Abstract: An indicator apparatus includes a mount unit configured to be secured to a vehicle, a first pivotal arm assembly having a first indicator assembly with a first indicator bordered by a frame unit and first hinge unit configured to move the first indicator from a retracted position to a deployed position, a first drive unit operably linked the first pivotal arm assembly to move the first indicator between respective positions, and a lighting assembly having serially aligned light elements disposed along a peripheral portion of at least one of the first indicator assembly and the first hinge unit and a control unit in operable communication with the flight elements. The hinge unit includes an arm to which the first indicator is affixed and along which a portion of the light elements are disposed.

Abstract: An indicator arm apparatus includes a mount unit configured to be secured to a vehicle, a first pivotal arm assembly having a first indicator and first hinge unit configured to move the first indicator from a retracted position to a deployed position, a second pivotal arm assembly having a second indicator and second hinge unit configured to move the second indicator from a stored position to an extended position, a first drive unit operably linked to at least one of the pivotal arm assemblies to move the respective indicator between respective positions, and a control unit in operable communication with the first drive unit to provide signals to selectively move at least one indicator. Each hinge unit comprises a pivotally affixed portion that is also affixed to an indicator to pivot the indicator between respective positions.

Abstract: A safety device deployment apparatus includes a housing, a hinge plate pivotally affixed to the housing to pivot around a pin, an actuator linkage assembly having an actuator including a piston, and a crankshaft affixed to the piston through at least a revolute joint and affixed to one of the pin, the hinge plate, and the safety device. The safety device deployment apparatus moves a safety device between a stowed parallel and deployed perpendicular position, relative to the housing, based on extension and retraction of the piston of the actuator. The revolute joint between the piston and crankshaft is disposed in planes on opposite sides of a parallel plane passing through the pin joint based on the extension and retraction of the piston.

Abstract: An indicator arm apparatus includes a mount unit configured to be secured to a vehicle, a first pivotal arm assembly having a first indicator and first hinge unit configured to move the first indicator from a retracted position to a deployed position, a second pivotal arm assembly having a second indicator and second hinge unit configured to move the second indicator from a stored position to an extended position, a first drive unit operably linked to at least one of the pivotal arm assemblies to move the respective indicator between respective positions, and a control unit in operable communication with the first drive unit to provide signals to selectively move at least one indicator. Each hinge unit comprises a pivotally affixed portion that is also affixed to an indicator to pivot the indicator between respective positions.

Abstract: A wire brush for a slipring includes a contact section, from which a stabilizer arm is extending backwards towards the brush block of the slipring. The stabilizer arm holds a friction section, which is in friction contact with the contact section at a friction contact area. Such contact, in operation, generates internal friction within the brush when the brush is moved and, therefore, suppresses oscillations of the brush.

Abstract: A wire brush for a slipring includes a contact section, from which a stabilizer arm is extending backwards towards the brush block of the slipring. The stabilizer arm holds a friction section, which is in friction contact with the contact section at a friction contact area. Such contact, in operation, generates internal friction within the brush when the brush is moved and, therefore, suppresses oscillations of the brush.

Abstract: A steering column comprises (a) an upper column assembly and (b) a bevel gear box assembly. The bevel gear box assembly is attached to the upper column assembly to form an integrated structure. The bevel gear box assembly also is operatively coupled to the upper column assembly such that rotational movement is transferred from the upper column assembly to the bevel gear box assembly.

Abstract: A steering column comprises (a) an upper column assembly and (b) a bevel gear box assembly. The bevel gear box assembly is attached to the upper column assembly to form an integrated structure. The bevel gear box assembly also is operatively coupled to the upper column assembly such that rotational movement is transferred from the upper column assembly to the bevel gear box assembly.

Abstract: An extended school stop sign, which may but need not be retrofitable, and barrier is mounted on a conventional school bus stop sign and extends further into the adjacent lane to reduce instances in which motorists pass a stopped school bus. A first frame is permanently secured to conventional stop sign mechanism. A second breakaway frame or arm is attachable to and detachable from the first frame, and extends beyond the conventional stop sign. If a vehicle strikes the second frame, it separates without significantly damaging the conventional stop sign mechanism. The extension arm can be moved between a retracted and extended position by the same mechanism that opens and closes the conventional stop sign, or with a new mechanism entirely.

Abstract: A particulate filtration system including a frustoconical-shaped filtration element, a housing enclosing the filtration element and coaxial therewith, an inlet, and an outlet. The filtration element has a closed first end and a larger oppositely-disposed open second end. The housing has a first closed end, a larger oppositely-disposed open second end, and a frustoconical-shaped wall therebetween and surrounding the filtration element. An annular-shaped passage is defined by and between the filtration element and the housing. The inlet is located at the second end of the housing and is fluidically connected to the annular-shaped passage. The outlet is located at the second end of the filtration element and coaxial with the inlet. The outlet defines an outlet passage with a frustoconical or arcuate shape and a cross-sectional area that decreases along the flow path in a direction away from the filtration element.

Abstract: The invention is a grip for drumsticks. In the preferred embodiment, the invention consists of a cylindrical drumstick being lathed to have one or a plurality of external faceted surfaces in the longitudinal plane about its circumference. In an alternative embodiment the invention has an axial bore and a plurality of external facets in the longitudinal plane in its exterior structure, the axial bore receiving a cylindrical drumstick. In another embodiment the cylindrical drumstick may be retracted or extended within the axial bore of the invention. In another embodiment, the facets forming the gripping means may be knurled. It is irrelevant to the practice of the invention whether the structure is of a unitary, lathed form or a sheath-type, injection molded form. The facets may run the entire length of the drumstick, may be limited to the butt end portion of the drumstick or may be limited to the central portion of the drumstick.

Abstract: The invention is a gripping means for drumsticks. In the preferred embodiment, the invention consists of a cylindrical drumstick being lathed to have one or a plurality of external faceted surfaces in the longitudinal plane about its circumference. In an alternative embodiment the invention has an axial bore and a plurality of external facets in the longitudinal plane in its exterior structure, the axial bore receiving a cylindrical drumstick. In another embodiment the cylindrical drumstick may be retracted or extended within the axial bore of the invention. In another embodiment, the facets forming the gripping means may be knurled. It is irrelevant to the practice of the invention whether the structure is of a unitary, lathed form or a sheath-type, injection molded form. The facets may run the entire length of the drumstick, may be limited to the butt end portion of the drumstick or may be limited to the central portion of the drumstick.

Abstract: A flexible boot (10) comprises a body (80) which defines a cavity (82) for receiving a universal joint (50). A first end portion (100) of the body (80) encircles an intermediate steering shaft (30). The first end portion (108) includes a pair of annular ribs (110 and 112) and a first annular lip (102) which extends radially inward to provide a seal between the first end portion (100) of the body (80) and the intermediate steering shaft (30). The pair of annular ribs (100 and 112) are located adjacent the first annular lip (102) and extend radially inward. The pair of ribs (110 and 112) define a recess (118) therebetween. The flexible boot (10) further comprises a bearing (90) in the recess (118) for supporting rotation of the intermediate steering shaft (30) relative to the flexible boot (10), and a second end portion (120) of the body (80) which includes a second annular lip (122) for receipt in a groove (62) on a steering gear housing (60) to secure the body (80) to the steering gear housing (60).