Abstract: A drill rod for a drill string has a thread at each end and is connected to an adjacent rod by a sleeve. The threads on the sleeve and rod are configured to reduce stress concentrations and provide sacrificial wear on the sleeve. The thread has a single start with a part circular root and the wear volume on the sleeve is less than that on the rod. The outer diameter of the rod is at least twice that of the inner bore.

Abstract: A push/pull door latch is disclosed with pivotal handles, both having a foot portion for operating respective eccentric portions of a crank-shaped actuator to retract a latch bolt, the handles also having stop portions for contacting portions of a base member to define a range of motion of the handles.

Abstract: An animal waste scooping and disposal device with a replaceable disposable bag mounted on the rear of the scooping tray is disclosed. This disposable bag, coupled with the pivoting tray, enables the user to collect several different areas of animal waste before having to change the bag.

Abstract: A device for manual retrieval of solid pet waste. A funnel-shaped body is mounted on a shaft fitted with a handle. A plurality of ribs have first ends pivotally attached to a ring that is slidable along the shaft, and have opposite ends attached to a pair of jaws. Adjacent portions of the jaws are joined by flexible walls. A collar is slidably mounted on the shaft between the handle and the ring. For each rib, a straight, rigid strut is pivotally attached at one end to the collar and at an opposite end to an intermediate portion of the rib. A spring interposed between the collar and the ring urges the ring away from the collar. The jaws are slidable within the housing between a closed, retracted position and an open extended position. A button and catch arrangement is provided for reversibly locking and unlocking the collar and the jaws in the retracted position. A disposable bag is provided for placement over and around the jaws.

Abstract: A deployable cargo supporting apparatus for pickup trucks that is deployable from a stowed configuration wherein load support beams are secured along each of the cargo box side walls by specially configured brackets, to a deployed configuration wherein the load support beams are transversely disposed across the width of the cargo box, in an elevated position above the floor, and secured on opposing ends by said brackets. In the stowed configuration, each load support beam, and a pair of tie-down devices slidably disposed thereon, is secured parallel to the cargo box sidewall proximate the top portion thereof by retaining pins projecting from each of the brackets.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drop-down gate assembly of a cargo box for a vehicle. The drop-down gate assembly includes a gate operably coupled to the cargo box by an upper connection assembly and a lower connection assembly, each assembly including a kickout link mechanism for laterally positioning the gate with respect to the cargo box and a roller mechanism for vertically positioning the gate with respect to the cargo box. In this manner, the gate is positioned laterally outwardly to provide clearance from the vehicle and vertically downwardly to facilitate access to the interior volume of the cargo box.

Abstract: A removable and raisable roof attached to four upright supports is mounted on an open bed trailer. Two supports are located on the left and right corners of the forward edge of the trailer; the other two supports are similarly located at the rear corners of the trailer. No side supports are necessary. Using elevating means within the supports, which can operate independently or in tandem, the front and/or rear portions of the roof can be raised and lowered separately. Using external attachable fixtures and ground mounted supports, each of the roof supports can be lifted from their mounted position on the trailer bed and the trailer driven out from under the supports and roof assembly, converting a covered van to a fully open van. If a fully enclosed trailer is desired, then tarpaulin, or other readily removable wall materials can be suspended from the roof and attached to the trailer bed.

Abstract: A portable storage apparatus for use with motor vehicles comprises a support extending outwardly from an interior panel of a motor vehicle. The support includes an inner support member, an outer support member, and opposing side support members. The side support members extend outwardly with respect to the inner support member and support the outer support member in a spaced relation relative to the inner support member. A portable storage bin includes a storage container and a lid. The storage container includes an inner wall, an outer wall, opposing side walls, and a bottom. The walls cooperatively form a peripheral wall. The bottom is joined to the peripheral wall. The storage container is adapted to be inserted into the support. The lid is pivoted to the storage container so as to be displaceable between an opened position and a closed position.

