Abstract: In the coupling of bi-directional, non-freewheeling-type DC motors (24,25) to the pulling spool (23) of a canopy (11) deployment strap (21,22) and to a take-up roller (15), ratchet gears (26,27) assure automatic alignment and synchronization of the deployment and retraction mechanisms. The reverse direction rotation of the unwinding motor can be uninhibited through the slipping of its ratchet gear when the winding motor is slow to take up the pulling strap or the tarp (11) being wound thereon. The slipping provides sufficient slack to accommodate changes of spool and roller diameters as more material is successively wound thereon. A friction brake acting against a flange of die spool keeps it from spinning freely when not engaged by the motor. Winding motors can be protected against excessive power use by measuring the level of drawn current with a digital ammeter. If the current exceeds a threshold level of operation, a timer is started.

Abstract: In an installation controlling the operation of one or more motors driving a mechanism for deploying or retracting a protective canopy over the cargo compartment of a truck or wagon, a method and device for protecting the motor windings against excessive power use by measuring the level of drawn current with a digital ammeter. If the current exceeds a threshold level of operation, a timer is started. As soon as a given absolute safe period of operation is surpassed, a breaker switch is tripped interrupting the motor power supply. A plural number of trip points can be programmed into the device.

Abstract: In the coupling of bi-directional, non-freewheeling-type DC motors (24,25) to the pulling spool (23) of a canopy (1 1) deployment strap (21,22) and to a take-up roller (15), ratchet gears (26,27) assure automatic alignment and synchronization of the deployment and retraction mechanisms. The reverse direction rotation of the unwinding motor can be uninhibited through the slipping of its ratchet gear when the winding motor is slow to take up the pulling strap or the tarp (11) being wound thereon. The slipping provides sufficient slack to accommodate changes of spool and roller diameters as more material is successively wound thereon. A friction brake acting against a flange of die spool keeps it from spinning freely when not engaged by the motor. Winding motors can be protected against excessive power use by measuring the level of drawn current with a digital ammeter. If the current exceeds a threshold level of operation, a timer is started.

Abstract: In the coupling of bi-directional, non-freewheeling-type DC motors to the pulling spool of a canopy deployment strap and to a take-up roller, ratchet gears assure automatic alignment and synchronization of the deployment and retraction mechanisms. The reverse direction rotation of the unwinding motor can be uninhibited through the slipping of its ratchet gear when the winding motor is slow to take up the pulling strap or the tarp being wound thereon. The slipping provides sufficient slack to accommodate changes of spool and roller diameters as more material is successively wound thereon. A friction brake acting against a flange of the spool keeps it from spinning freely when not engaged by the motor.

Abstract: In the coupling of bi-directional, non-freewheeling-type DC motors to the pulling spool of a canopy deployment strap and to a take-up roller, ratchet gears assure automatic alignment and synchronization of the deployment and retraction mechanisms. The reverse direction rotation of the unwinding motor can be uninhibited through the slipping of its ratchet gear when the winding motor is slow to take up the pulling strap or the tarp being wound thereon. The slipping provides sufficient slack to accommodate changes of spool and roller diameters as more material is successively wound thereon. A friction brake acting against a flange of the spool keeps it from spinning freely when not engaged by the motor.

Abstract: In an installation controlling the operation of one or more motors driving a mechanism for deploying or retracting a protective canopy over the cargo compartment of a truck or wagon, a method and device for protecting the motor windings against excessive power use by measuring the level of drawn current with a digital ammeter. If the current exceeds a threshold level of operation, a timer is started. As soon as a given absolute safe period of operation is surpassed, a breaker switch is tripped interrupting the motor power supply. A plural number of trip points can be programmed into the device.

Abstract: A canopy deployment and retraction mechanism particularly suited to cover the cargo compartment of an elongated vehicle such as a railroad car. Each of a series of tarpaulin-supporting, parallel bows has sliders at each end sliding in a pair of funnel-shaped channels having their flat bases vertically secured to the upper inside lateral wall sections of the compartment. The spacing between the bases of the channels is less than the total length of a bow and its sliders and provides a degree of play in order to accommodate slight variations in the width of said compartment, and allows for self-centering of the cover. The shape of the channels allows for the placement of the cover retraction mechanisms such as cables and sliders within the outer periphery of the container, reducing bulk. The downward slope of the channel lower side further improves the evacuation of debris under the wiping action of the traveling sliders.

Abstract: A canopy deployment and retraction mechanism particularly suited to cover the cargo compartment of an elongated vehicle such as a railroad car. Each of a series of tarpaulin-supporting, parallel bows has sliders at each end riding into a pair of funnel-shaped channels having their flat bases vertically secured to the upper inside lateral wall sections of the compartment. The spacing between the bases of the channels is lesser than the total length of a bow and its sliders and provides a degree of play in order to accommodate slight variations in the width of said compartment, and allow for self-centering of the cover. The shape of the channels allows for the placement of the cover retraction mechanisms such as cables and sliders within the outer periphery of the container, reducing bulk. The downward slope of the channel lower side further improves the evacuation of debris under the wiping action of the traveling sliders.

Abstract: A tarp cover for a cargo compartment is wound up on a rotating drum translatably spanning the compartment. The tarp is unfurled from the drum by a motor-driven cable and spool assembly pulling the leading edge of the tarp. The tarp retracting mechanism comprises a coil spring coaxially mounted on an axle held within the drum. A single cable running through a series of pulleys and through the scroll's leading edge pull-rod automatically equalizes tension on both ends of the pull-rod. A central vaulted region of the tarp engages the drum allowing free edges to closely bear against lateral edges of the compartment. Tarp tautness is enhance by an over-the-edge lever action imparted by the oblong pull-rod sliders. Each pull-rod pulley has two degrees of rotation freedom.