Abstract: In a support device with a flexible support arm including a mounting structure for mounting the support device to a base, a support structure for engaging an article and a flexible support arm extending between the mounting structure and the support structure, the support arm comprises a non-elastic flexible metal rod having a polygonal cross-section with opposite ends on which end sleeves with corresponding polygonal axial openings are mounted so as to be snugly connected to the ends of the polygonal metal rod in a rotationally form-locking manner while the end sleeves are firmly mounted in sockets formed on the mounting and support structures of the support device.

Abstract: A tripod assembly having a base and a head mounted to the base. A plurality of legs are coupled to the base and are moveable between an open position and a closed position. The plurality of legs form a tripod to support the base and head in an upright position when the legs are in the open position. The plurality of legs at least partially enclose the base and the head when in the closed position.

Abstract: An expansion bolt. A first chock has first and second outer ramping surfaces. A second chock has an inner ramping surface complementarily corresponding to the first outer ramping surface. A spring member biases the second chock radially inwardly against the first outer ramping surface of the first chock.

Abstract: A mounting device for mounting exterior devices, such as mirrors, to vehicles and the like. The mirror is attached to a bracket which in turn is connected to the mounting device. The mounting device includes a convex mounting disk, a planar deformable backing disk and two gasket members, all of which are connected to the vehicle with a fastener.

Abstract: Objects hung with the improved hook & cord loop hanging system uses one or more adjustable hooks for changing the length of one or more flexible cord loops. This hanging system is an improvement over the hangers described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,947,438. Each improved hanger can either be affixed to the object or to the surface the object is being hung on. The cord loop or loops interface with various supports connecting to or affixed to the object or to the surface when the hanger is on the object. The single hook and single cord configuration provides vertical adjustability by shortening the length of the cord through the turning of the screw the adjustable hook is ridding on. A single hook and double cord configuration provides support and locking for the object. A double hook and double cord configuration provides vertical ajdustability and locking capability These hangers can be used alone for small objects or in pairs for larger or heavier objects.

Abstract: A pivotable clamp is provided. One embodiment of the present invention comprises a clamp that includes a first member that is pivotably coupled to a second member. A third member is pivotally coupled to the second member. The first member is sized to slidably engage a rail that is part of a retractable cover system. An alternative embodiment of the present invention comprises a pivot block that includes a pivot slot. A rail engaging member is slidably coupled to the pivot block, and a pivot arm is pivotably mounted in the pivot slot. This embodiment may include a second pivot slot sized to pivotably receive the pivot arm.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a modular stand structure being applied to the back panel of a portable electronic device, which comprises a first board and a cover disposed on a second board. The top of one surface of the first board has a movable button, such that when the movable button is pushed forward, it moves a sliding member and an another sliding member located in the first board towards both sides such that a stand on the other side of the first board will be detached from its embedding latch due to the sliding of those sliding members, while the outward force produced by a spring at one end of a support rod drives two longitudinal grooves disposed on another side of the first board to slide downward to a fixed position in order to constitute a stable supporting angle and give better viewing angle and better operating angle for the portable electronic device.

Abstract: The bag valve comprises an open-ended sleeve of pliant impermeable material, one end of which is removably clamped around the down-stream open end of a conduit for fluids. The other end of the sleeve, the downstream end, can be gathered into a fully or partially closed configuration by a drawstring around the downstream sleeve end. A resilient stopper may be attached inside the downstream end of the conduit, against which the drawstring is biased when fully tightened, in order to minimize leakage from the sleeve. A cleat may be attached to the outside of the conduit for more easily securing the drawstring ends when the valve is partially or totally closed.

Abstract: A pinch valve for automotive applications, wherein the pinch valve comprises a flexible hose, an extension seat cradling the flexible hose, a pinching extension aligned opposite the extension seat on the outside of the flexible hose, and a valve actuator that is operatively coupled to the pinching extension. The valve actuator may be disposed to position the pinching extension in response to predetermined factors or in response to a control system, such as a vehicle's computer.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical device wherein the displacement of an electrothermally compliant actuator is perpendicular to a mounting substrate allowing in a first embodiment a fluid control valve to be opened and closed and in a second embodiment a plurality of electrical contacts to be opened and closed. The electrothermally compliant actuator is comprised of a pair of beam structures having a joined thick beam and then beam such that a flow of electrical current causes the beam structures to bend. A flexible isolation layer is used to thermally isolate the electrothermally compliant actuator from the fluid in another valve assembly embodiment.