Abstract: A motor vehicle inner door panel includes a map pocket having a plurality of apertures. The apertures permit partial visibility to pocket contents. A reflector assembly is secured to the inner wall of the pocket such that the reflective material is visible through at least one of the apertures.

Abstract: An automotive trim panel assembly including a door inner panel and a plastic interior trim panel are provided wherein central axes of substantially identical pin fasteners and main and auxiliary connector portions are all substantially parallel to one another to provide an easy, simple, less costly assembly process. The interior trim panel includes a plastic main section having inner and outer surfaces, a plastic auxiliary section having inner and outer surfaces and a plurality of hollow main connector portions formed about the periphery of the main section on its inner surface thereof.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for a center mounted tailgate is provided. The hinge assembly includes a pair of hinge members and a hinge pin structure having a pin member and a pair of mounting brackets. The pin member includes a pair of generally cylindrical pin ends and a pin axis. Each of the mounting brackets are fixedly coupled to the pin member and include a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is spaced apart from and generally parallel to the pin axis and is adapted for mounting the hinge pin structure to a vehicle body. The second portion fixedly couples the first portion to the pin member. The hinge members include a first hinge portion and a second hinge portion. The first hinge portion has as generally hollow interior that is operable for engaging an end of the pin member to permit the first hinge portion to rotate about the pin axis. The first hinge portion may include a bearing for supporting the hinge member for rotation about the pin member.

Abstract: A lowering mechanism for a tailgate of a vehicle comprises a spring housing, a spring, and a flexible cable. The spring housing is preferably mounted under a lip of the truck box. The spring extends coaxially between a proximal and distal end of the tube. The flexible cable has a first end attached to the tailgate and a second end attached to the coil spring adjacent the distal end of the tube. The cable extends coaxially through the spring and the tube. The spring retards movement of the tailgate to a generally horizontal open position.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly comprising a seat back and a seat bench that pivot relative to each other so that the seat back may be locked generally upright to provide a seating position or locked generally folded onto the seat bench to provide a cargo position. The seat assembly is mounted to the floor of the vehicle using front and rear latches which engage respective front and rear anchors. From the upright position, the seat assembly may be rotated forward to provide access to and egress from the area behind the seat. From the folded position, the seat assembly may be pivoted forward to provide additional cargo space. The seat assembly is configured to facilitate installing and removing the seat assembly by preventing the latches from contacting the anchors until such contact is desired. The seat assembly is also configured to facilitate moving the seat while in the vehicle and while removed from the vehicle. A cupholder is included in a cover for the seat assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for mounting and dismounting a vehicle seat.

Abstract: An automotive seat assembly (10, 10′) including a platform (18, 18′) supported on an automotive vehicle (12, 12′). The platform (18, 18′) is movable through a storage compartment opening (22, 22′) in an exterior shell (14, 14′) of the vehicle (12, 12′) between an interior stowed position and a horizontal exterior use position. A platform support structure (24, 24′) secures the platform (18, 18′) in the use position. The platform support structure (24, 24′) includes a bumper (26, 26′) supported on the vehicle (12, 12′) below the storage compartment opening (22, 22′). The bumper (26, 26′) supports the platform (18, 18′) when the platform (18, 18′) is in the use position. A spacer pad (36) fixed to a bottom surface (62) of the platform (18) protects the finish of the bumper (26).

Abstract: A flattable seat structure of an automobile includes: a slide rail fixed to a floor of the automobile; a seat cushion having a front roller which is engaged with the slide rail in a front-and-rear direction slidably; a first lock mechanism for maintaining the seat cushion in a seated state; a seat back having a lower-end roller which is engaged with the slide rail in the front-and-rear direction slidably; a second lock mechanism for maintaining the seat back in a seated state; a cushion link connected with a middle fulcrum of the seat cushion and connected with a middle portion of the slide rail; and a back link whose one end is connected with a middle fulcrum of the seat back positioned in an upper side further than the lower-end roller, the other end of the back link being connected with the middle portion of the slide rail.

