Abstract: A multi-purpose, multi-function tool of compact design made up of a plurality of components having levels thereon which interact together to provide a single tool which can perform a number of various functions or purposes within the design or construction industry. The tool having a support of predetermined thickness and being of a substantially triangular-shaped configuration defining a pair of legs and a hypotenuse. An edge member is situated on one of the legs of said support structure, the edge member being of a predetermined thickness greater than the predetermined thickness of the support structure for supporting the support structure on a surface. A rotatable member is pivotally mounted on the support structure for selective rotational movement with respect thereto and a curved extension protruding from the rotatable member having degree and rise markings thereon.

Abstract: A pseudo four-leg leveling system for a vehicle, such as a recreational vehicle or the like, includes four jacks in the form of hydraulic cylinders mounted to the vehicle frame. Two jacks are located adjacent to the rear the vehicle and two jacks are located adjacent the front of the vehicle. A manually operated control mechanism is located within the vehicle, and a power system interposed between the control mechanism and the jacks supplies hydraulic fluid to extend and retract the jacks thereby adjusting the attitude of the vehicle relative to level. Hydraulic fluid supplied to the rear jacks is controlled independently from the other jacks. The front jacks are in fluid communication with each other, and hydraulic fluid supplied to the front jacks is controlled independently of the hydraulic fluid supplied to the rear jacks. The invention minimizes frame twist when leveling the vehicle.

Abstract: A system for leveling a vehicle such as a recreational vehicle or the like includes three jacks in the form of hydraulic cylinders mounted to the vehicle frame. A series of manually actuated switches, oriented in a diamond pattern, are located within the interior of the vehicle and are interconnected with the jacks to provide selective extension of the jacks to adjust the attitude of the vehicle relative to level. A level sensor is mounted to the vehicle and is interconnected with the jacks and the switches, and an operating system is responsive to the level sensor for controlling operation of the jacks and providing information to the control panel. The operating system alerts the operator as to which of the switches should be actuated in order to level the vehicle, and also functions to cut-off extension of each jack when the level sensor has detected that the vehicle in the vicinity of the jack has attained a level condition.

Abstract: A system for leveling a vehicle such as a recreational vehicle or the like includes three jacks in the form of hydraulic cylinders mounted to the vehicle frame. A series of manually actuated switches, oriented in a diamond pattern, are located within the interior of the vehicle and are interconnected with the jacks to provide selective extension of the jacks to adjust the attitude of the vehicle relative to level. A level sensor is mounted to the vehicle and is interconnected with the jacks and the switches, and an operating system is responsive to the level sensor for controlling operation of the jacks and providing information to the control panel. The operating system alerts the operator as to which of the switches should be actuated in order to level the vehicle, and also functions to cut-off extension of each jack when the level sensor has detected that the vehicle in the vicinity of the jack has attained a level condition.

Abstract: A system for leveling a vehicle such as a recreational vehicle or the like includes three jacks in the form of hydraulic cylinders mounted to the vehicle frame. A series of manually actuated switches, oriented in a diamond pattern, are located within the interior of the vehicle and are interconnected with the jacks to provide selective extension of the jacks to adjust the attitude of the vehicle relative to level. A level sensor is mounted to the vehicle and is interconnected with the jacks and the switches, and an operating system is responsive to the level sensor for controlling operation of the jacks and providing information to the control panel. The operating system alerts the operator as to which of the switches should be actuated in order to level the vehicle, and also functions to cut-off extension of each jack when the level sensor has detected that the vehicle in the vicinity of the jack has attained a level condition.

Abstract: An operating mechanism for an expandable vehicle slide-out section includes a pair of inner rail members, each being slidably supported in an outer rail member secured to the vehicle body. Each of the inner rail members has an outer end attachable to the slide-out section. A power drive arrangement includes a drive shaft operably connected with the inner rail members to synchronize travel of each of the inner rail members. The power drive arrangement includes an integral motor-brake having a conveniently accessible release mechanism for selectively releasing engagement of the brake with the drive shaft. A manual override system is adjustably mounted on the drive shaft to extend and retract the slide-out section when the brake is released, should the power drive arrangement become inoperable.

Abstract: A baster or like device includes a liquid tube and a squeezable, resilient suction bulb. The suction bulb includes a series of radially spaced scallops or indentations about its outer surface, which provide ergonomic advantages in gripping the suction bulb. Further, the spacing between the indentations defines a series of lands, which function to bias the suction bulb to its undeformed condition. The suction bulb is removably mounted to the liquid tube, and a pair of sealing rings are located toward the rearward end of the liquid tube. The suction bulb includes internal grooves which receive and mate with the sealing rings. The forward end of the suction bulb engages a shoulder defined by a stop ring formed on the liquid tube. This structure provides a fluid-tight seal between the liquid tube and the suction bulb, to prevent leakage of air or other fluid during use.

Abstract: An operating mechanism for an expandable vehicle slide-out section includes a pair of inner rail members, each being slidably supported in an outer rail member secured to the vehicle body. Each of the inner rail members has an outer end attachable to the slide-out section. A power drive arrangement includes a drive shaft operably connected with the inner rail members to synchronize travel of each of the inner rail members. The power drive arrangement includes an integral motor-brake having a rotatable output shaft and a brake for positively stopping rotation of the output shaft and for preventing its further movement until released, so as to enable the slide-out section to be positioned between fully extended and fully retracted positions. A manual override system is adjustably mounted on the drive shaft to extend and retract the slide-out section should the power drive arrangement become inoperable.

