Abstract: A system for a vehicle includes a hollow axle, a wheel hub which surrounds the axle, bearings provided therebetween, at least one nut having a predetermined inner diameter mounted on an end of the axle, and a hub cap mounted to the wheel hub. An exciting element is mounted within the hub cap by a mounting wheel. A sensor member is mounted in the end of the axle and radially spaced from the exciting element. The sensor member has an outer diameter which is less than the inner diameter of the nut such that the wheel hub, the bearings, the nut, the hub cap, the exciting element and the mounting wheel can be removed without having to remove the sensor member from the axle.

Abstract: A proximity sensing system for a trailer which includes at least one non-contact proximity sensor which is in communication with a brake system. The brake system is configured to operate depending on what is sensed by the proximity sensor. The proximity sensing system may be in communication with electronics and a feedback device in the trailer, such as a display device and/or a speaker. The electronics is configured to control the feedback device depending on what is sensed by the proximity sensor. Preferably, a tractor includes an engine and an electronic engine controller in operable association with the engine. The proximity sensor is in communication with the electronic engine controller, and the electronic engine controller is configured to operate the engine depending on what is sensed by the proximity sensor. The proximity sensor may be optical, microwave or ultrasonic technology based, or may be some other suitable sensor.

Abstract: A braking system, such as an Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) or Electropneumatic Braking System (EBS), which is configured to communicate information in a wireless transmission to a remote location. The braking system may be provided on a trailer, and may be configured to communicate the information to a fleet base. The information which is communicated to the fleet base may include information regarding tire pressure and bearing health, as well as other information about the trailer. The braking system includes an Electronic Control Module, and the Electronic Control Module may be connected to a communications antenna for transmitting the information to the fleet base, or may be in communication with a Trailer Tracking system on the trailer, where the Trailer Tracking system is configured to transmit the information to the fleet base.

Abstract: A system for monitoring bearing health of a wheel of a vehicle, such as a trailer, is provided. The system is configured to monitor at least one characteristic relating to the wheel bearings, such as a temperature, vibrations, and/or proximity. The monitoring system may be configured to monitor more than one of these characteristics (i.e., temperature, vibration and proximity) or even all three. The system is incorporated into a wheel speed sensor. The system may be incorporated in an anti-lock brake system (ABS) or electro-pneumatic brake system (EBS). Regardless of which characteristic is actually monitored by the system and whether the system is employed with an ABS or EBS, the bearing monitoring system provides that one or more bearings of a vehicle can be continuously and automatically monitored in the field.

Abstract: A pre-wire routing apparatus and method is provided during construction of a building to provide an inexpensive way to later install a wiring interconnect between first and second terminal locations. The apparatus includes a strand of flexible material, preferably string, which has an enlarged tail element at a trailing end and an enlarged head element connectable at a leading end. Fastening structure, such as a cable tie, is secured to the leading end to allow selected connection of the head element to the strand after the strand has been threaded along an interconnect pathway through an interior wall portion of the building. The fastening structure preferably forms a leader to facilitate installation, the tail element is a pull ring and the head element is a waisted rod. Protector sleeves may be positioned in openings, e.g., bores, formed in the internal framing elements, and, in an alternative embodiment, a sheath surrounds the strand.

Abstract: An applicator package for the application of flowable materials to surfaces, comprising: an applicator pad; a backing member, one surface of which is in adhesive contact with the pad, comprising a first, flexible sheet; a second member, in contact with the other surface of the backing member, comprising a formed semi-rigid sheet having at least one recess adjacent the pad; at least one cavity, or reservoir for flowable materials distally spaced from the recess; a peripheral groove in fluid connection with the recess and spaced from the distal and side edges of the member; co-planar separations, between the cavity and the groove and recess, in contact with the backing member the backing member being sealed to the second member at the periphery thereof and at the separations between the cavity, groove and recess; and an opening adjacent to and between the pad and the recess to permit the flow of the flowable materials therethrough into the pad and therethrough to the desired surfaces.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing package from two continuous abutting strips having opposed recesses provided with spaced holes and forming substantially cylindrical chambers for individual ampoules. The strips are heat sealed together and non-woven fabric is heat sealed to the outer sides of said strips. Individual liquid dispensing packages are die-cut from strips with each having a peripheral flange. The liquid dispensing package can be manually crushed whereby the liquid in the ampoule penetrates through said fabric.

Abstract: A zero insertion force connector for making contact with the electrical terminals of four printed wiring boards. Two pairs of parallel plates (16, 17; 18, 19), each pair mounted for lateral movement and having a plurality of terminals (29) for making contact with the corresponding electrical terminals of two printed wiring boards when inserted therebetween, are each separated and closed by the rotation of a shaft (37) having two cam plates (39, 40) mounted near the opposite ends thereof. The two cam plates (39, 40) mounted next to the opposite ends of the two pairs of plates (16, 17; 18, 19), respectively, converts the rotational movement of the shaft (37) to the lateral movement of the two pairs of plates (16, 17; 18, 19) thereby separating and closing each pair of plates (16, 17; 18, 19).

Abstract: An inexpensive disposable antiseptic applicator swab made on a blister forming and sealing machine in which complimentary pockets are made in thermoplastic sheets to form a chamber that receives a crushable glass ampoule containing the antiseptic liquid. The thermoplastic sheets are then heat sealed, leaving an opening into said chamber, said opening being covered by a foam applicator tip through which the antiseptic liquid can penetrate.