Abstract: A chute opener for opening a chute of a grain trailer is provided. The chute opener uses a motor coupled to a motor gear to drive a shaft gear. The shaft gear drives a crank shaft coupled to the chute of the grain trailer. The gears can be disengaged to enable manual operation of the chute by a hand crank. A position sensor can be provided which determines a position of the shaft gear even when disengaged from the drive gear to maintain accurate chute positioning information.

Abstract: A chute opener for opening a chute of a grain trailer is provided. The chute opener uses a motor coupled to a motor gear to drive a shaft gear. The shaft gear drives a crank shaft coupled to the chute of the grain trailer. The gears can be disengaged to enable manual operation of the chute by a hand crank. A position sensor can be provided which determines a position of the shaft gear even when disengaged from the drive gear to maintain accurate chute positioning information.

Abstract: Apparatus for retaining a side edge of a tarpaulin along a side portion of an open-topped box such as a truck box, wherein the tarpaulin includes a rigid rod connected along its side edge. The apparatus includes a bracket for attachment to the side of the box. A clamp arm is pivotally mounted to the bracket for movement about a pivot axis between a closed clamping position for securing the rod and tarpaulin side edge in fixed relation to the clamp arm and side portion of the box and an open position for releasing the rod and tarpaulin side edge. A clamp arm latch is pivotally mounted so that it can be manually shifted between a latched position wherein the clamp arm is secured in the closed position and an unlatched position wherein the clamp arm is free to pivot to the open position.