Abstract: A running board for railway car features a plank and a support where the support is constructed of a steel that is thicker than the steel of the plank. The support features flanges with mounting holes by which it is mounted to the railway car. As a result, the lives of the mounting areas of the support match the life of the plank so that the life of the running board is extended. The plank features side vertical and horizontal lip portions that extend from opposite side edges of the plank's anti-slip walkway. The horizontal lip portions are engaged by tabs formed in the support so that the plank is securely held to the support.

Abstract: A cable guide for a cable support system that includes at least one support tray. The cable guide has a base with two base portions disposed in side by side relation. The base portions are adapted to cooperatively engage wires of the support tray(s). A support shaft extends from at least one of the base portions, and a roller is rotatably mounted on the support shaft and engage cables so that they may be turned along a path defined by the cable trays.

Abstract: A hookbill wire cutter specially designed to cut wire mesh components features a pair of opposing handles connected to a pair of jaws. Each jaw features an arcuate blade having a flat cutting portion and a tapered portion. The jaws are pivotally joined to open and close when the handles are actuated so that the blade cutting portions overlap in a scissor-like fashion. One of the arcuate blades features a notched tip that engages a wire member perpendicular to the wire member being cut. As a result, the wire cutter may be quickly and easily positioned. The arcuate blades are dimensioned to substantially surround a wire member so that the wire member is sheared flush when the jaws of the wire cutter are closed. As a result, generally smooth and flat cut wire ends are produced.

Abstract: A tray section is constructed of longitudinal and transverse wire members. The tray sections may be configured or joined by interlocking clips, each of which features two pairs of opposing tabs separated by a pair of opposing notches. The opposing notches feature an arcuate portion and each is sized to receive a single longitudinal wire member. Each interlocking clip also features a back portion that is integral with the opposing tabs and notches. The back portion and opposing tabs are sized so that they surround a pair of adjacent transverse wire members when the opposing tabs are crimped. A crimping tool is used to install the interlocking clips and features pivotally connected opposing jaw portions with arcuate indentations. The arcuate indentations are sized to cooperatively surround the back and opposing tabs of the interlocking clip with the pair of adjacent transverse wire members received therein. Wire mesh floor pans that do not obstruct air flow may be used to support the tray sections.

Abstract: A fastening apparatus and method for securely connecting a platform structure to a support element. A non-circular aperture is formed by joining two adjacent holes in an apertured platform structure. A seat element is provided, having a flat portion surrounding an aperture, the aperture in the seat element being configured in substantially the same shape as the non-circular aperture in the platform. A flange extends substantially downward from the rim of the aperture in the seat element. The outer surface of the flange bears against an inner rim of the aperture in the platform structure to prevent relative movement between the seat element and the platform structure. A bolt and nut assembly is inserted through the aperture in the platform and the seat element, through corresponding apertures in the support element, and tightened to securely fasten the platform to the support element in a structure that prevents lateral movement of the platform relative to the support element.