Abstract: A track clamp for coupling linear motion guide tracks with standard linear motion support bases without the use of fasteners comprises a clamp body having a plug portion and an outwardly-opening guide track-receiving channel, the plug portion having outwardly-extending deformable protrusions on its outer surfaces that, upon insertion of the plug portion into a selected slot of a support base, deform upon engagement with the slot thereby securing the plug portion in the slot, the track-receiving channel holding a linear motion guide track. In one embodiment upwardly-extending clamp arms formed in the plug portion by the guide track receiving channel deflect inwardly upon insertion of the plug portion into the selected slot thereby clamping the guide track in the channel.

Abstract: A support base for securing a linear motion guide track in a defined location comprises an elongated support body having one or more receiving slots, each slot including inwardly extending deformable teeth-like protrusions that deform upon insertion of the guide track into the slot thereby firmly securing the guide track to the support base without the use of traditional fasteners.

Abstract: A system for securing a linear motion guide track (1010) to a support extrusion (1030) comprises an elongated wedge (1040) having a protrusion configured for insertion in a slit in one side of the well of the support extrusion for positioning the wedge in the well, the wedge having deformable teeth on a side opposite the protrusion such that insertion of the guide track in the well deforms the teeth of the wedge thereby securely holding the guide track in the support extrusion.

Abstract: Bolt-on clamp extrusions for fastening a track to support base extrusion for providing customers with a simple-to-assemble, customizable, reconfigurable, and user-friendly solution for reliable linear motion track assembly. A back-to-back track configuration provides a low-profile track assembly. Custom made base extrusions include deformable fingers disposed in the slot to ensure proper fit despite a variance in track size.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel approaches to manufacturing and assembling linear motion slides that are quick and easy to install without requiring the use of fasteners. Additionally, the present invention discloses a novel track assembly apparatus that couples with standard linear motion support bases without the use of fasteners.

Abstract: Bolt-on clamp extrusions for fastening a track to support base extrusion for providing customers with a simple-to-assemble, customizable, reconfigurable, and user-friendly solution for reliable linear motion track assembly. A back-to-back track configuration provides a low-profile track assembly. Custom made base extrusions include deformable fingers disposed in the slot to ensure proper fit despite a variance in track size.

Abstract: Bolt-on clamp extrusions for fastening a track to support base extrusion for providing customers with a simple-to-assemble, customizable, reconfigurable, and user-friendly solution for reliable linear motion track assembly. A back-to-back track configuration provides a low-profile track assembly. Custom made base extrusions include deformable fingers disposed in the slot to ensure proper fit despite a variance in track size.

Abstract: The invention provides a wheel design that incorporates both a shield and seal on both sides of the guide wheel to eliminate direct liquid pressure on the seal. By retaining the lubrication, bearing life is extended, dramatically reducing machine downtime. In the presently preferred embodiment, the combination of a guide wheel with two rubber spring return (RSR) seals in-bound of two shields, increases guide wheel life through the following: The shields prevent the direct force of a high pressure wash-down from reaching the seal directly. There is a non-direct path between the shield and the outer raceway of the guide wheel to allow any trapped liquid to seep back out of the guide wheel. Also, as the guide wheel rotates, any liquid between the shield and seal is spun-out by centrifugal force.

Abstract: A guide wheel assembly includes a journal body having an inner bearing race, an axial mounting face, a longitudinally extending threaded mounting portion, a hexagonal tool engaging surface located between the axial mounting face and the inner bearing race, and a guide wheel rotatably supported by the journal body for rotation about the inner bearing race.

Abstract: The invention provides a wheel design that incorporates both a shield and seal on both sides of the guide wheel to eliminate direct liquid pressure on the seal. By retaining the lubrication, bearing life is extended, dramatically reducing machine downtime. In the presently preferred embodiment, the combination of a guide wheel with two rubber spring return (RSR) seals in-bound of two shields, increases guide wheel life through the following: The shields prevent the direct force of a high pressure wash-down from reaching the seal directly. There is a non-direct path between the shield and the outer raceway of the guide wheel to allow any trapped liquid to seep back out of the guide wheel. Also, as the guide wheel rotates, any liquid between the shield and seal is spun-out by centrifugal force.

