Abstract: A light supporting system comprises a pole base and pole member. The pole member can be placed over the tubular member of the pole base. The adjustable mounting mechanism comprises a pivot bracket, an arcuate bracket, a pole mount, and a fastener. A photovoltaic array may be attached to the pivot bracket. The light supporting system and adjustable mounting mechanism can be used separately or in combination to form a system for a solar street lamp.

Abstract: An automated deployment system for a flexible protective cover is provided. A first drive mechanism is connected to a flexible protective cover, including a drive cable that is connected at one end to an end of the flexible protective cover and spooled around a drive cable reel at the other end. The flexible protective cover is spooled around a roller bar which is connected to a second drive mechanism. A motor causes the drive cable to pull the end of the flexible protective cover, unspool the drive cable from the drive cable reel, and unspool the flexible protective cover from the roller bar. The flexible protective cover is configured to be secured within a track. A sensor, a controller operative to respond to signals from the sensor, and a braking mechanism may also be provided. The automated deployment system may be operated by remote control.

Abstract: A flexible hurricane shutter is provided. A composite laminate material is constructed using layers of high elastic modulus fibers or fiber bundles. The material also can be coated with a membrane on one or both sides to improve the elastic strength and wind- and water-resistance of the material to provide further protection. The fibers or fiber bundles also can be encased in a coating to prevent the fiber or fiber bundles from fraying, to prevent corrosion on metallic fibers, or to provide additional strength or flexibility to the material. The flexible hurricane shutter can be adapted to be secured directly to an exterior feature of a structure to cover an opening in the structure such as a window. Alternatively, the flexible hurricane shutter can be adapted to be secured to an extrusion extending from the exterior of a structure, either directly or by means of a keder and keder track.

Abstract: An apparatus for covering an open container of a vehicle includes a pair of arm assemblies. Each arm assembly has a first arm, a second arm, and a linking assembly coupling the first and second rotatable members to one another. A first actuator is attached to the first arm, and a cover is connected to the second arm. The first arm is driven by the first actuator, which causes the linking assembly to passively drive the second arm and to thereby to substantially vertically raise the cover. The apparatus may include a second actuator for rotating the second arm relative to the first arm for moving the cover across an open top of the open container. A method is also provided for covering an open top container supported by a vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for covering an open container of a vehicle includes a pair of arm assemblies. Each arm assembly has a first arm, a second arm, and a linking assembly coupling the first and second rotatable members to one another. A first actuator is attached to the first arm, and a cover is connected to the second arm. The first arm is driven by the first actuator, which causes the linking assembly to passively drive the second arm and to thereby to substantially vertically raise the cover. The apparatus may include a second actuator for rotating the second arm relative to the first arm for moving the cover across an open top of the open container. A method is also provided for covering an open top container supported by a vehicle.

Abstract: Apparatus for protecting electronic components and equipment and method of manufacturing the apparatus. A transient protection device capable of mounting onto a circuit board. The transient protection device includes first and second conductive paths. The first conductive path lies in a first plane and the second conductive path lies in a second plane spaced apart from the first plane. Furthermore, a dielectric material lies in a third plane disposed between the first and the second plane. A ground plane is coupled with said first conductive path to discharge an electrical surge.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for protecting hardware devices using a grounding panel. The grounding panel provides a low inductance path to ground. The grounding panel includes first and second telescoping tubes each having inner and outer ends and the first tube having an outer surface and the second tube having an inner surface. The inner end of the first tube is slidably housed within the inner end of the second tube. A portion of the inner end of the first tube is radially outwardly deflectable. A means for biasing the portion outwardly such that the outer surface of the first tube is biased against the inner surface of the second tube so to maintain electrical and mechanical contact between the first and second tubes over a range of relative telescopic positions of the first and second tubes.