Abstract:
According to some embodiments, a compression strut comprises a first strut body comprising a threaded end and a hollow end, and a second strut body comprising a threaded end and a shaped end. The hollow end of the first strut body is slidably coupled to the shaped end of the second strut body. A spring is disposed between the first strut body and the second strut body configured to resist longitudinal compression of the compression strut. The first strut body is rotationally coupled to the second strut body so that rotation of the first strut body also rotates the second strut body and rotation of the second strut body also rotates the first strut body. A first ball end is threaded to the first strut body and a second ball end is threaded to the second strut body.
Abstract:
A system includes a strap assembly positioned on a portion of a tire of a vehicle and configured to be coupled to a deck of a transport, and a mandrel assembly operable to be coupled to the strap assembly. The system also includes a winch assembly configured to be coupled to the deck of the transport including a winch assembly axel configured to be coupled to the mandrel assembly. The winch assembly is configured to engage the winch assembly axel to prevent rotation of the mandrel assembly in a first rotational direction to produce a tension force to secure the strap assembly around the portion of the tire. The system further includes a tightening assembly configured to rotate the mandrel assembly in a second rotational direction to produce a tightening force to tighten the strap assembly around the portion of the tire. The system additionally includes a release mechanism.
Abstract:
A system includes a strap assembly positioned on a portion of a tire of a vehicle and configured to be coupled to a deck of a transport, and a mandrel assembly operable to be coupled to the strap assembly. The system also includes a winch assembly configured to be coupled to the deck of the transport including a winch assembly axel configured to be coupled to the mandrel assembly. The winch assembly is configured to engage the winch assembly axel to prevent rotation of the mandrel assembly in a first rotational direction to produce a tension force to secure the strap assembly around the portion of the tire. The system further includes a tightening assembly configured to rotate the mandrel assembly in a second rotational direction to produce a tightening force to tighten the strap assembly around the portion of the tire. The system additionally includes a release mechanism.
Abstract:
A system for coupling equipment components includes a magnetic coupling assembly. The magnetic coupling assembly couples a tooth point to an adapter. The magnetic coupling assembly is received at least partially within a recess formed in the adapter. The magnetic coupling assembly includes an insert and a magnetic coupler. The insert is placed within the recess of the adapter, and the insert includes an internal recess. The magnetic coupler is received within the internal recess of the insert.
Abstract:
An energy absorbing system with one or more energy absorbing assemblies is provided to reduce or eliminate the severity of a collision between a moving motor vehicle and a roadside hazard. The energy absorbing system may be installed adjacent to a roadside hazard such as the end of a concrete barrier facing oncoming traffic. The energy absorbing system preferably includes at least one energy absorbing element. A sled assembly is also provided with a cutter plate such that a collision by the motor vehicle with one end of the sled assembly will result in the cutter plate tearing or ripping the energy absorbing element to dissipate energy from the motor vehicle collision. The configuration and number of energy absorbing assemblies and the configuration and number of energy absorbing elements may be varied depending upon the intended application for the resulting energy absorbing system.
Abstract:
A system includes a railcar, a first deck, and a second deck. The second deck is positioned within the railcar above the first deck. The second deck includes a first portion, a second portion coupled to a first end of the first portion, and a third portion coupled to a second end of the first portion opposite the first end. The second and third portions can move towards a center of the first portion such that the first portion is positioned above or beneath the second and third portions.
Abstract:
According to some embodiments, a railcar comprises an underframe and at least one hopper. The hopper is configured to transport a lading material. A longitudinal sliding gate assembly is coupled to the hopper and comprises: a pair of side walls coupled to a pair of end walls forming a discharge opening; a pair of tracks, one coupled to each end wall; a sliding gate slidably coupled to the pair of tracks; and a threaded drive screw coupled to the sliding gate and to the pair of side walls. Rotation of the threaded drive screw in a first direction moves the sliding gate along the tracks to an open position that permits the lading material to discharge, and rotation of the threaded drive screw in an opposite direction moves the sliding gate along the tracks to a closed position that restricts the lading material from discharging.
Abstract:
According to some embodiments, a railcar comprises an underframe and at least one hopper. The hopper is configured to transport a lading material. A longitudinal sliding gate assembly is coupled to the hopper and comprises: a pair of side walls coupled to a pair of end walls forming a discharge opening; a pair of tracks, one coupled to each end wall; a sliding gate slidably coupled to the pair of tracks; and a threaded drive screw coupled to the sliding gate and to the pair of side walls. Rotation of the threaded drive screw in a first direction moves the sliding gate along the tracks to an open position that permits the lading material to discharge, and rotation of the threaded drive screw in an opposite direction moves the sliding gate along the tracks to a closed position that restricts the lading material from discharging.
Abstract:
According to some embodiments, a railcar comprises a first end, a second end, and a first longitudinal side and a second longitudinal side disposed between the first end and the second end. The first longitudinal side comprises a center panel and an intermediate panel. The center panel is disposed between a center of the railcar and the intermediate panel. The intermediate panel is disposed between the center panel and the first end or the second end. A width of the railcar at the intermediate panel is greater than a width of the railcar at the center panel. The center panel and the intermediate panel comprise generally straight panels coupled together at an angle. In particular embodiments, the first longitudinal side further comprises an end panel disposed between the intermediate panel and the first end or the second end.
Abstract:
According to some embodiments, a winch tightening apparatus comprises a mounting plate; a first moment arm coupled to the mounting plate and configured to provide leverage for rotating the mounting plate; and a pawl comprising a first end and a second end. The first end is pivotally coupled to the mounting plate such that the second end pivots to engage a ratchet gear when the mounting plate is rotated in a first direction and pivots to disengage the ratchet gear when the mounting plate is rotated in a second direction opposite the first direction. Some embodiments include a second moment arm coupled to the mounting plate and configured to provide leverage for rotating the mounting plate. Some embodiments include a counterweight coupled to the mounting plate and positioned to rotate the mounting plate in the second direction