Abstract: A sliding spool valve (1) is provided for controlling flow of fluid especially between an inlet (2) at a relatively high pressure and an outlet (6) at a relatively low pressure. Wherein the spool valve is reciprocally displaced between open and closed positions by hydraulic action of the transmitted fluid.

Abstract: A pneumatically controlled needle valve including a cylindrical body intended to be mounted in a bore of a device, two annular sealing surfaces delimiting a chamber connected to a compressed-air supply device, a first compartment arranged inside the body communicatively with the chamber, a second compartment, a piston separating the first and second compartments, a rod having the piston secured thereto, the rod protruding axially from the body, a needle disposed on the rod intended, depending on a position of the needle, to bear or not to bear against a seat of the bore, at least one spring disposed in the second compartment, the spring acting on the rod in a direction for closing the valve by pressing the needle onto the seat, while air under pressure from the compressed air supply device acts on the piston in the opposite direction, the rod passing with sealing through a front end of the body, and a plug for closing a rear end of the body, the plug being connected to the body in such a way as to be prevente

Abstract: A handle (2) as actuating device for valves (1) is proposed, comprising a fastening head (10) for fastening to a spindle (7) of the valve (1) and an actuating arm (11) for rotatably actuating the spindle, the spindle (7) being arranged in a valve housing (5) so as to be rotatable about the axis of rotation of a sealing part, the actuating arm (11) being arranged to be movable perpendicularly to the axis of the spindle (7) from a closed position into an open position of the valve (1). The actuating arm (11) has means (14) for preventing the actuation of the handle (2), the fastening head (10) has a fastening means (21) for fastening the handle (2) to the valve spindle (7), and the handle (2) has a sealing plate (15) for sealing the fastening means (21).

Abstract: Bi-leaved valve apparatus for controlling bulk material flow from a bulk material metering apparatus. A bi-leaved valve apparatus comprises a cylindrical flow tube defining an axial material passageway, an outlet and a flow tube actuation surface. A valve support is mounted about the flow tube adjacent the flow tube outlet such that the valve support and flow tube are relatively rotatable. A pair of leaves are attached to the valve support and are sized to seal the flow tube outlet. The leaves are movable between open and closed orientations and have a valve actuation surface adjacent the flow tube actuation surface. An actuator causes relative rotational movement of the flow tube and valve support such that rotation to a first relative position causes the flow tube and valve actuation surfaces to open the leaves and rotation to a further relative position causes the leaves to close. The valve apparatus may be used with bulk material metering machines such as vertical form/fill/seal packaging machines.

Abstract: A water-saving device for a faucet includes a hose and a control assembly connected to the hose and adapted to be located upstream of the faucet. The control assembly includes a housing, a plunger, an operation unit connected to an end portion of the plunger, and a biasing unit disposed in the housing. The housing has inlet and outlet ports, a passage in fluid communication with the inlet and outlet ports, and a valve seat disposed in the passage. The plunger has a valve portion to be seated on the valve seat. The biasing unit moves the valve portion to a closing position in which the valve portion is seated against the valve seat, and the operation unit moves the valve portion to an open position in which the valve portion is moved away from the valve seat.

Abstract: A vacuum valve comprises a valve housing with a valve opening having a longitudinal axis and a valve seat, a valve plate which is displaceable in a straight line in a displacement direction between an open position in which it releases the valve opening and a closed position in which its contacts the valve seat of the valve housing and closes and seals the valve opening, this valve plate being arranged on at least one valve rod which is displaceable axial to the displacement of the valve plate, a flexible sealing ring which is arranged at a front side of the valve plate or at the valve seat of the valve housing, a sealing surface which is arranged at the valve seat of the valve housing or at the front side of the valve plate and which is contacted by the sealing ring in the closed position of the valve plate, wherein the sealing surface and the sealing ring are arranged in parallel planes which are inclined relative to the displacement direction of the valve plate around an axis extending at right angles to t

Abstract: A vacuum regulating valve is capable of precisely controlling the flow of a fluid so that the flow rate may increase gradually in an initial stage of a valve opening operation. The vacuum regulating valve includes a valve casing having a valve chamber and provided with a first opening connected to a vacuum vessel and a second opening connected to a vacuum pump, a valve seat, a valve element seated on the valve seat, a valve stem connected to the valve element, a bellows sealing the valve stem therein, and a baffle member attached to the back surface of the valve element and surrounding the bellows. The baffle member is formed in an axial length such that the baffle member is able to cover the second opening entirely when the valve element is seated on the valve seat.

