Abstract: A tarp for a vehicle bed is developed for engagement with a reel that is rotated by a motor for rolling and unrolling the tarp across a vehicle bed. When the tarp has been unrolled and fully covers the vehicle bed, the tarp stretches across the vehicle bed and has side edges supported upon the respective upper edges of the bed side walls. The features or structures of the tarp that are kinematic are designed such that they may be permanently attached to the other members in the machine or tarp system, which thereby meets functional needs of the tarp, and provide long term consistent deployment of the tarp covering sections. The material used in this kinematic part of the tarp is chosen such that the life of this component is improved. Additionally, covering sections are provided in this tarp configuration.

Abstract: A vehicle proximity monitoring system includes an operator area portion comprising a computer processor programmed for receiving and processing both wireless-based data communications and wire-based data communications. A proximity detection portion of the monitoring system may include a condition monitoring device and associated components for wirelessly transmitting data collected by the condition monitoring device to the operator area portion. The proximity detection portion may be configured for communication with a controller area network (CAN) bus operatively associated with the vehicle, and a power line of the vehicle for pairing at least one component of the proximity detection portion with at least one component of the operator area portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for extending and retracting a cover over a bed of a vehicle transporting material therein. The apparatus comprises an arm assembly, a motor and a tarp reel for rolling and unrolling a tarp to uncover and cover the vehicle bed. To improve tarp tensioning, rollers are provided on a bracket in which the reel seats when the tarp is unrolled. Locations of sliding friction found in known designs are avoided and replaced with rolling friction. Rolling friction is significantly less than sliding friction and thus greater levels of motor output torque can be incorporated into stretching the tarp tighter before the motor is shut off. At this point of the covering operation, the vehicle bed is covered and the tarp held taut. The bracket may also be configured to provide a braking effect to the reel to assist in holding the tarp in tension.

Abstract: A roll tarp system for a truck or trailer having a container with a rear door. The roll tarp system includes a roll tarp mounted to an axle assembly and a cable coupler assembly coupled to the axle assembly. A flexible cable connects the cable coupler assembly to a rear arm which is pivotally attached to the rear door. The cable coupler assembly includes first and second hinge members and is rotatably coupled to the axle assembly to permit unrolling and rolling up of the tarp and to permit opening of the rear door in a sideways or upward direction. The cable coupler assembly may include one or more apertures to permit access to a manual drive shaft which passes through the cable coupler assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for extending and retracting a cover over a bed of a vehicle transporting material therein. The apparatus comprises an arm assembly, a motor and a tarp reel for rolling and unrolling a tarp to uncover and cover the vehicle bed. To improve tarp tensioning, rollers are provided on a bracket in which the reel seats when the tarp is unrolled. Locations of sliding friction found in known designs are avoided and replaced with rolling friction. Rolling friction is significantly less than sliding friction and thus greater levels of motor output torque can be incorporated into stretching the tarp tighter before the motor is shut off. At this point of the covering operation, the vehicle bed is covered and the tarp held taut. The bracket may also be configured to provide a braking effect to the reel to assist in holding the tarp in tension.

Abstract: A tarp for a vehicle bed is developed for engagement with a reel that is rotated by a motor for rolling and unrolling the tarp across a vehicle bed. When the tarp has been unrolled and fully covers the vehicle bed, the tarp stretches across the vehicle bed and has side edges supported upon the respective upper edges of the bed side walls. The features or structures of the tarp that are kinematic are designed such that they may be permanently attached to the other members in the machine or tarp system, which thereby meets functional needs of the tarp, and provide long term consistent deployment of the tarp covering sections. The material used in this kinematic part of the tarp is chosen such that the life of this component is improved. Additionally, covering sections are provided in this tarp configuration.

Abstract: A roller tarp system for covering a truck bed includes a first pivot arm assembly pivotally coupled to one side of the truck bed and a second pivot arm assembly pivotally coupled to an opposite side of the truck bed. A generally hollow and cylindrical tarp spool extends along a longitudinal axis between opposite first and second ends. The tarp spool is rotatably coupled between the first and second pivot arm assemblies for rotatably supporting a flexible tarp cover. A drive assembly is housed within the tarp spool adjacent one of the first and second ends. The drive assembly is operatively coupled between one of the first and second pivot arm assemblies and the tarp spool for selectively rotating the tarp spool and actuating the tarp system between an open position uncovering the truck bed and a closed position covering the truck bed.

Abstract: A roll tarp system for a truck or trailer having a container with a rear door. The roll tarp system includes a roll tarp mounted to an axle assembly and a cable coupler assembly coupled to the axle assembly. A flexible cable connects the cable coupler assembly to a rear arm which is pivotally attached to the rear door. The cable coupler assembly includes first and second hinge members and is rotatably coupled to the axle assembly to permit unrolling and rolling up of the tarp and to permit opening of the rear door in a sideways or upward direction. The cable coupler assembly may include one or more apertures to permit access to a manual drive shaft which passes through the cable coupler assembly.

Abstract: A roller tarp system for covering a truck bed includes a first pivot arm assembly pivotally coupled to one side of the truck bed and a second pivot arm assembly pivotally coupled to an opposite side of the truck bed. A generally hollow and cylindrical tarp spool extends along a longitudinal axis between opposite first and second ends. The tarp spool is rotatably coupled between the first and second pivot arm assemblies for rotatably supporting a flexible tarp cover. A drive assembly is housed within the tarp spool adjacent one of the first and second ends. The drive assembly is operatively coupled between one of the first and second pivot arm assemblies and the tarp spool for selectively rotating the tarp spool and actuating the tarp system between an open position uncovering the truck bed and a closed position covering the truck bed.

Abstract: A wide angle center mounted motorcycle blind spot mirror that is mounted forward and above the motorcycle instrument panel clocks directly in the riders line of view that will give full visual coverage of the riders blind spot areas including the rider also, the mirror, can have several mounting points including the fly screen, fairing, headlamp, handle bars or the like.

Abstract: A wide angle center mounted motorcycle blind spot mirror that is mounted forward and above the motorcycle instrument panel clocks directly in the riders line of view that will give full visual coverage of the riders blind spot areas including the rider also, the mirror, can have several mounting points including the fly screen, fairing, headlamp, handle bars or the like.

Abstract: A metrology instrument, such as a probe, probe head, stylus or stylus arm, for mounting on a coordinate position apparatus. The metrology instrument is at least partially constructed from at least one sheet of thermally stable metallic material which is folded to form a three dimensional structure. The at least one sheet of thermally stable material is utilised in the metrology loop of the metrology instrument.

Abstract: A bearing arrangement for an articulatable support includes bearing assemblies. In one embodiment, the assemblies have a ball and aperture having sliding contact at discrete areas during relative rotation. In another embodiment, the sliding contact may be formed at a ball and a plastics (e.g. P.T.F.E. support). Resilient displacement of the bearing contact along a rotational axis is provided by planar spring supports and a rigid support is provided by supports.

Abstract: An indicator to indicate an amount of power available from an energy storage device. The indicator normalizes raw power values to values which are understood by the driver. The indicator indicates the normalized values to facilitate making a driving decision.