Abstract: An auxiliary braking device includes a plurality of arcuate housings provided with a plurality of respective sleeves. The housings have an open end portion disposed in front of the vehicle tires. A plurality of flexible chain pads are included that have a plurality of interlocked rings. The chain pads have a width greater than a width of the tires and are stored within the housing sleeves. The present invention further includes a plurality of elongated flexible arms having a plurality of first end portions secured to the chain pads and a plurality of second end portions. A mechanism is included for releasing the chain pads from the open end portions of the housings while the vehicle is in motion. The releasing mechanism is connected to the second end portions of the arms.

Abstract: A service station (10) for use in an ink-jet printer comprises(a) pump means (12) for priming the printhead (18) of a cartridge (20),(b) a sled (14) to actuate the service station and seal the printhead, and(c) wiping means (58) for cleaning the printhead.The service station is fixed at one end of travel of a carriage (22) supporting the cartridge. The carriage is adapted to move bidirectionally by means of a controlled motor.The service station performs a number of functions, including clearing clogged nozzles in the printhead and removing bubbles therefrom, covering the nozzles with a protective cap (50) when the printhead is not in use to prevent contamination thereof, preventing ink from drying out in the nozzles, wiping contaminants picked up during printing off the nozzles, and providing a location (60) for firing the nozzles for clearing out thereof prior to printing.