Abstract: A recording apparatus includes an electromagnetic wave irradiating portion that radiates an electromagnetic wave and dries ink by using the electromagnetic wave; a first medium supporting portion that supports a recording medium in an irradiation area of the electromagnetic wave irradiating portion and has an opening portion through which vapor evaporated from ink ejected onto the recording medium by electromagnetic wave irradiation by the electromagnetic wave irradiating portion passes; and a second medium supporting portion that is provided adjacent to the first medium supporting portion and has a thermal conductivity lower than the first medium supporting portion.

Abstract: An aqueous ink for inkjet includes water; a hydrosoluble organic solvent; a pigment; and a particulate resin. The hydrosoluble organic solvent includes 2,3-butanediol and 1,2-propanediol at a weight ratio (2,3-butanediol/1,2-propanediol) of from 98/2 to 60/40.

Abstract: A printer including a print head, a transport belt, and a spacer. The print head may include a plurality of jets configured to eject ink. The transport belt may be positioned below the print head. The spacer may be positioned above the transport belt. The spacer may include a first surface, and a distance between a portion of the first surface and the transport belt may decrease moving in the direction that the transport belt moves.

Abstract: A system for generating a response curve for adjusting the positions of a pair of adjustable edge seals to the width of a print medium in a printing system is disclosed. The system comprises a vacuum chamber connected to a vacuum source, which provides vacuum to the vacuum chamber. Spaced sealing rollers and edge seals define an opening in the vacuum chamber. A sensor measures a vacuum level in the vacuum chamber. A controller is used to produce signals indicative of an activation level or a vacuum level. Means for adjusting the position of the edge seals are used to reposition the edge seals to at least one new position. The controller produces signals indicative of an activation level or a vacuum level at the new positions. A response curve is produced using the signals produced at the first and new positions.

Abstract: A cutter device includes a cutter configured to cut a material to be cut; a carriage having a cutter and moving in a widthwise direction with respect to a feeding direction of the material to be cut; and a guide unit configured to guide the carriage in the widthwise direction and, assuming that the movement of the carriage when the cutter cuts the material to be cut is an outward route, a homeward route of the cutter of the carriage is different from the outward route of the cutter, and is shifted from the outward route toward one material to be cut which moves first in the direction away from the other material to be cut in the feeding direction immediately after the cutting from between the materials to be cut divided into two parts.

Abstract: A printer 1 has a processing unit that processes media; an automatic paper cutter 60 that cuts the media; a conveyance mechanism 63 that conveys media in the direction moving to an exit; a media orientation detection means 65 that detects displacement of the media after conveyance by the conveyance mechanism 63 stops; a limiting unit that restricts movement of the media toward the exit after conveyance by the conveyance mechanism 63 stops; and a media processing device control unit 100 that controls cutting the media by the automatic paper cutter 60 when the media orientation detection means 65 detects displacement of the media.

Abstract: Provided is an image forming apparatus including a plurality of paper feeding cassettes, a paper detecting sensor, a detecting sensor, a paper feeding switching determination part, and a system control part. The paper feeding switching determination part confirms a state change in the paper feeding cassettes, after the elapse of awaiting time until a start of determination of whether or not switching of paper feeding is possible, if it is determined that a document stored in the paper feeding cassettes runs out, based on an operating condition of the apparatus, a change in detection results by the paper feeding detecting sensor, and detection results by the detecting sensor, and determines whether or not the switching of paper feeding is possible. The system control part controls the switching of paper feeding based on the determination results by the paper feeding switching determination part.

Abstract: Devices and methods to enable a sheet conveyance system within a printing device. According to an apparatus herein, a sheet supply device feeds substrates to a printing system. The apparatus includes an impression cylinder. A first gripper is positioned in a first location on a circumferential wall of the impression cylinder. A second gripper is positioned in a second location on the circumferential wall of the impression cylinder. The second location is angularly spaced apart from the first location around the circumferential wall. A cover selectively covers the second gripper. Responsive to the first gripper gripping an edge of a substrate of a first length supplied from the sheet supply device, the first length being greater than the length of the circumferential arc between the first gripper and the second gripper, the cover provides a smooth curved surface over the second gripper.

