Abstract: An anchor device for securing a camper in a bed of a truck is that includes a bracket that is configured to be mounted below the horizontal planar level of the bed of the truck and to stably retain the camper in the bed of the truck while limiting the rotational, horizontal and vertical movement of the camper. The bracket comprises a first arm and a second arm that are connected by a corner portion so as to have a generally elbow-shaped profile and a cross member that provides strength and rigidity to the bracket. The cross member has an outside surface and is attached to the first arm and the second arm such that the cross member and the edges of the first arm and said second arm are substantially parallel. The first arm, the second arm, and the cross member are configured to be mounted on three surfaces of the truck so as to limit any rotational, horizontal and vertical movement of the camper.

Abstract: The quick-release arrangement includes a coupler adapted to slidably engage a braked upper drive shaft and to slidably engage a lower drive shaft. The lower drive shaft is coupled to an associated jack leg such that when the upper drive shaft, the coupler, and the lower drive shaft are coupled together, the jack leg is braked. A spring urges the coupler into engagement with the lower drive shaft. A cam member supports the downwardly-biased coupler and permits the coupler to be cammed upward against the spring bias force such that the coupler slides along the upper drive shaft and, thus, out of engagement with the lower drive shaft. When it is desired to release the jack leg from the braking control of the upper drive shaft to thereby permit rapid lowering of the jack leg to the ground, a cam lever is used to easily overcome the spring bias force and effect camming. Inadvertent camming is prevented because the spring bias force is not overcome by normal vibration, jolting or jarring.

Abstract: A frozen precipitation accumulation alert system for a target area wherein the system comprises a means and apparatus for measuring at least one meteorological indicator in at least one measurement location proximate to the target area, detecting meteorological structure using radar data from a weather radar over a region that includes the target area, and determining a precipitation accumulation forecast based the meteorological structure and at least one meteorological indicator. The system further includes a means and apparatus for quantifying a precipitation rate of frozen precipitation over time wherein the precipitation rate is one of the meteorological indicators, and generating a view of user selected ones of the meteorological indicators, the meteorological structure, and the precipitation accumulation forecast.

Abstract: A winter precipitation measuring system for quantifying the precipitation rate of winter precipitation at a given point on the Earth's surface. The winter precipitation measuring system includes an elongated tube, a thermal plate within the elongated tube, and a method and apparatus for maintaining the thermal plate at a substantially constant temperature relative to a reference plate and for determining a precipitation rate in response to the difference in power consumption required to maintain the thermal plate at a substantially constant temperature.

Abstract: A novel mechanical camper jack for mounting on a camper body is disclosed. The jack has an outer jack housing, which mounts to the camper body, and is slidably telescoped over a jack leg. Extension and retraction of the camper jack leg is accomplished with rotation of a lead screw that is threaded through a plastic nut mounted within the jack leg. Rotation of the lead screw is effected by the operation of a right-angled gear assembly, disposed within the jack housing. The gear assembly is operated with a hand crank, which is detachably mounted to the jack via a socket assembly. In one embodiment, the hand crank is provided with a ratchet and paul mechanism. The socket is implemented so that the coupling between the hand crank and the gear assembly occurs completely within the jack housing. In this way, the socket extends through the wall of the jack housing in a manner so as to be substantially flush with the exterior surface of the jack housing.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for mounting a camper jack onto a camper body. A novel mounting bracket is used to mount a camper jack onto a camper body in a clean, attractive, and unobtrusive manner. The mounting bracket is formed of three integral flat portions, a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion. The three integral portions are formed into a generally z-shaped configuration wherein the second portion forms the middle of the mounting bracket, and the first and third portions extend perpendicularly from opposite ends of the second portion and in opposite directions from each other. When the mounting bracket is attached to the camper body, the first and second portions conform to the shape of a corner edge of the camper body. The third portion projects outwardly from the camper body. Once the mounting bracket is securely attached to the camper body, a camper jack can be conveniently positioned between the third portion and the second portion of the mounting bracket.

Abstract: A camper jack for mounting on a camper body, the jack having an extensible leg projectable from a hollow jack housing and attached to the camper body along the length of the housing. A piston cooperating in a cylinder in the extensible leg extends the leg from the housing. A hydraulic fluid reservoir is formed in the extensible leg in an annular space surrounding the cylinder. A valve block is coextensive with the extensible leg at the foot of the leg and contains the valves and pumping piston for the jack. Valving in the valve block permits manual extension and retraction of the extensible leg. Grooves are provided in a novel needle valve allowing control of the rate of flow of the hydraulic fluid. Pumping motion is controlled by a pump handle receiver.