Abstract: The specification describes a mobile jack stand power unit for use with a jack stand that is convertible for use as a load-lifting jack. The power unit comprises a generally rectangular mobile chassis having a forward end and a rearward end with a lift means mounted on the chassis including a pushing means, and a pair of parallel lift arms. The lift arms are pivotal within the chassis and have forward ends and rearward ends, with the forward ends adapted to be raised and lowered by the pushing means for use with the jack stand, and are further adapted for use with a lift bridge. A lift bridge is adapted to be positioned on the forward ends of the lift arms whereby the power unit is operable for use as a load-lifting jack; and the bridge is further adapted to be displaced from the forward ends of the lift arms whereby the power unit is operable for use with the jack stand.

Abstract: A hand rail assembly for assisting the ingress and egress of a recreational vehicle. The hand rail assembly has a banister and a support structure, one end of each pivotally attached to the exterior of a recreational vehicle adjacent to a door, and the other end of each pivotally connected to each other. The hand rail assembly may be retracted to a storage position and extended in an operating position. A release mechanism coupled to the support structure provides for movement of the hand rail assembly between the storage and operating positions. The release mechanism is controlled by a trigger member to allow for one-handed movement of the hand rail assembly between the storage and operating positions while keeping the operator's hand away from pinch points, thus eliminating chances of injury. A LED lighting system integral to the banister provides illumination of the banister and surrounding area for additional safety.

Abstract: An intake device having an intake channel that includes an intake channel section is provided. A butterfly valve is pivotably mounted in the intake channel section. A dividing wall is disposed downstream of the butterfly valve and divides the intake channel section into an air duct and a mixture duct. The air duct has a flow cross-section that is greater than the flow cross-section of the mixture duct. A fuel jet opens into the mixture duct.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a method and system is described for controlling the delivery of vapor from a bubbler containing a supply of chemical fluid through which a carrier gas is bubbled and from which bubbler vapors are delivered in a vapor stream entrained with the carrier gas. In general, the present invention involves equilibrating the pressure within the head space to that of the chemical fluid fill line, thus maintaining a constant fluid level based on pressure and not relying on conventional level sensors and controllers.

Abstract: The steam humidifier fed with a premix of natural gas and forced air under low pressure (less than 1 psi) includes a main frame, a movable lower frame, a two part evaporation canister, releasably sealed, for water, an immersible combustion chamber retaining a radiant gas burner and a heat exchanger coupled downstream thereto. The heat exchanger is a coil with an upstream end coupled to the combustion chamber and a downstream end mounted through the upper part of the canister. Maintenance is enhanced by having the lower part of the evaporation tank or canister move downwardly to expose the combustion chamber and the heat exchanger coils. The coils are subject to thermal shock or relatively rapid thermal expansion and contraction which causes scale, adhered thereon, to be released and broken off. A high degree of control and modulation is achieved because the radiant burner is configured for modulated operation from a blue flame mode through a radiant mode.

Abstract: A wheel-guiding forward axle spring strut includes a spring and a shock absorber (6) integrated axially therein. The spring includes two end members (8, 10) and a spring element is disposed between these end members. The shock absorber (6) includes a shock absorber cylinder (20) and a shock absorber rod (18) connected to the chassis (24) via a non-rotatable shock absorber bearing (22) The end member (8) is connected by a rotational bearing (28) to the chassis. The lower spring end member (10) is fixedly connected to the shock absorber cylinder (20) and thereby in common to the forward axle. The upper spring end member is an air spring cover and the lower spring end member is an air spring piston (10) and an air spring flexible member (12) is mounted between the cover (8) and the piston (10) so as to be pressure-tight and tension-tight.

Abstract: Vertical pocket feeder signature handling equipment which supplies signatures in an on-edge orientation one at a time to bindery equipment. The vertical pocket feeder particularly cooperates with a hopper loader apparatus which transfers and separates individual signatures of sheet materials from a vertically aligned, stack of such signatures. The separated, individual signatures may then be subjected to bindery operations such as stapling or stitching.

Abstract: An auxiliary support plate is connected, by a leaf spring, to a middle portion of a lower end of a sheet holder, in a sheet width direction, so that a lower end part of the auxiliary support plate rotates and retracts below an upper surface of the sheet holder. A sheet feed roller, facing an upper surface of the auxiliary support plate, is rotatably supported by an arm, which can rotate about a drive shaft disposed upstream in a sheet advance direction.

