Abstract: A steering wheel system for a semi-trailer is described. The system uses a retractable encoded system releasably connected to a kingpin, a mechanical steer driving system translating the rotation of the kingpin to a hydraulic system, and a non-circular cogged system driven by the hydraulic system adapted to steer the wheels. A hydraulic generator system powered by the rotation of the wheels is used to decrease the electric energy required by the hydraulic system. Other improvements are also present to increase security, decrease weight and improve time expectancy of the components.

Abstract: A steering wheel system for a semi-trailer is described. The system uses a retractable encoded system releasably connected to a kingpin, a mechanical steer driving system translating the rotation of the kingpin to a hydraulic system, and a non-circular cogged system driven by the hydraulic system adapted to steer the wheels. A hydraulic generator system powered by the rotation of the wheels is used to decrease the electric energy required by the hydraulic system. Other improvements are also present to increase security, decrease weight and improve time expectancy of the components.

Abstract: A method and a system for monitoring matter accumulation on a surface, the system comprising an emitter emitting a flat or line beam parallelly to a surface to be monitored at a predetermined height above the surface to be monitored; a receiver positioned at the predetermined height above the surface to be monitored, the receiver being selected to one of: i) configured to detect a reflected beam and ii) configured to detect a transmitted beam, and a signaling unit sending a signal indicating that a threshold thickness of matter has accumulated on the surface to be monitored when one of: i) the receiver starts detecting a reflected beam and ii) the receiver stops detecting a transmitted beam.

Abstract: A steering assembly for steering a vehicle. The steering assembly comprises a first steering knuckle having a first wheel rotatably mounted thereto, a first swing mechanism for enabling displacement of the first steering knuckle along a first arced path and a first guiding mechanism for pivoting the first steering knuckle when the first steering knuckle is displaced along the first arced path in order to maintain the first wheel oriented tangentially relative to the first arced path. The first arced path is concave relative to a central longitudinal axis of the vehicle and spaced from the first frame member, away from a central longitudinal axis of the vehicle, by a distance sufficient to prevent the first wheel from contacting the first frame member when the first steering knuckle is pivoted. There is further provided a method of operating the steering assembly.

Abstract: An elevating platform assembly (50) comprises a pair of laterally spaced, generally vertical masts (52). A drive mechanism (100) is coupled to each mast (52) and is moveable upwardly and downwardly along the masts. An elongated elevating platform (58) extends between the masts. A connection frame (150) couples each end of the elevating platform to a respective one of the drive mechanisms (100). Each connection frame (150) is pivotally coupled to the drive mechanism (100).

Abstract: A steering assembly for steering a vehicle. The steering assembly comprises a first steering knuckle having a first wheel rotatably mounted thereto, a first swing mechanism for enabling displacement of the first steering knuckle along a first arced path and a first guiding mechanism for pivoting the first steering knuckle when the first steering knuckle is displaced along the first arced path in order to maintain the first wheel oriented tangentially relative to the first arced path. The first arced path is concave relative to a central longitudinal axis of the vehicle and spaced from the first frame member, away from a central longitudinal axis of the vehicle, by a distance sufficient to prevent the first wheel from contacting the first frame member when the first steering knuckle is pivoted. There is further provided a method of operating the steering assembly.

Abstract: An elevating platform assembly (50) comprises a pair of laterally spaced, generally vertical masts (52). A drive mechanism (100) is coupled to each mast (52) and is moveable upwardly and downwardly along the masts. An elongated elevating platform (58) extends between the masts. A connection frame (150) couples each end of the elevating platform to a respective one of the drive mechanisms (100). Each connection frame (150) is pivotally coupled to the drive mechanism (100).

Abstract: A braking device for an elevated platform assembly comprising a platform moveable along a generally vertical mast supporting an upright rack comprises an input gear assembly in mating engagement with the rack, a centrifugal actuator communicating with the input assembly and a spring-loaded brake responsive to the centrifugal actuator. The spring-loaded brake engages the rack and arrests the platform when the platform descends the mast at a rate above an upper threshold limit.

Abstract: A braking device for an elevated platform assembly comprising a platform moveable along a generally vertical mast supporting an upright rack comprises an input gear assembly in mating engagement with the rack, a centrifugal actuator communicating with the input assembly and a spring-loaded brake responsive to the centrifugal actuator. The spring-loaded brake engages the rack and arrests the platform when the platform descends the mast at a rate above an upper threshold limit.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of continuously extruding thermoplastic material with a solid, hollow or open cross-section, in which a liquid medium is continuously applied to the surface of the material being extruded before it leaves a nozzle which shapes the cross-section of the extruded material to the desired profile, and the surface of the material being extruded is also roughened, either before, simultaneously with or immediately after the application of the liquid medium, but before the material leaves the nozzle.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of continuously extruding thermoplastic material with a solid, hollow or open cross-section, in which a liquid medium is continuously applied to the surface of the material being extruded before it leaves a nozzle which shapes the cross-section of the extruded material to the desired profile, and the surface of the material being extruded is also roughened, either before, simultaneously with or immediately after the application of the liquid medium, but before the material leaves the nozzle.