Abstract: A windshield mounting assembly which includes a pair of mounting brackets, each of which includes preformed clamping formations having a plurality of slots or tabs and other complementary clamping formations having slots or tabs, with the slots and tabs interlocking to provide an area of attachment, with said clamps being adapted to encircle and grasp the downtubes of a motorcycle front suspension. Preferably, the assembly also includes vertical stiffeners and a horizontal stiffening member.

Abstract: A windshield molding which is installable in the space between a windshield and a periphery of a window opening of a vehicle body panel. The windshield molding includes a pair of extruded side molding parts, a pair of extruded corner molding parts, and an extruded upper molding part integral with and extending between the side and corner molding parts. Each of the side molding parts associated with each side edge of the windshield is greater in thickness as compared with the upper end corner molding parts, where a water drain channel is formed. A windshield molding is also provided which drains rainwater smoothly through the rainwater groove provided at necessary sections and having a different depth in the longitudinal direction for better drainage which can be produced simply and continuously as a single molding without the addition of cutting or other processes.

Abstract: A top accessory to be mounted on an open-topped vehicle includes a front mounting mechanism and a rear mounting mechanism. A forward-running guide is located generally in a plane between the front and rear mounting mechanisms in the accessory's mounted position and is resistant to forces having a component normal to the plane. A flexible top interacts with the rear mounting mechanism, the front mounting mechanism, and the guide. Embodiments of the accessory can be constructed in such a way as to allow an occupant of the vehicle to deploy its top without leaving his or her seat.

Abstract: A door structure for a vehicle has a door seated in a door jam frame at the rear end of the vehicle. The door jam fame has a first upright with an opening therein disposed nearby one side of the vehicle to provide a space between this side and the first upright. A second upright is nearby the other side of the vehicle. A hinge member is attached to the door which includes a first connecting member attached to the door member near the one side of the vehicle, a second connecting member pivotally attached to the first upright and disposed in the space between the one side of the vehicle and the first upright, and an intermediate arcuate member connected between the first and second connecting members which extends through the opening in the first upright.

Abstract: A vehicle access system includes an access opening for the passenger compartment that is closed by a swinging door in combination with an access door. The access door moves through an arc without angling away from the vehicle body and is supported on a hinge assembly that attaches near the center of the door. An arm assembly guides the door throughout its range of positions and maintain the door in an orientation that is substantially parallel to the vehicle body. When the doors are open, an uninterrupted access opening is provided to the area of the second and third seat rows of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle closure panel includes an outer frame that is connected to a central beam portion to provide a primary structure that resists deformation and efficiently distributes impact forces during a collision. The present invention can be used with or without structural key members and mating recesses to integrate the closure panel with the rest of the vehicle body, depending on design criteria. Also, primary structure of the present invention provides a structural modularity for closure panels that simplifies design by reducing the number of overall parts and uses the primary structure alone to meet the demands for crash testing. Thus, a basic structure is relied on for crash strength while accompanying secondary structures provide cosmetic differences.

Abstract: An undercarriage spoiler system for a race motor vehicle utilizes a first spoiler plate disposed parallel and adjacent to the horizontal slotted rear bumper of the vehicle and secondary spoiler plates disposed in the vehicle rear quarter panels and perpendicularly to the first spoiler plate. During high speed vehicle spin-out and rearward movement, the spoiler plates pivotally move from a spring-retained position, parallel with the vehicle undercarriage, to an angular relationship therewith to spoil the reverse high speed air flow over the vehicle undercarriage and assist in effecting stabilization of the vehicle. Tension or torsion springs return the spoiler plates to their static un-deployed position once the vehicle recovers from the spin-out.

