alternatively is incorporated into the hangers, for absorbing the energy that is created by an extreme event during vehicle operation, to reduce the possibility of damage to the main members and/or the cross members caused by movement of at least one of the hangers during the extreme event.

Abstract: A temperature warning system for a heavy-duty vehicle, having at least one axle formed with an inner diameter. The axle includes a pair of spindle ends, and a wheel end assembly rotatably mounted on each spindle end. A thermal switch is disposed in the inner diameter of at least one of the axle spindle ends. The switch is electrically connected to a control module to form a closed electrical circuit, and the control module is electrically connected to an indicator device. When the temperature of the switch reaches a predetermined minimum temperature, such as from undesirable increased temperature in the axle spindle end and/or the wheel end assembly, the switch opens, breaking the closed electrical circuit, and causing the control module to activate the indicator device. The indicator device is viewable by the vehicle operator during its operation, thus warning the operator of the undesirable high temperature condition.