Abstract: A medium supporting device includes a flexible medium supporting section that supports a medium, a supporting base that supports the medium supporting section in contact with a first contact section and a second contact section, and a tension applying section that applies tension to the medium supporting section between the first contact section and the second contact section. The first contact section and the second contact section extend in a cross direction, intersecting with the tension applying direction.

Abstract: A printing apparatus includes a head that discharges ink to a printing region, and causes ink dots formed on the printing region to be cured to form a line image in a first direction, and a movement section that that causes the printing medium to move relative to the head in a second direction intersecting the first direction, in which the printing region is divided into a plurality of areas in the second direction, and the movement section alternately switches the area in which the line image is formed by the head between the plurality of areas while causing the printing medium to relatively move.

Abstract: A color erasing apparatus according to an embodiment includes a color erasing unit that heats a paper to erase an image formed on the paper by a heat-erasable coloring material. A sensor outputs a sensor signal indicative of a thickness of the paper. A paper thickness detector determines the thickness of the paper based on the sensor signal. A conveying unit conveys the paper through the color erasing unit. A conveying unit controller controls a conveyance speed of the paper conveyed through the color erasing unit based on the thickness of the paper determined by the paper thickness detector.

Abstract: A stamp die assembly for a self inking stamp in which the die plate having printing indicia thereon is easily removable from the die frame. There are at least two locking bars on the die frame that engage in locking relationship at least two positioning tabs on the die plate. Locking tabs on the positioning tabs engage in a locking relationship the locking bars to securely attach the die plate to the die frame. The locking tabs are flexible so that when a force is applied to them they can be flexed to an unlocking position thereby releasing the die plate from the die frame.

Abstract: A system for performing substrateless and/or local donor Laser Induced Forward Transfer (LIFT), comprising a reservoir (9) comprising at least one opening; and an energy source configured to deliver energy to a donor material within said reservoir. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the energy source is a pulsed laser. This system enables deposition of material by LIFT without any need for a donor substrate. Methods of substrateless and local donor LIFT are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a special layer construction and a special film of plastic for the production of such a layer construction which is suitable for printing by means of dye diffusion thermal transfer printing, a process for the production thereof and a security and/or valuable document comprising such a layer construction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adjustable paper clip which facilitates the user to grip desired size of paper bundle. The user makes adjustments in the first element of an adjustable paper clip to enable the user to open it at a required distance for gripping the desired size of paper bundle.

Abstract: A glove or mitten, worn on the non-writing hand, in which a set of erasers is disposed on the palm and fingers of the glove and one or more writing instruments (e.g., whiteboard markers) are disposed on the back of the hand. Instead of continuously holding onto an eraser while writing, the set of erasers allow the user to easily erase markings on the board. The glove can hold a number, e.g., four, markers on the back the hand. The user can easily retrieve the markers while writing on the dry erase surface.

Abstract: A method for producing a surface structure for a metallic press plate, endless belt or a cylindrical embossing roller through at least one laser and a device for using the method. In order to provide a cost effective production for the surface structure while using environmentally friendly techniques, it is proposed to use a laser which produces the entire surface structure through partial removal of a surface of a metallic press plate, endless belt or embossing roller to be processed. Thus, the laser is controlled by a provided 3D topography, wherein control of the laser is performed through obtained x, y and z coordinates in order to produce a depth structure, so that high portions and low portions are formed.

Abstract: An egg decorating kit formable into an egg decorating assembly includes a plurality of decorating accessories for decorating eggs, a box made of foldable sheet material and an attachment made of sheet material. The box includes a top having a plurality of demarcated sections peripherally arranged about a center point of the top of the box. The top has at least one slit that extends from an outer surface of the top to an inner surface of the top and is surrounded by the demarcated sections. The attachment includes a main body portion and a tab portion coupled to the main body portion. The main body portion has printed indicia located on a front side of the sheet material and printed indicia located on a back side of the sheet material.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for cleaning a paint roller by scraping or by submersion during rotation, comprising an attachment member connection to a base, said base further connected to a cylinder with an outer diameter approximately equal to the inner diameter of a paint roller frame, wherein said cylinder comprises a substantially solid surface interrupted by one or more longitudinal voids.