Abstract: In a motor vehicle having a front door opening with a front edge and a bottom edge, a structural assembly includes a first structural member, a second structural member, and an extension assembly. The first structural member extends along the bottom edge of the door opening. The second structural member extends along the front edge of the door opening. The second structural member upwardly extends from the first structural member. The extension assembly operates to transfer forces from the first structural member to the second structural member. The extension assembly includes a main body secured to the first structural member and a portion extending through an aperture in the first structural member and abutting the second structural member.

Abstract: A rear structure of a unitized motor vehicle body with two side wall sections includes a transverse wall located below a rear window cutout. The transverse wall connects the sidewall sections with one another, and has two cross members spaced apart from one another, between which a flat part extends. The first cross member, adjacent to the rear window cutout, is fitted with zero play between the side wall sections and a bearing is provided for the second cross member on each side. The bearing ensures an adjustability of the second cross member between the side wall sections at least in the transverse direction of the vehicle. The flat part is a trim member connected exclusively with the two cross members.

Abstract: A clothing protector assembly (34) for an automobile (10) prevents a person's shoes and clothes from brushing against the automobile's (10) exterior body surface (12) and becoming soiled with dirt, mud, snow, salt, and other debris during entry and exit. The clothing protector assembly (34) includes a guard (36), which is automatically moved to an extended position when the door (20) is opened to hold clothing away from the exterior body surface (12). When the door (20) closes, the guard (36) is pushed back to its retracted position. Alternatively, a motor (172) or a mechanical linkage (274) tied to the door (220) can be used to extend and retract the guard (36). A extension lock feature (76) holds the guard (36) in the fully extended position, as when leaned against. The automobile door (120) may be of the sliding van type.

Abstract: This cross-beam has a central part (12) forming a support for a heat exchange and two lateral parts (14) forming supports for respective headlights. Each lateral part (14) is connected to the central part (12) by releasable fastening means (22, 26 to 32). The fastening means preferably include, associated with each lateral part (14), two complementary positioning dihedra (D1) respectively on the central part (12) and on the corresponding lateral part (14), and complementary means (22, 26 to 32) for immobilizing the dihedra relative to each other cooperating with each other by relative displacement of the dihedra substantially parallel to their edge (A1).

Abstract: The invention improves a connection portion between a guide rail and a front rail in a sliding roof apparatus and make a mounting operation easy. In the sliding roof apparatus, a gutter is supported to a protruding portion of the guide rail, a side end portion of the front rail is overlapped with a front portion of the gutter from the above, an opening thereof is opposed to a bottom wall of the gutter, and a bracket of the side end portion is fixed to the protruding portion of the guide rail.

Abstract: A pushing projection having a portion for abutment at a front end thereof and a pulling-in projection having a portion for engagement at a rear portion thereof are provided on an upper surface of a front end portion of a rear sunshade so as to protrude therefrom. And at a rear end portion of a front sunshade, there are provided a pushing portion to be brought into abutment with the portion for abutment of the pushing projection so as to push rearward the front end portion of the rear sunshade and a hook portion being oriented downwardly, when the front sunshade is moved rearward and a hook member having at a rear end portion. Further, there is provided a hook member to be brought into engagement with the portion for engagement of the pulling-in projection so as to pull out forwardly and upwardly the front end portion of the rear sunshade when the front sunshade is moved forwardly.

Abstract: A vehicle seat has a cushion integrated into a seat part and/or a seat back. The cushion has a ventilation layer through which air can flow and a cushion cover stretched over the cushion surface facing the seated individual. A plurality of electrically driven miniature fans which are located in air channels to blow air into the ventilation layer that terminate at the underside and rear of the cushion facing away from the cushion cover are provided. The air channels extend up to the ventilation layer. To optimize the ventilation efficiency of the seat ventilation, exhaust air channels are provided in the cushion that extend from the ventilation layer up to the underside or rear of the cushion and terminate freely there.

