Abstract: An automation system uses cameras (134) and sensors (136) to identify a set of vehicle wheels within a lift area (118), then virtualizes the position and orientation of the vehicle relative to the lift posts (122, 130). Lift arms (124, 132) extending from the lift posts are moved to a first position that places a profile camera near the predicted position of lift points, and image analysis is used to positively identify the lift points. The lift arms are then moved to a second position that places an adapter camera below the identified lift points, and image analysis is used to confirm safe positioning below the lift point. Captured images and feedback from image analysis are used to improve and refine the system's ability to identify wheels, profile view lift points, and plan view lift points. The system may be integrated with lift arms allowing for automated rotation, extension, and elevation of lift adapters.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a piston, an input cavity, a first actuating shaft, a first output cavity, and a second output cavity. The housing comprises an input port, a first output port, a second output port, a first end, a second end, a first wide wall having a first internal surface, and a chamber at least partially defined by the first end and the first internal surface. The piston is able to actuate along the first internal surface of the first side wall. The input cavity is in fluid communication with the input port. The first output cavity is in fluid communication with the first output port. The second output cavity is in fluid communication with the second output port. The first actuating shaft is fixed to the piston and helps fluidly isolate the first output port from the second output port.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a piston, an input cavity, a first actuating shaft, a first output cavity, and a second output cavity. The housing comprises an input port, a first output port, a second output port, a first end, a second end, a first wide wall having a first internal surface, and a chamber at least partially defined by the first end and the first internal surface. The piston is able to actuate along the first internal surface of the first side wall. The input cavity is in fluid communication with the input port. The first output cavity is in fluid communication with the first output port. The second output cavity is in fluid communication with the second output port. The first actuating shaft is fixed to the piston and helps fluidly isolate the first output port from the second output port.

Abstract: A vehicle lift assembly includes a base, a vehicle engagement member, an actuation assembly, and a lifting linkage assembly. The vehicle engagement member vertically actuates relative to the base member while interfacing with a vehicle in order to lift the vehicle relative to the base member. The actuation assembly drives the vehicle engagement member relative to the base member. The lifting linkage assembly connects the actuation assembly with the vehicle engagement member. The lifting linkage assembly also includes one or more longitudinally extending links, while one or more reinforcement plates are fixed to each of the longitudinally extending links, wherein each reinforcement plate is shorter than the respective link to which it is attached.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a piston, an input cavity, a first actuating shaft, a first output cavity, and a second output cavity. The housing comprises an input port, a first output port, a second output port, a first end, a second end, a first wide wall having a first internal surface, and a chamber at least partially defined by the first end and the first internal surface. The piston is able to actuate along the first internal surface of the first side wall. The input cavity is in fluid communication with the input port. The first output cavity is in fluid communication with the first output port. The second output cavity is in fluid communication with the second output port. The first actuating shaft is fixed to the piston and helps fluidly isolate the first output port from the second output port.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a piston, an input cavity, a first actuating shaft, a first output cavity, and a second output cavity. The housing comprise an input port, a first output port, a second output port, a first end, a second end, a first wide wall having a first internal surface, and a chamber at least partially defined by the first end and the first internal surface. The piston is able to actuate along the first internal surface of the first side wall. The input cavity is in fluid communication with the input port. The first output cavity is in fluid communication with the first output port. The second output cavity is in fluid communication with the second output port. The first actuating shaft is fixed to the piston and helps fluidly isolate the first output port from the second output port.

Abstract: An automotive lift system includes a plurality of posts and yoke assemblies. The yoke assemblies are slidably coupled to the posts such that the yoke assemblies are vertically moveable between a lowered position and a raised position. A pair of runways are secured between a respective pair of yoke assemblies and are configured to engage an automobile to thereby communicate vertical movement of the yoke assemblies to the automobile. The yoke assemblies include a structural frame and a pair of contact assemblies configured to engage opposing surfaces of the posts. The contact assemblies include an axle assembly having a pair of contact members (e.g., rollers, sliders, etc.) that are configured to engage an interior or exterior surface of the post. The axle assemblies are rotatable and/or articulable about a vertical axis parallel with the posts to thereby maintain proper engagement between the posts and the pairs of contact members.

Abstract: A vehicle lift assembly includes a base, a vehicle engagement member, an actuation assembly, and a lifting linkage assembly. The vehicle engagement member vertically actuates relative to the base member while interfacing with a vehicle in order to lift the vehicle relative to the base member. The actuation assembly drives the vehicle engagement member relative to the base member. The lifting linkage assembly connects the actuation assembly with the vehicle engagement member. The lifting linkage assembly also includes one or more longitudinally extending links, while one or more reinforcement plates are fixed to each of the longitudinally extending links, wherein each reinforcement plate is shorter than the respective link to which it is attached.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a piston, an input cavity, a first actuating shaft, a first output cavity, and a second output cavity. The housing comprise an input port, a first output port, a second output port, a first end, a second end, a first wide wall having a first internal surface, and a chamber at least partially defined by the first end and the first internal surface. The piston is able to actuate along the first internal surface of the first side wall. The input cavity is in fluid communication with the input port. The first output cavity is in fluid communication with the first output port. The second output cavity is in fluid communication with the second output port. The first actuating shaft is fixed to the piston and helps fluidly isolate the first output port from the second output port.