Abstract: A door locking mechanism for use with a door having a door latch assembly and a stationary catch includes a locking rod movable between a locking position and a release position. In its locking position, the locking rod extends into aligned passages formed in a latch member and a stationary catch member of a door latch assembly, which are engaged with each other in a latched position to maintain the door in a closed position. This prevents disengagement of the latch member from the catch member, to prevent opening of the door. In its release position, the locking rod is withdrawn from at least the latch member passage, to enable the latch member to be disengaged from the catch member and to allow opening of the door. The locking rod is interconnected with a piston disposed within a cylinder. A spring urges the piston toward a position placing the locking rod in its locking position.

Abstract: A system for leveling a vehicle such as a recreational vehicle or the like includes three jacks in the form of hydraulic cylinders mounted to the vehicle frame. A series of manually actuated switches, oriented in a diamond pattern, are located within the interior of the vehicle and are interconnected with the jacks to provide selective extension of the jacks to adjust the attitude of the vehicle relative to level. A level sensor is mounted to the vehicle and is interconnected with the jacks and the switches, and an operating system is responsive to the level sensor for controlling operation of the jacks and providing information to the control panel. The operating system alerts the operator as to which of the switches should be actuated in order to level the vehicle, and also functions to cut-off extension of each jack when the level sensor has detected that the vehicle in the vicinity of the jack has attained a level condition.

Abstract: A manually operated leveling system for a vehicle such as a recreational vehicle or the like includes three jacks in the form of hydraulic cylinders mounted to the vehicle frame. A shoe is mounted to the piston rod of each jack. Two jacks are located adjacent the rear of the vehicle and one jack is located adjacent the front of the vehicle. A series of manually actuated switches, oriented in a diamond pattern, are located within the interior of the vehicle, and are interconnected with the jacks to provide selective extension of the jacks in order to adjust the attitude of the vehicle relative to level. A cross-check level or bullseye level is mounted within the interior of the vehicle for viewing by the operator to determine the attitude of the vehicle relative to level. A series of control valves are interposed between the jacks and the switches for controlling extension and retraction of the jacks in response to manual operation of the switches.

Abstract: A telescoping assembly includes an inner tubular member and an outer tubular member, each defining an internal passage. The inner and outer tubular members are mounted to each other for telescoping movement therebetween, and a pair of coaxial springs are mounted within the internal passages defined by the inner and outer tubular members. The springs act to bias the tubular members toward a retracted position. The tubular members are movable to an extended position against the force of the springs, by introduction of pressurized fluid into the internal passages defined by the inner and outer tubular members. A valve is mounted to an end of one of the tubular members, for introducing pressurized fluid into the internal passages defined by the tubular members, and for allowing fluid to be expelled therefrom under the force of the springs, for allowing the inner and outer tubular members to move to their retracted position.

Abstract: A system for leveling a vehicle, such as a recreational vehicle, includes three extendable and retractable fluid-operated jacks. The leveling system further includes an arrangement for sensing when the vehicle's parking brake is released, or when the vehicle's transmission is moved out of neutral while the vehicle's engine is operating, to automatically retract the jacks in response to either condition.

Abstract: A telescoping assembly includes an inner tubular member and an outer tubular member, each defining an internal passage. The inner and outer tubular members are mounted to each other for telescoping movement therebetween, and a pair of coaxial springs are mounted within the internal passages defined by the inner and outer tubular members. The springs act to bias the tubular members toward a retracted position. The tubular members are movable to an extended position against the force of the springs, by introduction of pressurized fluid into the internal passages defined by the inner and outer tubular members. A valve is mounted to an end of one of the tubular members, for introducing pressurized fluid into the internal passages defined by the tubular members, and for allowing fluid to be expelled therefrom under the force of the springs, for allowing the inner and outer tubular members to move to their retracted position.

Abstract: A system for leveling a vehicle, such as a recreational vehicle, includes three extendable and retractable fluid-operated jacks. The jacks are spring-biased to their retracted position. Supply of hydraulic fluid under pressure extends the jacks, and the jacks are retracted by relieving the supply of hydraulic fluid pressure to the jacks to allow the springs to expel fluid from the jacks. A number of unique aspects are incorporated in the leveling system for providing highly advantageous construction, operation and installation.

Abstract: A lifting and lowering system for a trailer includes one or more extendible and retractable legs, with the legs being provided with springs or the like urging the legs toward their retracted position. The system is a pressurized air/hydraulic system, and includes an air-operated booster valve for extending the legs when loaded. A master valve assembly is provided for controlling supply of air to the system and for allowing retraction of the legs. The master valve and air valve include a common actuator shaft so that the system is selectively connected to pressurized air or vented, as appropriate, when leg extension or retraction occurs. The master valve includes a cam actuator/cam follower piston operated system for selectively providing fluid pressure to a lock valve associated with each leg. The lock valve is biased toward a normally closed position, and is selectively movable to an open position for allowing extension or retraction of the legs.

Abstract: A valve for regulating the bidirectional flow of hydraulic fluid in an hydraulic fluid line, wherein the flow resistance in one direction can be increased, includes a hollow body (10) with an internal seat (20), a spool member (22) slidably mounted within the body (10), the spool (22) having a cylinder portion (24) and a nozzle portion (26) containing orifices (30, 32, 34), bias means (40), and limit means (42). The spool (22) is slidable within the body (10) between a position in which fluid flows through all orifices (30, 32, 34) to provide unrestricted fluid flow when fluid flows through the valve in one direction, and a position in which the nozzle (26) engages the seat (20) to block fluid flow through some of the orifices (30, 32, 34) and thereby increase flow resistance when fluid flows through the valve in the opposite direction.