Abstract: The fastening device consists of at least one retaining element 13 attached to the seat of the vehicle, this element holding a fastening element 14, which can be moved between a service position and an out-of-service position (parking position). So that the fastening element 14 can be moved easily into the service position and then again into the parking position without the need for any force-transferring element installed at a remote location, the fastening element 14 is connected to the retaining element 13 by means of a latching mechanism 17, which makes it possible for the fastening element 14 to be lowered into a parking position and returned to a service position.

Abstract: A vehicular child safety seat includes a seat main body (1A) attached to a base body (1C) in a rotatable manner. The seat main body includes a seat portion (16), a backrest (11) reclinably hinged to the seat portion, a head guard (10) tiltably hinged to the upper edge of the backrest, side guards (12, 13) protruding perpendicularly from lateral edges of the backrest, and armrests (14, 15) protruding upwardly along side edges of the seat portion. When the backrest is in its most reclined position, and the seat main body is rotated on the base body to be transverse to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the seat portion and backrest are substantially coplanar and horizontal to form a baby bed. When the backrest is in a more upright position, and the seat main body is rotated to face forward or rearward in the vehicle, the safety seat is suitable for an infant, toddler or older child sitting upright.

Abstract: Horizontal swivelling angle positioning device for a chair is disclosed. The structure consists of an axle bush with a positioning ring having a plurality of positioning slots formed radially thereof being attached to a main frame of the chair. An axle is inserted in the axle bush and sustained thereon so as to integrally engage the main frame and the chair seat. A control lever is provided to interconnect two flanks formed on the axle and sandwiches a filler block therebetween. The filler block is further locked to the control lever by a set screw so that the two components are integrally combined to turn together. A spring disposed between a stationary substrate of the chair seat and a protruded tooth of the filler block. The protruded tooth is used to be inserted into one of the positioning slots and clogged thereof by the spring so as to keep the chair in a predetermined horizontal swivelling angle.

Abstract: An ergonomic footrest comprises a chair attachment bracket for attachment to the underside of a work chair seat, a footrest actuating mechanism supported by the chair attachment bracket for rotational movement in relation to the chair attachment bracket, and a footrest mechanism including a footrest brace and at least one footrest support arm. The footrest support arms each have a first and second end. The first end of at least one support arm is attached to the footrest brace. The second end of at least one support arm is attached to the footrest actuating mechanism. The support arms moveably suspend the footrest brace in relation to the chair attachment bracket. Rotational movement of the footrest actuating mechanism causes the footrest brace to move in relation to the chair attachment bracket. Rotational movement of the footrest actuating mechanism is typically manually performed through the rotation of arm rests or hand grips which are integrated into the actuating mechanism.

Abstract: A chair, especially an office chair in which a one-piece backrest has forwardly extending arms engaging and secured to armrest portions of a tubular frame. The arms form the armrests for the chair.

Abstract: A retractor 100 for a seat belt to be mounted within a seat back of a reclining type seat. The retractor 100 comprises a winding shaft 4 for winding a webbing 90 therearound, a lock element of an emergency lock mechanism 300 for locking the rotation of the winding shaft 4 in the webbing drawn-out direction thereof, and a vehicle body acceleration sensor 32 for detecting a given vehicle body acceleration to thereby actuate the lock element. The lock element of the emergency lock mechanism 300 is structured such that, while the seat belt is not in use, if the seat back is set within the range from the most forwardly inclined position of the seat back to the the most backwardly inclined position of the seat back, a locking wall 41c of a rotation control disk 41 is contactable with a securing piece 15d of an engaging member 15 to thereby prevent the engaging member 15 from moving in a direction where it can be engaged with a latch cup 13.

