Abstract: A towing device, adapted to be mounted to a chassis of a vehicle, features a bi-planar rotation mechanism which allows a telescoping beam to dynamically pivot about two orthogonal axes. The towing device includes a sub-frame mounted to the chassis. An underframe is pivotally attached to the sub-frame to move between a retracted position, adjacent to the sub-frame, and an extended position, distal from the sub-frame. The telescoping beam extends from the underframe and terminates in a carriage, which is adapted to support the wheels of a towed vehicle. In this fashion, the telescoping beam allows the towed vehicle to dynamically pivot about two orthogonal axes which avoids "high centering" of the towing vehicle.

Abstract: A clonable display device includes an input port for receiving digital data representative of non-linear input variable. Computer CPU is connected to the input port for receiving digital data, and a linear display having an input connected to the computer CPU is provided for providing an output indication which varies linearly with the signal applied to the display. Non-volatile memory is connected to the computer CPU for storing a finite set of predetermined calibration points.

Abstract: A display device, in form of a panel meter which includes a combination of a linear bar graph and digital numeric display, linearly displays a non-linear input variable at an infinite number of input points. A microprocessor receives a digital input, which can be a converted analog signal, representing a non-linear variable such as a liquid level height in a tank or reservoir or a corresponding analog input received through an analog to digital (A/D) converter. A non-volatile memory stores a finite set of predetermined number n of correlated input/output points (x.sub.n, y.sub.n ) which together define a conversion function for converting a given input (x.sub.n) at any given point (x.sub.n, y.sub.n ) to an associated output (y.sub.n). Each two adjacent points (x.sub.0, y.sub.0) and (x.sub.1, y.sub.1) define a straight line segment. The microprocessor is programmed to interpolate for any given input x between two points (x.sub.0, x.sub.1) to provide an output (y) between associated outputs (y.sub.0, y.sub.

Abstract: A compact tag axle assembly which may be retrofitted to an existing vehicle such as a tilting bed carrier to allow the vehicle to comply with axle load regulations when operated over public roadways. The assembly mounts behind the vehicle's rear axle such that the auxiliary wheels are in close proximity to the rear vehicle wheels, with the support framework of the auxiliary wheels entirely behind the mounting location of these wheels. The assembly consists of two interconnected independently suspended auxiliary wheels which are connected to the vehicle through a centrally located pair of common mounting brackets. The assembly has a minimal longitudinal displacement relative to the main vehicle rear wheels and is easily mounted beneath an existing vehicle.

Abstract: A sheet feeding apparatus capable of feeding corrugated cardboard sheet without the need for feed rolls which comprises a support for sheet having a feed end and a delivery end. The support further includes feed elements comprising at least one feed element driven at a variable speed and at least one feed element driven at a constant speed. The variable speed feed element transfers the sheet from the feed end to the constant speed feed element. The constant speed feed element transfers the sheet from the variable speed feed element to the delivery end. The variable speed feed element is driven by a variable speed generating mechanism which generates a motion cycle including a constant speed output segment which is equal to the constant speed of the constant speed feed element. The sheet feeding apparatus provides a smooth continuous, controlled transfer of the sheet from the feed end to the delivery end of the apparatus.

Abstract: A quality monitoring system employing vision processing equipment to photograph at least one of the edges of every folded-over box blank as it is conveyed through a box forming machine is used to determine in-line whether the blanks, when unfolded, will produce square boxes having essentially all 90.degree. angles between adjacent sides. The folded-over blanks have a manufacturer's gap between adjacent box side panels. The electronic images are electronically digitized and the resulting data processed by computer to calculate critical parameters of the folded-over blank, including gap width, longitudinal taper of the gap width, and alignment of the lateral edges of the panels surrounding the gap in relation to the lateral edge of the gap. Comparison of these measured critical parameters with corresponding parameters for an idealized box stored in the computer indicates the quality of the formed box and whether the quality falls within acceptable parameters.

Abstract: A rotary feeder feeds sheets or board-like articles to nip rolls in a box-making machine. The boards are successively and individually fed from the bottom of a stack whose forward edge engages a gate below which the boards are fed by driven feed members such as wheels, rolls or endless belts which engage the underside of the lowermost board. To raise and lower the boards relative to the surface of the feed members, a vertically reciprocable grate is provided between the drive members. The grate and drive members are mounted in a vacuum box in which a vacuum is established to hold the boards in proper position on the feed members when the grate is lowered. The vacuum is also utilized to hold the boards with sufficient force to produce necessary friction between the boards and the feed members for feeding.