Abstract: A supplemental braking system for use on a towed vehicle being towed behind a towing vehicle, especially an automobile being towed behind a motor coach by a tow bar. The supplemental braking system utilizes a vacuum motor to depress the brake pedal in the towed vehicle and thereby apply the brakes on the towed vehicle. The vacuum motor is powered by a vacuum supplied by either the natural vacuum created by the intake of a gas engine of the towing vehicle, or by a separate vacuum pump mounted on the towing vehicle. The same vacuum that is used to provide power to the vacuum motor is also used to supply a vacuum to the vacuum booster on the power brake system of the towed vehicle, thereby permitting much smaller pulling forces to be used in applying the brakes of the towed vehicle. Control valves are provided to selectively apply the brakes of the towed vehicle when the brakes of the towing vehicle are applied.

Abstract: A hydraulic lift for raising a boat out of water into a raised storage position is proposed. Pivoting booms are connected to a frame that is supportable by a bed of a body of water. A boat rack is provided at an upper portion of the pivoting booms. A hydraulic cylinder is connected between the frame and a lower portion of the pivoting booms. The pivoting booms are selectively adjustable between a lowered position wherein the rack is submerged in the water and a raised storage position wherein the rack is raised above the water. The position of the pivoting booms is controlled by a ram of the hydraulic cylinder. Importantly, the pivoting booms are maintained in the raised storage position when the ram is in a retracted position which protects the ram from corrosion and fouling. In the preferred embodiment, the pivoting booms are rotated over center when they are in the raised storage position.