Abstract: A guide wheel assembly includes a journal body having an inner bearing race, an axial mounting face, a longitudinally extending threaded mounting portion, a hexagonal tool engaging surface located between the axial mounting face and the inner bearing race, and a guide wheel rotatably supported by the journal body for rotation about the inner bearing race.

Abstract: A trailer hitch (10) including a pair of clamping jaws (12) and a retractable jaw locking member in the form of a wedge block (84) that is spring biased to move between the jaws (12) in order to lock the jaws in a closed position about a hitch ball. A latch mechanism (94) secures the wedge block (84) in its retracted position away from the jaws (12). A plunger dog (46) is pivoted by a handle mechanism (28) to reposition wedge block (84) and a safety pin mechanism (64) is provided to secure the plunger dog (46) in position and thereby secure wedge block (84) in position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a latch assembly for a cargo bar of the type having at least two relatively displaceable members. A pivotally mounted handle is used to extend the members in opposite directions to engage in compression the opposite walls of a cargo container. The latch assembly includes a housing having a latch element which is pivotally mounted by a pivot pin to the housing. The latch element is spring biased toward a latched position at which the latch element is in latching engagement with the handle of the extending means. The pivotal mount for the latch element is provided with clearance to enable displacement of the latch element relative to the pivot pin, and the housing is formed with a cap portion positioned proximate the latch for area-to-area support of the top of the latch element upon displacement of the latch relative to the pivot pin. The latch assembly also includes a ramp formed toward the base of the latch element to provide a method for easy release of the latch element.

Abstract: Disclosed is a latch assembly for a cargo bar of the type having at least two relatively displaceable members. A pivotally mounted handle is used to extend the members in opposite directions to engage in compression the opposite walls of a cargo container. The latch assembly includes housing having a latch element which is pivotally mounted by a pivot pin to the housing. The latch element is biased toward a latched position at which the latch element is in latching engagement with the handle of the extending bar assembly. The pivotal mount for the latch element is provided with clearance to enable displacement of the latch element relative to the pivot pin, and the housing is formed with a cap portion positioned proximate the latch for support of the latching force on the latch upon displacement of the latch relative to the pivot pin. The latch assembly also includes a ramp formed toward the base of the latch element to provide a method for easy release of the latch element.

Abstract: A cargo shoring device and foot assembly therefor is disclosed. The foot assembly includes a body formed for mounting to a cargo support member, an extensible element movably mounted to the body and carrying a wall engaging foot portion, manually engageable pivotally mounted lever formed and coupled for extension and retraction of the extensible element upon rotation of the lever and a latch element formed in the body to engage the lever when rotated to a position extending the extensible element. By the lever is mounted for movement into and out of engagement with the latch element by manipulating the lever laterally of the plane of rotation of the lever in order to enable manipulation of the lever by one hand of the operator to effect extension of the foot portion, latching and unlatching of the lever and retraction of the foot portion.

Abstract: A cargo supporting device, preferably a partition-like member, is constructed for insertion in the interior of a cargo transporting container, such as a truck freight car, or marine cargo carrier, to support the cargo during movement of the container. The partition or bulkhead is constructed of any suitable stiff material and has positioned upon it a pair of foot assemblies at opposite edges disposed to frictionally engage opposite inner walls of the container. One of these foot assemblies includes an adjustable mechanism disposed to move a wall engaging bearing element or pad automatically against the container walls, to apply an increased bearing force to such walls, and to lock the foot assembly, and consequently lock the cargo support device, in a fixed position inside the container against the cargo.

Abstract: A vertical bulkhead is constructed for insertion in the interior of a cargo transporting vessel such as a truck, freight car, or marine cargo carrier to support the cargo during movement of the vessel. The bulkhead is constructed of any suitable stiff material and has positioned upon it a pair of pads or bearing elements at opposite edges disposed to frictionally engage opposite inner walls of the vessel. One of these pads is mounted on an adjustable mechanism disposed to move the pad horizontally and to lock it and consequently lock the bulkhead in a fixed position inside the vessel against the cargo.