Abstract: An automotive lift system includes a plurality of posts and yoke assemblies. The yoke assemblies are slidably coupled to the posts such that the yoke assemblies are vertically moveable between a lowered position and a raised position. A pair of runways are secured between a respective pair of yoke assemblies and are configured to engage an automobile to thereby communicate vertical movement of the yoke assemblies to the automobile. The yoke assemblies include a structural frame and a pair of contact assemblies configured to engage opposing surfaces of the posts. The contact assemblies include an axle assembly having a pair of contact members (e.g., rollers, sliders, etc.) that are configured to engage an interior or exterior surface of the post. The axle assemblies are rotatable and/or articulable about a vertical axis parallel with the posts to thereby maintain proper engagement between the posts and the pairs of contact members.

Abstract: A broadcast spreader provides for effective control of the flow of granular material to a rotating fan through use of a gate assembly in combination with an auger assembly. The broadcast spreader further includes a means for directing the granular material onto the fan, thus allowing for the shifting of the distribution pattern of the granular material from side to side.

Abstract: A system and method for wireless remote operation of an accessory associated with a vehicle includes: providing a wireless remote control transmitter device for transmitting a plurality of signals, and a wireless remote control receiver device including a signal receiver for receiving the plurality of signals from the wireless remote control transmitter device, an input in electrical communication with a vehicle key switch device, and an output in electrical communication with the accessory; providing, by the vehicle key switch device, power to the wireless remote control receiver device in response to receiving a vehicle operation code from a vehicle key and movement of the vehicle key switch device from an OFF position to an ON position; and controlling, by the wireless remote control receiver device, the accessory based on the plurality of signals received from the wireless remote control transmitter device.

Abstract: A broadcast spreader provides for effective control of the flow of granular material to a rotating fan through use of a gate assembly in combination with an auger assembly. The broadcast spreader further includes a means for directing the granular material onto the fan, thus allowing for the shifting of the distribution pattern of the granular material from side to side.

Abstract: A system has an interactive user interface configured to receive image and cutting pattern selections from a user, a printing device configured to print the image selection to a polymer substrate, and a cutting device configured to cut the polymer substrate according to the cutting pattern selection.

Abstract: A system includes a docking port with at least one moveable member for releasably engaging any of a plurality of different data storage devices; at least one data connector disposed adjacent the docking port; and an optical recognition device for locating a data port on the data storage device. The optical recognition device controls relative movement between the data storage device and connector such that the data storage device and connector are automatically interfaced by the system. A method of operating a photo print kiosk includes engaging a data storage device in a docking port having at least one moveable member for securing the data storage device in the docking port; detecting a data port of the data storage device; and automatically interfacing the data port with a matching connector of a plurality of connectors in the kiosk through relative movement of the data storage device and the matching connector.

Abstract: A sprayer assembly includes a frame that supports a tank for storing a liquid chemical. A pump moves the liquid chemical from the tank to one or more spray nozzles through a flexible hose supported by a boom arm that is attached to and extends from the frame. To allow for adjustment of the positioning of the spray nozzles, the boom arm has a curved end portion that defines a slot. A fastener can be passed through the slot and into a corresponding opening defined in the frame to attach the boom arm to the frame. As such, the boom arm can be fixed at any orientation between 90° (vertical position) and 0° (horizontal position) depending on the application.

Abstract: A broadcast spreader includes a directional control assembly that defines a pathway for granular material from the hopper to a rotating fan, resulting in the distribution of the granular material in a predetermined distribution pattern, wherein rotation of a first (or rotating) plate of the directional control assembly relative to the hopper causes a clockwise or counterclockwise shifting of the pathway for the granular material, thus altering the direction of the predetermined distribution pattern. Furthermore, the directional assembly includes a second (or shutter) plate that is secured to the first plate, the slidable movement of the second plate relative to the first plate regulating flow of granular material from the hopper to the fan.

Abstract: A drill and drive apparatus includes a tube assembly which defines a tool chamber. The apparatus further includes a tool holder which is configured to be at least partially received in the tool chamber of the tube assembly. The tool holder includes a holder body defining a first tool recess and having (i) a first section with a first width and at least one ball aperture communicating with the first tool recess, and (ii) a second section with a second width less than the first width. The tool holder further includes a first tool locking mechanism at a first end portion thereof.

Abstract: A drill and drive apparatus includes a tube assembly which defines a tool chamber. The apparatus further includes a tool holder which is configured to be at least partially received in the tool chamber of the tube assembly. The tool holder includes a holder body defining a first tool recess and having (i) a first section with a first width and at least one ball aperture communicating with the first tool recess, and (ii) a second section with a second width less than the first width. The tool holder further includes a first tool locking mechanism at a first end portion thereof.