Abstract: There is provided a combination of a center cap and a hub centering ring for wheel rims with a center bore. The combination comprises a wheel center cap having a body portion with a front side and a rear side and a plurality of flexibly resilient fingers extending substantially orthogonal from the rear side of the body portion, where each or at least part of the fingers having a free end with a flange or stepped portion. The combination further comprises a hub centering ring with a rear end, a front end, an interior surface and an outer surface. A radially outwardly turned retainer or retainer flange is provided at the rear end for retaining the ring in axial spaced relationship relative to the center bore of a wheel rim, and a recessed groove is provided at the interior or outer surface at a distance from the front end.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel hub assembly comprising an axle element that is rotationally stationary about an axial axis, and a hub shell element rotatable about the axle element, including a first end portion and a second end portion axially spaced from said first end portion. The axle element includes a control shaft that is axially displaceable relative to the hub shell element between an axially extended position and an axially retracted position. The control shaft includes an engagement end and a control end. In the extended position, the engagement end is axially distal from the second end portion and, in the retracted position, the engagement end is axially proximal to the second end portion relative to said extended orientation. Including a releasable axial retaining means to control the axial movement of the control shaft relative to the hub shell.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a rubber composition for a sidewall having excellent conductivity, anti-spew cutting property and extrusion processability in good balance and assuring low production cost. The present invention provides a rubber composition for a sidewall comprising 2 to 15 parts by mass of a wet processed silica having a BET specific surface area of 70 to 250 m2/g and 40 to 62 parts by mass of a carbon black having a BET specific surface area of 37 to 125 m2/g based on 100 parts by mass of a diene rubber component, wherein the rubber composition does not contain a silane coupling agent, and has a volume resistivity of not more than 1×108 ?·cm.

Abstract: A tire for a motorized two-wheeled vehicle comprising a reinforcing structure of the carcass type, made up of reinforcing elements, anchored on each side of the tire to a bead the base of which is intended to be mounted on a rim seat, each bead being extended radially outwards by a sidewall, the sidewalls radially towards the outside joining to a tread comprising incisions. The length of the incisions is less than 1.2 times the width of the area of the contact patch and at least one incision has at least one end which ends in a cut in the tread the width of which is greater than 2.5 mm and the length of which is between 2.5 and 10 mm.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire is disclosed, adapted to highly effectively combine on-ice and on-snow performances. The pneumatic tire includes block groups (G) formed by polygonal blocks (10), which are arranged closely in a tread portion (1). The polygonal blocks (10) are formed by grooves (9) including first groove (9a) with a groove width (W9a) between the polygonal blocks 10 neighboring with each other in the tire circumferential direction. The groove width (W9a) of the first grooves (9a) is larger than a groove width (W9b) of second grooves (9b) between the polygonal blocks 10 neighboring with each other with a zigzag pattern.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire with a side wall portion includes a decorative region including two or more decorative portions that are continuously disposed so as to be contiguous in a tire circumferential direction and the tire radial direction, the decorative portions including multiple convex ridges that are disposed on an outer surface so as to be adjacent in the tire circumferential direction. A ridge arrangement angle is the same in the same decorative portion, and a ridge arrangement angle of the contiguous decorative portion differs therefrom. A distance between a first imaginary boundary line joining end portions of the ridges of the decorative portion that are on a side adjacent to the contiguous decorative portion and a second imaginary boundary line joining end portions of the ridges of the contiguous decorative portion on a side adjacent to the first imaginary boundary line is less than 1 mm.

Abstract: A rubber composition for a run-flat tire comprises from 20 to 100 parts by weight of a reinforcing filler per 100 parts by weight of a diene rubber containing from 10 to 80 wt. % of butadiene rubber and from 10 to 40 wt. % of natural rubber; wherein the reinforcing filler contains at least 50 wt. % of carbon black; a mode diameter Dst in a mass distribution curve of a Stokes diameter of aggregates of the carbon black is at least 145 nm; a nitrogen adsorption specific surface area N2SA is from 45 to 70 m2/g; and a ratio N2SA/IA of the nitrogen adsorption specific surface area N2SA to an iodine adsorption IA (units: mg/g) is from 1.00 to 1.40.

Abstract: Provided is a core (10A), in which split pieces (10P) adjacent to each other in a circumferential direction are coupled by a coupling pin (11), an axial direction of which is disposed in a width direction of the split pieces (10P), at a radial inner circumferential side thereof, and split surfaces (10a, 10b) formed by both of the split pieces (10P, 10P) include a first load receiving surface (10c) and a second load receiving surface (10d) having a predetermined angle with respect to a radial direction at a radial outer circumferential side from the coupling pin (11).

