Abstract: An improved brake control apparatus automatically engaging the park brakes of a vehicle when the vehicle ignition switch is turned to the off position and automatically disengaging the park brakes of a vehicle when the vehicle ignition switch is turned to the on position. The brake control apparatus is constructed to be utilized in cooperation with an automobile park brakes and with the park brakes of a trailer or the like, for example, the brake control apparatus being installable as an accessory item or as original equipment.

Abstract: A collapsible luggage carrying device is provided having a triangular telescoping back portion and a triangular luggage supporting base section connected thereto. Both the back and the base include elongated tubular frame members diverging from a common apex and being interconnected by a generally transverse connecting and stabilizing bar which maintains the triangular shaped back and base portion in a rigid, expanded position for carrying luggage. The base may also include a plurality of sections telescoped together to thus provide an adjustable length for accommodating several pieces of luggage. The apex of both the upright back portion and the base are interconnected with a flexible strap to provide an enclosed rigid triangular supporting frame surrounding the articles being transported.

Abstract: A method and plural embodiments of apparatus for delivering a pressure-compensated supply of fluid to a hydraulic steering circuit, wherein first and second pumps are respectively operated by a vehicle engine and by a ground wheel when the vehicle is in motion, output fluid from the two pumps being simultaneously directed to the steering circuit by a control valve with inlet relief valve means modulating output pressure of the sources in response to operation of the control valve. One embodiment contemplates dual inlet relief valves for separately modulating output from the two pumps while another embodiment contemplates one of the pumps having a variable output.

Abstract: Two shell sections are injection molded of synthetic plastic material having high compression strength, to provide a housing for an outer race surface of a ball bearing or roller bearing. When the two sections are combined, inner surfaces of the housing provided thereby accurately fit bearing race surfaces to be held therein without machining or finishing these surfaces.

Abstract: A method of high speed mass transportation. A vehicle with a substantially flat bottom traverses a substantially flat track which is covered with a layer of liquid, whereupon the vehicle "hydroplanes" over the track.

Abstract: A drive and bearing assembly for a converter construction has a fixed bearing and an expansion bearing. The expansion bearing comprises a bushing with recesses of semi-circular cross-section, into which bushing an axially movable trunnion with corresponding recesses of semi-circular cross-section protrudes. The trunnion is connected to or forms part of a driving toothed wheel. Crown rollers are inserted in the mutually supplementing recesses of the bushing and the trunnion.

Abstract: A carrier is provided which is readily loaded with ground-borne refuse, and which is of adjustable width to enable convenient storage and optimal adaptation to specific uses.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a control system for hydraulic pumps driven by the engine of a vehicle or the like and used for operating an auxiliary mechanism such as a vehicle mounted implement, a power steering system or the like. The disclosed system includes means for interrupting the flow of operating fluid to the pump during periods of time when the output of the pump is not required. With the pump inlet closed, all of the hydraulic fluid on the suction side is immediately pumped out the pump discharge, leaving only a small amount of residual oil on the surface of the working parts to provide lubrication. A valve is provided to prevent fluid from returning to the pump because of downstream pressure in the circuit. Control means, utilizing pressure downstream from the pump, for operating the valve in the inlet of the pump are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for protecting pregnant women drivers or passengers from injury to the abdomen during sudden or unexpected braking of a moving vehicle. The device in one form is a dome shaped shield of rigid plastics material, which is adapted to fit over the protuberant abdomen.

Abstract: A bearing assembly for accommodating angular displacements in torque-transmitting trunnions, has a spherical-face-shaped hub on the trunnion and a trunnion receiving bushing, both with toothings meshing with one another. A bearing comprised of inner rings and outer rings is inserted between the bushing and the trunnion. The bearing assembly is particularly suited for a tiltable converter with a carrying ring, in which the bushing is inserted into the carrying ring and the trunnion of the driving toothed wheel protrudes into the bushing.

Abstract: There is provided an automatic seat belt locking system for a vehicle, e.g., an automobile whereby while in the normal condition the vehicle occupants are not restrained by their seat belts, the seat belts are automatically locked to secure and protect the occupants in the case of an emergency such as a collision. The system comprises a pair of acceleration/deceleration detectors which are composed for example of two different types of mercury switches and which are also adapted to respectively generate a first and second output signal when the acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle exceeds a first and second predetermined value, and absorbing means whereby transient accelerations greater than the first predetermined value and caused by disturbances are absorbed to render both of the detectors inoperative while the vehicle is running on an incomplete, rough road surface.

