Abstract: A cable gripping and tensioning apparatus is provided for attaching a cable to an anchor point such as a wooden post as part of a cable railing system. In one form, the apparatus includes a tubular component and a ferrule. The tubular component includes external threads to engage the wall of a hole in the post, an internal axial bore through which a cable may pass, a first end which may engage a wrench to rotate the tubular component and a second end which may provide a thrust bearing surface. The ferrule is swaged to an end portion of the cable. The ferrule provides a thrust bearing surface for contact with the second end of the tubular component, allowing for the rotation of the tubular component to tension the cable while the cable does not rotate.

Abstract: A device for indicating a level of a bulk material in a bin. A motor imparts a swinging motion to a paddle located inside the bin. When the paddle engages the material, drag on the paddle causes a counteracting force on the motor, indicating a presence of material at the location of the device. In various embodiments, a paddle shaft, having very little exposure inside the bin, extends from a protective enclosure. The shaft is capped with a flexible section having the paddle attached to it. The paddle is at a downward angle relative to the paddle shaft and extends into the bin so as to engage the material. The paddle may move at an urging of the material so as to avoid damage to the paddle, flexible section, and shaft.

Abstract: A device for indicating a level of a bulk material in a bin. A motor imparts a swinging motion to a paddle located inside the bin. When the paddle engages the material, drag on the paddle causes a counteracting force on the motor, indicating a presence of material at the location of the device. In various embodiments, a paddle shaft, having very little exposure inside the bin, extends from a protective enclosure. The shaft is capped with a flexible section having the paddle attached to it. The paddle is at a downward angle relative to the paddle shaft and extends into the bin so as to engage the material. The paddle may move at an urging of the material so as to avoid damage to the paddle, flexible section, and shaft.

Abstract: A cable gripping and tensioning apparatus is provided for attaching a cable to an anchor point such as a wooden post as part of a cable railing system. In one form, the apparatus includes a tubular component and a ferrule. The tubular component includes external threads to engage the wall of a hole in the post, an internal axial bore through which a cable may pass, a first end which may engage a wrench to rotate the tubular component and a second end which may provide a thrust bearing surface. The ferrule is swaged to an end portion of the cable. The ferrule provides a thrust bearing surface for contact with the second end of the tubular component, allowing for the rotation of the tubular component to tension the cable while the cable does not rotate.