Abstract: A movable bed liner hinged at the back end for converting a pickup truck into a dump truck. A pair of linear hydraulic rams disposed in respective compartments in front of the wheel wells is operable to raise and lower the dump body liner. This invention uses otherwise unusable, “dead” space in front of the wheel wells and preserves the appearance of a normal flatbed pickup truck.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for installing a mine support (pillar, or pillar and grout bag) in a mine. The following are practiced: Locating a form in the mine where it is desired to provide support, the form being composed of a plurality of engaging parts shaped to produce a pillar when filled with a settable material, and the parts being disengageable to permit subsequent removal. Filling the form with a settable cementitous material and allowing the material to set to produce a pillar in the mine which is cuttable with a coal shearer. And, removing the form. When there is a gap between the top of the pillar and the roof of the mine a bag of yieldable grout is inserted in the gap. After use the support may be removed by cutting through the pillar and the bag of yieldable material, and the form may be reused to make a second pillar.

Abstract: A cutting tool configuration includes a cutting bit insert configured in the shape of an octagonal pyramid. The cutting bit insert includes a number of portions, each of which has faces which slope at different angles with respect to the longitudinal axis of the cutting bit insert. The cutting bit insert also includes a flange which is surrounded by a ring. The ring is softer than the cutting bit insert.

Abstract: A system for locking a hubcap to a wheel comprising a wheel, said wheel having a plurality of bolts extending outwardly therefrom, a hubcap cover having a plurality of holes adapted to fit over said bolts, and a plurality of nutcovers to fasten over said bolts and lock said hubcap to the wheel.

Abstract: A bicycle wheel basically has a hub, a plurality of spokes extending outwardly from the hub and an annular rim coupled to the outer ends of the spokes for supporting a tire. The annular rim has a spoke attachment portion with a plurality of openings for receiving the outer ends of the spokes therein. In the most preferred embodiment, the bicycle wheel is a one-piece, unitary wheel. Preferably, the one-piece, unitary bicycle wheel of the present invention is produced by die-casting. The preferred material for bicycle wheel of the present invention is magnesium (Mg). A centrally located rib portion is located between adjacent spoke portions and to reinforce the rim portion between spokes. Rib portions extend radially inwardly from the inner peripheral surface of rim portion. Preferably, the middle segment of each of the rib portions has a radial height that is approximately equal to the base rim height plus more than half of the base rim height.

Abstract: An improved vehicle wheel hub mounting system includes a wheel hub, an axle spindle, a bearing assembly, and a threaded fastener. The wheel hub defines an axis and including a generally axially extending body having bore formed therethrough. The bore of the wheel hub includes an internal splined portion and an inner annular wheel hub surface spaced apart from the internal splined portion. The inner annular wheel hub surface defines a predetermined wheel hub inner diameter. The axle spindle is connected to the wheel hub for rotation therewith and includes a generally axially extending body having an external splined portion and an outer annular axle spindle surface spaced apart from the external splined portion. The external splined portion of the axle spindle matingly receives the internal splined portion of the wheel hub to connect the axle spindle to the wheel hub for rotation therewith.

Abstract: A method for the coordination of braking forces between two attached units of a vehicle train, for example a towing vehicle and a trailer, uses slip-encumbered wheel speed signals to calculate a value representing the difference between the braking forces exerted on the two units of the vehicle train. Such wheel speed signals are normally edited into speed signals by electronic control systems located in each of the units of the vehicle train through signal processing. The speed signals thus obtained are then utilized for various control and regulating processes. During the processing of the signals received from the different units of the vehicle train, time delays occur, primarily due to transmission of the signals and/or different signal editing processes.

Abstract: A fluid pressure boosting device of the present invention performs jumping action at a higher servo ratio until fluid pressure in a power chamber (25) reaches a first predetermined value and a rear end (20e) of a reaction piston (20)comes in contact with a step of an input shaft (18). Since a switching valve is set in a first position I until the fluid pressure in the power chamber (25) reaches a second predetermined pressure, a reaction chamber (41) is connected to the reservoir (33) so as to be at atmospheric pressure. In this state, the normal brake control at a lower servo ratio is performed. As the fluid pressure in the power chamber (25) reaches a second predetermined value, the switching valve is set in a second position II by the fluid pressure so that the pressurized fluid in the power chamber is introduced into the reaction chamber (41). The fluid pressure in the reaction chamber 41 acts on the step between the reaction piston (20) and the input shaft (18) so that the servo ratio becomes higher.