Abstract: A collator for assembling a packet from one or more sheets, includes a sheet collating tray, a retractable sheet stop within said sheet collating tray for stopping and aligning a leading edge of each sheet entering the sheet collating tray, thereby producing an aligned sheet packet, a movable sheet kicker for initiating output of the aligned sheet packet from the sheet collating tray, and sheet packet-grasping packet transfer belts for delivering from the collating tray each of the aligned sheet packets to downstream processing equipment. To optimize operational timing of the collator and for monitoring sheet progress through the collator, a programmed computer is provided that oversees for efficiency and possible errors sheet entry into the sheet collating tray, the presence of one or more sheets within the sheet collating tray, and the aligned sheet packet departure from the sheet collating tray.

Abstract: A device for aligning sheets prior to transferring the sheets to a sheet-processing machine includes at least one sheet-gripping device by the aid of which the sheet to be aligned is displaceable, the sheet-gripping device having at least one positioning table displaceable by an actuating drive in at least one of a sheet travel direction, transversely to the sheet travel direction, and in a direction wherein it is pivoted about an axis extending in a direction orthogonal to the sheet travel direction, the sheet to be aligned being fixable on the positioning table; and a method for aligning sheets by the device.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a sheet processing unit which can control the timing in conveying successively fed sheets to a sheet ejecting mechanism in accordance with operating conditions. The sheet processing unit comprises a sheet overlapping mechanism which overlaps successively fed sheets together, a conveying mechanism which conveys the sheets from the sheet overlapping mechanism, an ejecting mechanism which ejects the sheets conveyed by the conveying mechanism, and a control unit which electrically controls operations of the sheet overlapping mechanism, the conveying mechanism, and the ejecting mechanism. The control unit changes the number of sheets to be overlapped together at the sheet overlapping mechanism in accordance with information on the conditions for operation of the sheet processing unit inputted from an input unit.

Abstract: A paper sheet detection apparatus comprising a conveying belt which conveys a paper sheet along a conveying surface, a detection sensor which is provided opposite to the conveying surface and detects a paper sheet conveyed by the conveying belt, a sensor guide which is provided in at least the paper sheet take-in side of the detection sensor and formed with upper and lower guide members disposed opposite to each other at both side of the conveying surface, a nozzle which is provided in the opposite surface of the upper and lower guide members, and a gas supply device which supplies compressed gas to the upper and lower guide members and ejects the gas from the nozzle between the pair of guide members.

Abstract: Joystick Maze is an educational labyrinth game with the objective of demonstrating mechanical linkage while moving a steel ball across a game board from point A to point B. The game board consists of two parallel connected surfaces with the upper surface incorporating a series of holes and rails, while the lower surface acts as a retrieval platform should the ball fall through any of the holes. The steel ball is moved by gravity resulting from the tilting of the game board. A remote control device (Joystick) effectuates the tilting through rigid linkage. The linkage is connected to rotator bearings, directly attached to the under surface of both the game board and joystick, which are seated in a ringed housing. The construction provides for precise coordinated movement between the control device and the board simultaneously eliminating the necessity of a housing thereby allowing observation of the mechanical linkage.

Abstract: A system automatically monitors playing and wagering of a game, including the gaming habits of players and the performance of employees. A card deck reader automatically reads a symbol from each card in a deck of cards before a first one of the cards is removed. The symbol identifies a respective rank and suit of the card.

Abstract: The multidimensional interchangeable modular ball game apparatus is used for building game playing skills, such as hand-to-eye and foot-to-eye coordination. The apparatus can be used for throwing, kicking or hitting any type of sports ball and can help with practicing all types of sports, as well as with early childhood development and rehabilitation. The apparatus includes a base with a stem extending from the base. Arms of different lengths are supported by the stem and may also be placed at different heights. Different geometrically shaped hoops and targets of varying sizes and colors can be made with an open or closed net. Another embodiment includes a horizontal beam stand with hoops attached to the stand.

Abstract: Method for playing a game with a ball in which a basket assembly defining at least two openings receivable of the ball is mounted to a ceiling or other elevated horizontal surface and one or more players are positioned in a horizontal, lying down position face up below the basket assembly. Each player throws the ball upward, when lying down, toward a respective opening. Points are scored by each player when the ball enters into the respective opening.

Abstract: To provide a novel gland packing and a sealing apparatus comprising this, wherein the gland packing displays high and stable sealability for a stem and an inner wall surface of a stuffing box even for uses further requesting the movability (rotation and reciprocating movement), and further, gives excellent effects, such as decrease of moving resistance of a stem, shape stability, adaptability to a corroded and worn-out stem and stuffing box, function for receiving shafts, easiness of equipment, simplification of sealing structure, and compactness of a sealing apparatus.

