Abstract: A damping apparatus can be self-centering and include one or more pre-compressed and preloaded mechanical springs. A solar tracking apparatus can include a solar panel mounted on a rotating shaft, and a self-centering damping apparatus operatively connected to the rotating shaft to compensate for torque created when the solar panel is rotated at an angle to horizontal. A steering assembly for a zero-turn riding lawn mower can include a pair of steering levers and a self-centering damping apparatus operatively connected to the steering levers.

Abstract: A retention clip having a body with a first end and a second end opposite the first end; a mounting hole defined in the first end of the body; and a U-shaped retaining slot formed by a leg arranged at the second end of the body and a portion of the body between the mounting hole and the U-shaped slot. The leg arranged at the second end of the body extends substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the body.

Abstract: A retention clip having a body with a first end and a second end opposite the first end; a mounting hole defined in the first end of the body; and a U-shaped retaining slot formed by a leg arranged at the second end of the body and a portion of the body between the mounting hole and the U-shaped slot. The leg arranged at the second end of the body extends substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the body.

Abstract: A coupling member for pivotally coupling an end of a device to a mounting ball includes a body connectable to an end of the device and defines a socket for receiving a mounting ball. The body further includes slots communicating with the socket. A sliding element arranged in a longitudinal groove of the body is movable from a first position to a second position. A C-shaped spring has two ends and a center section, the ends being received through the slots and projecting into the socket for holding the mounting ball in the socket. The sliding element interacts with the center section of the spring when the sliding element is moved to the second position so that the ends of the spring are drawn out from the socket to release the mounting ball from the socket, whereby the mounting ball is releasable from the socket without external tools.

Abstract: A coupling member for pivotally coupling an end of a device to a mounting ball includes a body connectable to an end of the device and defines a socket for receiving a mounting ball. The body further includes slots communicating with the socket. A sliding element arranged in a longitudinal groove of the body is movable from a first position to a second position. A C-shaped spring has two ends and a center section, the ends being received through the slots and projecting into the socket for holding the mounting ball in the socket. The sliding element interacts with the center section of the spring when the sliding element is moved to the second position so that the ends of the spring are drawn out from the socket to release the mounting ball from the socket, whereby the mounting ball is releasable from the socket without external tools.

Abstract: An apparatus for damping the motion of a tailgate attached to a truck bed comprising a damper having a truck bed attachment point at one end and a tailgate attachment point at the other end. The truck bed attachment point is secured to said truck bed, while the tailgate attachment point is secured to the tailgate.

Abstract: An apparatus for damping the motion of a tailgate attached to a truck bed comprising a damper having a truck bed attachment point at one end and a tailgate attachment point at the other end. The truck bed attachment point is secured to said truck bed, while the tailgate attachment point is secured to the tailgate.