Abstract: A brake fluid pressure controller of a brake having a master cylinder and wheel cylinders includes a control valve having a pilot piston, wherein pressure generated in the master cylinder acts on the pilot piston to control pressure generated in a pressure source, and wherein the generated pressure is applied to the wheel cylinders, and changeover valves for applying the pressure on the pilot piston.

Abstract: A brake control apparatus includes a first valve to open and close a main line between a master cylinder and a wheel cylinder, a pump connected between a first valve and the wheel cylinder to supply pressurized brake fluid to the wheel cylinder, an auxiliary line connecting the inlet side of the pump to a master cylinder, a second valve to open and close the auxiliary line, a pressure sensor to detect the output pressure of the master cylinder and an electronic control unit which controls the first valve, the second valve, and the pump based upon the pressure detected by the pressure sensor so that the wheel cylinder receives a higher pressure than that of the master cylinder. The electronic control unit also closes the second valve while the pressure sensor detects the pressure over a certain pressure determined by the road surface condition.

Abstract: The method of controlling a motor vehicle braking system to prevent wheel slip or skidding includes generating wheel speed signals indicative of wheel speeds of each of at least two wheels; determining the wheel speeds from each wheel speed signal; determining a vehicle reference speed from one of the wheel speeds; determining whether or not the vehicle reference speed is within a predetermined speed range of 47 to 63 Hz, during which interference signals from a vehicle power source at about a mains frequency are generated that produce false wheel speed signals and controlling the motor vehicle braking system according to a special ABS control method when the vehicle reference speed is within the predetermined speed range. In the special ABS control method the interference signals are accounted for so that improper activation of or influence on the braking system due to the interference signals is prevented.

Abstract: A device for removing debris from a drive wheel rotatably mounted to a vehicle body includes an auxiliary wheel rotatably mounted on the body adjacent an outer peripheral surface of the drive wheel. The auxiliary drive wheel has a substantially circumferential surface for engaging the outer peripheral surface of the drive wheel and thereby being rotated by the drive wheel in a direction opposite the rotation of the drive wheel. The auxiliary wheel dislodges debris on the drive wheel and discharges it away from the track mechanism of the vehicle. A selector mechanism can be provided to selectively move the auxiliary wheel out of engagement with the drive wheel. The auxiliary wheel can be mounted radially adjacent to the drive wheel so that it contacts the upper section of the drive wheel.

Abstract: An endless drive track system for use with a tracked vehicle. The endless drive track system includes a planetary drive system having drive rollers, a plurality of roller wheels, and an endless track with a reinforcing brace embedded within the endless track for at least one of a plurality of drive beads extending from an interior surface of the endless track. The reinforcement brace is made of wear-resistant material. Each drive bead has at least one drive face that is engaged by the drive rollers of the planetary drive system. The roller wheels frictionally engage at least one, if not both, friction faces of each drive bead. Each reinforcing brace includes a horizontal section having first and second ends. A first flange extends from the horizontal section near a first friction face of each drive bead while a second flange extends from the horizontal section near a second drive friction face of each drive bead. The first and second flanges extend from a horizontal section of the reinforcing brace.

Abstract: The invention comprises a storage system that facilitates the adjustment and rearrangement of vertically-stacked components comprising two oppositely-faced panels and a plurality of carriers having opposing side walls and a rear wall to provide a cavity for holding a unit to be stored, the carriers being stacked between the oppositely-faced panels in vertical array and being positioned relative to the oppositely-faced panels such that the carriers may be slidably moved in a vertical direction relative to the panels but positioned against removal from between the panels through the combination of a protuberance and recess interlock between the panels and each carrier, said protuberance being retractable from the recess to allow entry and egress of each carrier from the panels.