Abstract: The invention relates to an elastic vehicle tire (1) comprising a tire cavity. Said cavity is enclosed by a running strip (2) supporting the tread surface (3) and a side wall (4, 4.1) formed on each side of the running strip (2). A noise dampening insert (9) or a noise dampening insert arrangement disposed therein is provided in the tire cavity. A ventilation layer (13) having a structure permeable to air at least in the transverse and/or longitudinal direction of the running strip (3) is disposed between the noise dampening insert (9) or noise dampening insert arrangement and connected to the inner side (10) of the running strip (2) supporting the running surface (3). Said layer is suitable for passing an air flow at least partially in contact with the inner wall (10) of the running strip (2).

Abstract: A tire pressure sensor for motor vehicles includes a housing accommodating an integrated circuit (sensor IC), wherein the sensor IC has a microcontroller and a pressure sensor. The microcontroller, transfers pressure measurement values acquired by the pressure sensor to a receiver by wireless communication. The sensor IC has an internal memory, in which executable instructions and data can be stored, which, when executed, result in the acquisition and transference of the pressure measurement data. The sensor IC is coupled to an auxiliary memory module disposed in the housing. Numerous different data packets, with respective instructions or data, are stored in the memory module which can be activated via the microcontroller, in order to copy a selected data packet into the internal memory. The microcontroller controls the power supply for the auxiliary memory module such that the auxiliary memory can be switched over to an energy saving mode.

Abstract: A tire pressure sensor for motor vehicles, includes a housing, which accommodates an integrated circuit (sensor IC), having a microcontroller and a pressure sensor. The microcontroller transfers pressure measurement values to a separate receiver device by wireless communication. The sensor IC has an internal memory, in which executable instructions and data can be stored, which, when executed, result in the acquisition and transference of the pressure measurement data. A power supply is disposed in the housing, and coupled to the sensor IC which is coupled to an auxiliary memory module disposed in the housing. Numerous different data packets, with respective instructions or data, are stored in the memory module. The auxiliary memory module can be activated via the microcontroller, in order to copy a selected data packet into the internal memory. The auxiliary memory module is coupled to the microcontroller of the sensor IC by a serial data interface.

Abstract: At a portable tool, vehicle identification information is requested from a vehicle and responsively received from the vehicle. Based upon the vehicle information, one or more tire pressure sensor activation/trigger methods or parameters are determined. The determined one or more tire pressure sensor activation/trigger methods or parameters are used to activate singularly or a plurality of tire pressure monitoring (TPM) sensors at the vehicle. Tire pressure information is responsively received from the activated TPM sensors.

Abstract: A tire inflation system including an axle housing and a sealing ring disposed on the axle housing. The sealing ring has a conduit formed therethrough. A hub is rotatably disposed on the axle housing. The hub is disposed adjacent the sealing ring and has a conduit formed therethrough which is in fluid communication with a conduit formed through a fastener engaged with the hub. The tire inflation system also includes an inner rotary seal disposed between the sealing ring and the hub and an outer rotary seal disposed between the sealing ring and the hub. The conduit formed through the hub is in fluid communication with the conduit formed through the sealing ring through an area between the inner rotary seal and the outer rotary seal. A bearing seal is disposed between the hub and the axle housing and outboard of the outer rotary seal.

Abstract: A wheel is configured by attaching a rim and a hub mounting part via an attaching portion. The wheel has a pneumatic tire mounted on the rim, and is mounted on the vehicle hub by the hub mounting part. The wheel comprises an air passage that penetrates through the attaching portion and opens on the outer circumferential surface of the rim and the mounting surface of the hub mounting part. The wheel also comprises a plurality of air passages that are mutually independent.

Abstract: A float accessory for land vehicles has a front rack portion and a rear rack portion. Both rack portions are mechanically fastened to a frame assembly which is itself attached to a vehicle frame. The front rack portion is connected to the frame assembly, and the front rack portion and the rear rack portion have two sides wherein each side has a lifting arm rotationally attached thereto by way of a pivot member. The lifting arms are secured in their lowered configuration by way of a latch and catch combination. The lifting arms are also locked in their upper configuration and intermediate configurations by way of a perforated disc cooperating with a spring lock pin.

