Abstract: An electrical connector system for use with an electrically powered accessory mounted to a vehicle is disclosed. The electrical connector system includes a connector adapted to be mounted to the vehicle as well as a cord having a first end adapted to be electrically coupled to the accessory and a second end having a plug. The plug is adapted to be electrically coupled to a power source remote from the vehicle, is removably coupled to the connector and includes a flexible finger having a tab engaging the connector. The electrical connector system also includes an indicator mounted to the connector and in electrical communication with the plug. The indicator is operable to provide a visual indication when electrical power is present at the plug.

Abstract: An electrical indicator system and a method for operating the system includes a plug adapted to be electrically coupled to a power source remote from the vehicle and an indicator adapted to be mounted to the vehicle at a visible location. The indicator is operable to provide a first visual indication when electrical power is present at the plug. The indicator provides a second visual indication, different from the first visual indication, when current is flowing through the plug.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrical thermostatic cord assembly and a method of manufacturing the same. The cord assembly includes an electrical subassembly, a protective cap, and a one-piece body. The electrical subassembly includes a thermally sensitive switch mechanism. The protective cap is disposed on at least a portion of the switch mechanism. The one-piece body is molded over the electrical subassembly such that a portion of the protective cap is exposed to allow the switch mechanism to respond to ambient temperature changes.

Abstract: An apparatus for winding tape includes a cantilevered support arm for supporting in a winding position a core onto which the tape is to be wound with a surface drive roller pivotal to a position engaging the outside of the package for causing rotation of the package in the driving position about a longitudinal axis of the arm. A lay-on roller directs the tape on to the core such that the rotation of the core acts to wind the tape into the package. The lay-on roller is driven by a lead screw in movement longitudinally of the axis to form a generally cylindrical package structure of the tape. With the lay-on roller in a retracted position to one side, the finished package on the support arm is moved by a rotatable drive head rotating about a vertical axis from the winding position away from the drive roller to a doffing position and simultaneously an empty core is moved from the doffing position over the drive roller to the winding position.

Abstract: A strip is wound at a winding location onto a winding support stand carrying a rotatable elongate support core while effecting a traversing movement of the strip back and forth along the core to form a large package of the strip of diameter up to 8 feet and of length tip to 8 feet. Such a package is supported on the stand and the core during transportion from the supply location to an end use machine and during unwinding until the core is emptied of the strip. The stand with the emptied core is returned from the end use location to the supply location. The stand can be reduced in effective size while the core remains attached during return by partial collapse and/or, stacking or nesting stands together. A sling attached to the stand can be provided to support the bottom of the package to prevent sagging of material.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided for deploying a wheelchair ramp at the door of a vehicle, especially a bus, the ramp being of the kind which rotates between a stowed position at which it is flush with the vehicle floor and a deployed position in which it slopes downwardly and outwardly from the vehicle. The mechanism provides a "float down" feature which permits the ramp to move downward under gravity without the need for operator control and prevents crushing of obstacles that get in the downward path of the ramp. The mechanism includes a transmission for translating a single hydraulic cylinder stroke into more than 180.degree. of rotation of the ramp.