Abstract: The present invention presents a means for simultaneously testing the compressive strength and measuring the thermal energy dissipated by a given friction material during slip. The testing apparatus includes a rotatable flywheel that rotates a transmission reaction plate to simulate a typical reaction plate in a vehicle transmission assembly. A plurality of test samples selectively interact with the reaction plate while being elevated by hydraulically actuated cylinders. The thermal energy dissipated between the reaction plate and each test sample is measured for each test sample. A method for accomplishing the same for a bill-of-design reference is also included.

Abstract: A tarp cover system includes a pawl (44) and ratchet (26) mechanism for locking a tarp cover (6) in a rolled-up truck-body-uncovered condition, and a lever arrangement (32,38) that is initially squeezed with one hand by the operator to release the pawl from the rachet to unlock the rolled up cover, and is subsequently pivoted by the same hand to brake (28,34) the unwinding of the cover as it is spring-biased toward the truck-body-covered condition. To re-cover the truck body, a crank shaft (24) is rotated to rotate the roll in the cover-winding direction against the biasing force of the spring, the ratchet mechanism preventing uncontrolled unwinding of the cover.

Abstract: The mechanism is configured to operate both a primary latch bolt and secondary latches, and provides for immediate, ready egress for the side of a door to which the mechanism is mounted, but offers high security for the other, outside of the door. The latch bolt is directly controlled by a first linkage, and the secondary latches are directly controlled by a second linkage. During egress, both linkages translate together, via a pin connection. However, a lost motion arrangement prevents retraction of either the bolt, or the secondary latches, if the other is compromised (or operated by a key or combination). From the outside, high security side of the door, the latch bolt and the secondary latches must be retracted together.