Abstract: A strap tie down apparatus and system for vehicle transporters is provided. With conventional idlers removed from the individual platforms on the transporter, elongated bars on the platforms are provided with a series of slots. Removable idlers adapted to be connected and disconnected from the slots as needed are provided. Strap spools are connected at the ends of the platforms, the spools being adapted to roll up straps that are threaded and routed through the idlers, then connected to the underbody of the vehicles being transported. The strap spools are coupled to conventional ratchet devices to tighten the straps to secure the vehicles.

Abstract: A hydraulic cylinder having an integral self-contained locking mechanism is described. A locking cylinder includes a housing that contains a screw shaft and a rod/piston assembly. A rod end of the rod/piston assembly can be connected to one load and the end cap, which is located opposite to the rod end, can be connected to another load. The two loads may be two levels of a car trailer. During an extension stroke the screw shaft is released from a locking mechanism inside the housing, allowing the screw shaft to rotate freely. The rod piston assembly, which is in threaded engagement with the screw shaft, moves freely along a longitudinal axis as a pressure is applied, and it unscrews from the screw shaft. When the assembly reaches a desired or maximum extension, the pressure is removed. The piston retracts slightly until the screw shaft re-engages with the locking mechanism.

Abstract: A power screw load retention system is described. The system typically includes four power screw sections each having a threaded shaft connected to a power source located within an elongated channel. A carriage is in threaded engagement with the threaded shaft and is adapted to translate within the channel. The carriage is connected to a connecting member such as a chain that connects to the under structure of a vehicle. Typically, the four power screw sections are located on a platform that holds the vehicle. Several of these platforms are located on a vehicle transporter. All of the power sources may be connected to a control unit.

Abstract: A power screw load retention system is disclosed. The system typically includes four power screw sections each having a threaded shaft connected to a power source located within an elongated channel. A carriage is in threaded engagement with the threaded shaft and is adapted to translate within the channel. The carriage is connected to a connecting member such as a chain that connects to the under structure of a vehicle. Typically, the four power screw sections are located on a platform that holds the vehicle. Several of these platforms are located on a vehicle transporter. All of the power sources may be connected to a control unit.

Abstract: A hydraulic cylinder having an integral self-contained locking mechanism is disclosed. A locking cylinder includes a housing that contained a screw shaft and a rod/piston assembly. A rod end of the rod/piston assembly can be connected to one load and the end cap, which is located opposite to the rod end, can be connected to another load. The two loads may be two levels of a car trailer. During an extension stroke the screw shaft is released from a locking mechanism inside the housing, allowing the screw shaft to rotate freely. The rod piston assembly, which is in threaded engagement with the screw shaft, moves freely along a longitudinal axis as a pressure is applied, and it unscrews from the screw shaft. When the assembly reaches a desired or maximum extension, the pressure is removed. The piston retracts slightly until the screw shaft re-engages with the locking mechanism.

Abstract: A safety tie-down roller (1) has a spring laden ratchet pawl (9) positioned at an opposite side of structural framework (11) from a ratchet gear (8) and its related working conditions. A handle (33, 34, 35) is provided to release the ratchet pawl (9) against pressure of a spring (20, 37, 40, 42) for unloading cars and for straightening out chain to prevent loosening hazards. A wrench socket (45, 46, 51) is provided in addition to bar wrench apertures (15) for fast ratchet wrench rotation or optionally for motorized wrench rotation of the tie-down ratchet gear (8). Accurate torque control is made possible by the wrench sockets with either a hand torque wrench or a motorized torque wrench. Adapter plates (47, 49) are provided in addition to convenient forms of special hand wrenches (57, 58, 60).