Abstract: Improvements in a suspension arm for a land vehicle. The suspension arm is an A-Frame box suspension arm to be essentially fabricated from sheet metal. The sheet metal members are fabricated to the desired shape and then some members are bent. The top and bottom plate members to be keyed. The keyed members both position the components and minimize or eliminate the need for a fixture that holds the parts while they are being welded together. The driver and passenger suspension arms flipper or mirror images. This allows both the left and right sides of the vehicle to utilize the same suspension arm. The box structure transfers loads along the multiple wall structures of the suspension arm when loads are encountered by the wheels and then transferred into the frame. The suspension arms are used in off-road and on-road vehicles for transportation.

Abstract: A rear axle of a two-track vehicle, including three control arms articulated to a wheel carrier and extending substantially in a transverse direction of the vehicle, and a trailing arm rigidly connected to the wheel carrier and having adequate flexibility in the transverse direction of the vehicle due to its structure or its mounting on the vehicle body. A support spring proportionately supporting the vehicle body with respect to the wheel and a vibration damper connected effectively in parallel with the supporting spring are supported on the wheel carrier without the intermediate arrangement of a control arm articulated to the wheel carrier.

Abstract: A system is provided that minimizes wheel intrusion into the occupant compartment during a small overlap collision. The system uses a front suspension subframe that is rigidly mounted to the front rails during normal vehicle operation, but which is designed to rotate during a small overlap collision, thereby allowing the attached front wheel assembly to swivel out and away from the vehicle. As a result, the wheel assembly directly involved in the collision is not driven into the passenger cabin.

Abstract: A replacement ball joint assembly (10) adapted to be pressed into a previously used and possibly distorted receiving hole (26) in a suspension component such as a control arm (28). A socket housing (12) of the assembly (10) includes a plurality of generally annular, concentric knurls (36) each having a respective crest portion (38) and separated one from another by intervening relief grooves (40). The crest portions (38) of the knurls (36) may be tapered so as to provide a lead-in feature to minimize misalignment during a press-in installation operation. The knurls (36) are preferably softer than the control arm material so that they yield during press-in rather than further disfiguring or enlarging the receiving hole (26). Displaced material from the crest portions (38) of the knurls (36) flows into the relief grooves (40).

Abstract: A control arm base (30) for connecting a control arm (10), particularly a divided control arm, for a wheel (20) to a vehicle, which control arm (10) includes at least two partial control arms (11a, 11b) which can be connected on the one hand to a vehicle-side joint (32a, 32b) and on the other to a wheel-side joint (13, 13a, 13b, 13c). In order to realize a targeted influencing of the longitudinal and transverse rigidity of the control arm with simple conventional joints, the control arm base (30) includes at least two vehicle-connecting joints (31a; 31b) for articulated connection of the control arm base (30) to the vehicle, and at least two partial control arm connecting joints (32a, 32b) for the vehicle-side articulated connection of each of the partial control arms (11a, 11b) to the control arm base (30). The invention further relates to a wheel suspension that includes such a control arm base (30).

Abstract: A spring seat is provided for incorporation into a vehicle suspension system having an axle and a leaf spring. The spring seat includes a seat portion and a spring mounting portion associated with an upper end of the seat portion. The spring mounting portion is configured to accommodate a portion of the leaf spring and includes an upper surface. The upper surface defines a plurality of bores, with at least one of the bores being internally threaded and receiving at least a portion of an externally threaded mechanical fastener. Alternatively (or additionally), the axle may include a body, with at least one of the bores of the spring mounting portion of the spring seat being at least partially positioned directly above the body of the axle.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension apparatus includes: a shock absorber that has a cylinder outer tube; a dust cover whose upper area is fixed on an upper support side; and a coil spring that surrounds the dust cover. The outer tube has a first engagement unit provided on a portion of the circumference of the outer tube. The dust cover a second engagement unit provided on a portion of the circumference of a lower area of the dust cover. The second engagement unit becomes engaged with the first engagement unit. The first engagement unit provided around the outer tube and the second engagement unit provided around the lower area of the dust cover become engaged with each other by rotating the dust cover around the shaft of the shock absorber.

Abstract: Gas spring and gas damper assemblies can include a gas spring that includes a flexible spring member, a first end member and a second end member that together at least partially define a spring chamber. A gas damper can include a first damper element and a second damper element that are telescopically engaged with one another for reciprocal motion. A releasable axial-locking assembly can be operatively connected between the first and second damper elements that is capable of operating in both locked and released conditions. Gas damper assemblies, suspension systems and methods of manufacture are also included.