Abstract: A tonneau cover for a fifth wheel camper truck is disclosed comprising a supporting frame which is secured to the upper ends of the wall members of the truck box and having a cover extending thereover. The supporting frame comprises a pair of side frame members which are positioned on the upper ends of the side walls of the box, a front frame member extending between the forward ends of the side frame members and a back frame member which extends between the rearward ends of the side frame members. A plurality of spaced apart cross members extend between the side frame members and are arched so that the centers dwell in a plane above the ends thereof. The cover is secured at its periphery to the side frame members by snaps or the like and has an opening formed in the central portion thereof positioned above the fifth wheel mounted in the truck box so that the king pin of a trailer may extend downwardly therethrough.

Abstract: A retaining mechanism for ski bindings with a curved retaining member, retaining tightener or the like serving for the retention of the boot, which is adapted to be inserted into lateral cross bores of a sole plate or a similar part arranged on the ski by means of inwardly directed pin portions; the cross bores are provided both with an internal thread for receiving pin portions provided with corresponding external threads and with bayonet-like grooves for pin portions provided with elements to be coupled with the grooves in a bayonet-like manner.

Abstract: A transportation system is comprised of a first closed loop passenger and cargo transporter section with such section being ideally intended to operate at a substantially constant speed, and a second closed loop passenger transfer section with such section being intended to operate, generally between the first closed loop and a related stationary passenger platform, as to cyclically maintain a speed equivalent to the constant speed of the first closed loop, then decelerate until it is stationary with respect to the related stationary passenger platform and then accelerate until it is again at the speed of the first closed loop transporter section. Passengers and cargo may, during the time that the transfer section is stationary with respect to the passenger platform, transfer from the platform onto the then stationary transfer section (or if getting off of the system, transfer from the then stationary transfer section onto the platform).

Abstract: Apparatus for releasably securing a materials handler to a boom while permitting rotation of the materials handler about a first axis fixed with respect to the boom, and comprising a hitch adapted for pivotal connection to the boom for rotation about the first axis and including spaced apart hook and lock members, and cooperating structure on the materials handler for receiving and engaging the hook member and for engaging the lock member; the hook member extending downwardly from the body of the hitch with the nose of the hook facing the first axis and having a predetermined maximum width, a tapering nose portion of lesser width, a jaw having an engagement surface, a rear surface, and an overall depth defined by the rear surface and the front of the nose; the cooperating structure including a top wall for engaging the bottom of the hitch body, an opening in the wall of width substantially equal to the maximum width of the hook member for receiving the hook member, a rigid cross member extending transversely

Abstract: To provide support for a rotatable shaft, a bearing ball is fixed to the shaft and rotatably mounted within a bearing race. A low friction liner which is disposed between the wearing surfaces of the ball and the race includes a backing, which can be adhered to the wearing surface of the bearing race, and a layer of low friction material, which can be disposed to contact the bearing and thereby provide permanent lubrication between the bearing and the race. The backing can be paper impregnated with chopped, compressed fibers such as wood or rice to provide the liner with a substantially linear stress-strain characteristic similar to that of metals. The paper backing reduces the deflection of the liner in response to compressive stresses so that the accuracy of movement of the bearing within the race is increased significantly. The layer of low friction material may be formed from an intimate mixture of an adhesive and small particles of a low friction material.

Abstract: The thrust bearing comprises an annular support within which at least one annular plate is retained. The plate defines either a planar slideway if the bearing is a smooth bearing or a planar raceway if the bearing is a rolling bearing. At least one axially deformable annular elastically yieldable member is retained in the support and applied against the plate.

Abstract: A fixed bearing assembly for a tiltable-converter carrying trunnion comprises a bearing accommodating its angular and wobbling movements, respectively, arranged in a housing, in which assembly the carrying trunnion is united with the spur gear wheel in a common bearing and drive housing.

Abstract: A shaft bearing including a bearing insert and a housing constructed of plastic and having a body and a retainer for the bearing insert, the plastic housing body and the retainer being integrally joined by an ultrasonic vibration method to fuse the interface between the two parts to form a unitary housing structure and secure the bearing insert in place in the bearing housing. The invention includes the method of assembling the plastic housing parts and bearing insert, and welding the housing body and the retainer by ultrasonic vibration to secure the bearing insert in place in the housing and conform the internal surface of the body and retainer to the adjacent external surface of the bearing insert.

Abstract: A table is reciprocated along a straight line by a force that does not precisely control movement direction. Accurate motion constraint is provided by two separated air bearings arranged along a common axis. A third air bearing, displaced from the common axis, supports the table on a sleeve that is free to rotate on its axis.