Abstract: A metallic gasket including a base plate having a convex metal bead formed, by bending the base plate, between a combustion chamber opening and on the outer periphery portion of the base plate, and a first thickness-increased portion formed thicker than the remaining portions of the base plate to provide a difference in thickness, by which a surface pressure is made to concentrate on the first thickness-increased portion to seal a joint between a cylinder head and a cylinder block when the metallic gasket is disposed between the joint surfaces of the cylinder head and the cylinder block and fastened by clamping bolts. An elastic sealing material is fixed to the convex portion of the metal bead and filled in a concave portion on the reverse side of the base plate to form a rubber bead, and the sealing material is deformed under compression in the through-thickness direction in cooperation with the deformation of the metal bead when the gasket is fastened with clamping bolts.

Abstract: A seal assembly used in combination with a trocar assembly to maintain sealing engagement with the exterior surface of medical instrument, which may have different size diameters, introduced into the trocar assembly so as to maintain adequate insufflation pressure within a body cavity accessed by the trocar assembly. The seal assembly includes a seal member and is structured to permit free movement of the seal member at least radially within a chamber of a seal housing which may be attached to or part of the trocar housing. The seal member and the sealing chamber are cooperatively dimensioned to maintain at least the periphery of an outer surface of the seal member in surrounding relation to an inlet port of the chamber and thereby maintain seal engagement between corresponding interior surfaces of the chamber and the corresponding outer surfaces of the seal member.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an expandable pre-formed plug that is suitable for sealing and/or structurally reinforcing a structure having surfaces defining a space therebetween. The plug is comprised of at least an expandable inner core having an outer surface and a transportable outer skin that preferably substantially encapsulates the core. In a preferred embodiment, the shape of the unexpanded plug is designed to mate with the surfaces that define a space therebetween upon expansion. The adhesive skin is generally dry to the touch at room temperature, however, upon initiation of expansion, the inner core expands and the surrounding skin is displaced in a coordinated manner. After some period of expansion, the outer skin preferably durably adheres or bonds to the walls of the surfaces defining a space therebetween and the outer surface of the core. A method for using such a plug is also disclosed.

Abstract: An infant car seat stroller for transporting an infant car seat is disclosed. The infant car seat stroller includes a stroller frame for supporting an infant car seat, a pair of frame wheels provided on the stroller frame and a rear wheel frame having a rear wheel provided on the stroller frame for supporting the stroller frame in a reclined position on a surface.

Abstract: A wheel assembly for a material handling cart includes a wheel hub having first and second openings in first and second hub faces, each concentric with and extending along a central axis of the wheel hub. First and second ball bearings are located in the openings. Inner rings of the bearings are wider than the outer rings, and the inner rings contact one another. The outer rings are separated by, and are in contact with, a hub member. First and second bearing sleeves in the first and second openings contact and retain the bearings, and form first and second journal bearings. The sleeves contact journal surfaces on a portion of each inner ring that extends parallel to the central axis from an outer face of each outer ring away from a medial plane of the wheel assembly.

Abstract: A stroller with a basket comprises a backrest, a seat, a frame assembly, a basket, and a plurality of wheels. The frame assembly includes an U-shaped handlebar, two first rods and two second rods, connected with each other. The frame assembly further includes two first blocks respectively fixed to both second rods. The basket has a basket frame, a basket body attached to the basket frame, and two second blocks respectively secured to both sides of the basket frame. The basket frame can be formed by two rod telescopically coupled with each other or alternatively by bending a flexible rod. When the second block is supported on the first block, the basket is spread out and the distance between the basket frame and the seat is smaller. When the second block is separated from the first block or located beneath the first block, the basket can be descended so that the distance between the basket frame and the seat is larger in favor of putting the articles into and taking the articles from the basket.

Abstract: A folding device of a scooter includes a connector adapted to be secured on a front portion of a platform of the scooter. A housing is sleeved on the connector. A pivot seat is pivotally connected to the connector and selectively positioned to the connector. A cover is secured on the connector and the housing for closing the housing to prevent the user's finger being moved into the connector and clamped by the moving pivot seat during folding the scooter.

Abstract: Apparatus 10 discloses a motorcycle 12 carriage 14 used for passenger transport. The motorcycle carriage 14 is comprised of an open carriage mounted to a frame having wheels thereunder with the frame extending to a coupling member mountable to a motorcycle receiver. In addition, the present invention 10 provides for an additional element in the form of a pivotably fastened extend able and retractable canopy.