Abstract: A damper control device includes a pitching angular velocity detection unit that detects a pitching angular velocity of a vehicle body, a front wheel side pressure detection unit that detects a pressure of a compression side chamber in a front wheel side damper, and a rear wheel side pressure detection unit that detects a pressure of a compression side chamber in a rear wheel side damper. The damper control device controls the pressure of the compression side chamber in the front wheel side damper and the pressure of the compression side chamber in the rear wheel side damper based on the pitching angular velocity, the pressure of the compression side chamber in the front wheel side damper and the pressure of the compression side chamber in the rear wheel side damper.

Abstract: An electric damper assembly includes a damper having a rotor and a stator which connect a first component and a second component movable relative thereto, excitation windings, and induction windings, wherein a rotation of the rotor in relation to the stator causes a rotation of the excitation windings relative to induction windings, thereby inducing an induction voltage in the induction windings. A sensor detects the movement of the first component relative to the second component. A control unit is connected to the sensor and the damper. The control unit supplies the excitation winding with electric energy in such a way that an electromagnetic rotary field is generated which is dependent on the detected movement, and thereby is superimposed on the rotation of the rotor relative to the stator.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension and wheel damper using anti-causal filtering. Information from in front of a wheel or information about an operating condition of a vehicle is used to anti-causally determine a response of an active suspension associated with the wheel.

Abstract: An emitting device emits parallel light beams which impinge on a road surface, forming marks. An imaging device takes an image of an image pickup object containing the marks to obtain a picked-up image. A longitudinal distance between mark images respectively corresponding to the marks is detected. A larger gradient can be obtained in the case where the distance is long than in the case where the distance is short. While the gradient of the road surface is obtained based on the distance as described above, a relative positional relationship between the two mark images is not changed as long as the gradient of the road surface is the same even when the height position of an over-spring member provided with the emitting device and the imaging device is changed. Accordingly, the gradient of the road surface can be obtained without consideration of the displacement of the over-spring member.

Abstract: An adjustable wheel suspension for the wheels of an axle of a motor vehicle is disclosed, wherein each wheel is guided by means of wheel guide elements and each wheel is operatively connected to an adjustable torsion bar, the torsion bars associated with the respective wheels being partially aligned with each other and each torsion bar being associated with an adjusting device that can be regulated and/or controlled by a controller for adjustment and each torsion bar being mounted on an auxiliary frame via its adjusting device and the controller. The adjusting devices and the adjusting mechanism are mounted in a common housing, which can be mounted on the auxiliary frame as an integral structural component.

Abstract: In a vehicle air conditioner, a first warm air diversion passage is a tunnel-shaped passage that is provided near a first side air outlet and takes in warm air and causes the air to flow without mixing with cool air. A second warm air diversion passage is a passage inside a tunnel that is provided near a second side air outlet and takes in warm air and causes the air to flow without mixing with cool air. A diversion passage section includes an in-tunnel guide wall that directs the warm air flowing through the first warm air diversion passage toward the first side air outlet, and an in-tunnel guide wall that directs the warm air flowing through the second warm air diversion passage toward the second side air outlet.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a pick-up truck having a movable cover thereon. The side wall of the cover having rails at the bottom to accommodate a sliding motion. A hydraulic system is incorporated in the bed of the pick-up truck. The hydraulic system consists of a first hydraulic cylinder being mounted at a top of one of the sidewalls and covering half of the distance of the bed of the truck. A piston of the cylinder is separably connected to a rail on one side of the cover. The piston, when actuated, will move the cover half way along the cover. A second cylider is mounted at a half way mark of the first cylinder but on the opposite side of the other side wall of the truck. The piston of the second cylinder, when activated, will move the cover to its end position at the tailgate of the pick-up truck.

Abstract: A spring-loaded covering apparatus. The covering apparatus can include a drive screw and a carriage threadably engaged with the drive screw. Rotation of the drive screw can affect translation of the carriage, such that the position of the carriage is adjustable along the length of the drive screw. Moreover, the carriage can include a spring, which can be attached to the extendable cover via a pivot arm. The cover can be wound onto a roller and, when a length of the cover is unwound from the roller, the spring can pivot the arm to pull the cover into an extended configuration.