Abstract: A quick release detachable wheel hub assembly is shown for a lightweight manual wheelchair. The wheelchair wheels mount on exterior hubs and rotate therewith. The inner face out of each of the exterior hubs mates with an opposing outer face of interior hubs. One of the opposing faces on the hubs has a projection or a plurality of projections which fit snugly into corresponding openings on the opposing face of the other hub when the opposing faces of the hubs are mated. The interior hubs are mounted and rotate on detachable axles which screw into the wheelchair frame. A quick release, removable locking pin is inserted through the center of the hubs and into detachable axle and locked in place and thereby causing the hubs to be locked and rotate together. The wheels are quickly detached by simply removing the locking pins and pulling apart the hubs.

Abstract: An automatically and smoothly continuously variable transmission, particularly for a bicycle, for transmitting input mechanical energy from a crank to the drive wheel. A ratchet, having an oscillatory, alternating motion member and a continuous rotary motion member, connected to the driven wheel, has a drive spring drivingly linked between the ratchet alternating member and the crank for driving the ratchet alternating member in one direction of motion. A return spring is linked to the ratchet alternating member for applying a return force upon the ratchet alternating member to return the alternating member in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A drive for a bicycle includes an auxiliary sprocket wheel assembly having two sets of at least three sprocket wheels associated in each assembly attached to a common axle, one of said sets having a larger diameter than the other set. Each set is provided with a derailleur for changing associated sprocket chains from one sprocket of the set to another. Use of the auxiliary sprocket wheel assembly together with derailleurs on the regular pedal and drive wheel sprockets enables very high speeds to be attained by the average rider.

Abstract: A dual purpose competition stunt bicycle steering brake and stabilizing system consists of a disk brake on the steering shaft which allows unlimited 360 degrees rotation of the steering wheel and allows the rider to start, stop or change direction of the relative rotation of the frame of the bicycle to the wheel. Also the rider can add as much steering resistance as desired for greater steering stabilization.

Abstract: An improved, lightweight suspension fork for a bicycle with variable travel capability that maintains excellent torsional rigidity. This suspension fork allows for adjustable suspension travel adjusted at the handlebars of the bicycle. The suspension system includes a travel adjustment knob located at the handlebars of the bicycle. The travel adjustment knob is keyed with the main shaft of the suspension system so as to allow turning of the main shaft. Located on the main shaft within the suspension system housing is a length adjuster mechanism. The length adjuster moves linearly with respect to the housing as the main shaft is turned pulling the inner tube member of the suspension housing up or down relative to the outer tube section of the suspension housing, thereby changing the stroke of the suspension system.

Abstract: An automotive steering system with a torque sensor is disclosed. The steering system comprises a shaft linked to a set of road wheels; a sensor connected to the shaft for sensing torque applied to the shaft and operative to provide as output a signal indicative of said torque; a controller in signal communication with the sensor and operative thereby to accept as input from the sensor the signal indicative of the torque applied to the shaft; and a motor coupled to the shaft and in signal communication with the controller and operative thereby to accept as input from the controller a command to apply torque to the shaft.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a displaceable ball hitch assembly configured to be mounted in a bed of a truck. The displaceable ball hitch assembly includes a platform track, a displaceable platform, a gate member and a driving mechanism. The platform track defines a track space therein and is configured to be mounted in the bed of the truck. The displaceable platform is configured to be positioned in the track space and includes a ball hitch coupled thereto. The gate member is configured to be coupled to the platform track and includes a gate portion extendable into the track space. The driving mechanism is configured to be operatively coupled to the gate member and is configured to automatically displace the gate portion from the track space to facilitate displacement of the displaceable platform upon manual activation from a cab of the truck.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for applying temporary raised pavement markers (TRPM) to roadway surfaces comprises a conveyor upon a wheeled vehicle wherein an upstream end portion of the conveyor is able to extend, for example, over the rear bed portion of a roadwork vehicle so as to permit an operator, stationed upon the bed portion of the roadwork vehicle, to deposit pavement markers upon the conveyor. A pair of wheel applicators are used for applying the temporary raised pavement markers (TRPMs) onto the roadway surface. A hitch mechanism is also used to provide hinged movement between the tow bar of the towed wheeled vehicle and the mounting bar of the towing roadwork vehicle so as to permit independent elevational movement of the towed wheeled vehicle relative to the towing roadwork vehicle.