Abstract: A method for testing casting quality includes collecting sand that has fallen from an internal cavity of the casting at a collection area. The collection area includes a screen and a pad. The method further includes capturing a first image of sand that has fallen onto the pad and analyzing the first image to determine an amount of black sand that has fallen onto the pad. The method further includes capturing a second image of sand that has been retained on the screen and analyzing the second image to determine an amount of black sand chunks retained on the screen.

Abstract: A method for testing casting quality includes collecting sand that has fallen from an internal cavity of the casting at a collection area. The collection area includes a screen and a pad. The method further includes capturing a first image of sand that has fallen onto the pad and analyzing the first image to determine an amount of black sand that has fallen onto the pad. The method further includes capturing a second image of sand that has been retained on the screen and analyzing the second image to determine an amount of black sand chunks retained on the screen.

Abstract: A method for constructing a bus, wherein a module associated with the front end of the bus is separately constructed and assembled to the shell after interior components of the bus have been installed. The shell of the bus can be fabricated at a first work station. The shell can be made transversely or laterally with respect to the longitudinal access of the bus to one or more work stations. At the subsequent work stations, interior components of the bus can be moved through the open ends of the bus. After the majority of the interior components have been installed with respect to the bus, the module supporting the windshield and bumper can be installed with respect to the shell. The module can also support the dashboard and steering column.

Abstract: A drive line apparatus has a pair of tubular shafts configured to fit telescopically. The outer shaft has internal splines and the inner shaft has outer splines so that the shafts rotate in unison. Each of the outer and inner shaft has one partially closed end for coupling to a universal joint, wherein the joint connected to the partially closed end of the inner shaft is disposed within the inner shaft for further reducing the length of the drive line apparatus.

Abstract: A method for constructing a bus, wherein a module associated with the front end of the bus is separately constructed and assembled to the shell after interior components of the bus have been installed. The shell of the bus can be fabricated at a first work station. The shell can be made transversely or laterally with respect to the longitudinal access of the bus to one or more work stations. At the subsequent work stations, interior components of the bus can be moved through the open ends of the bus. After the majority of the interior components have been installed with respect to the bus, the module supporting the windshield and bumper can be installed with respect to the shell. The module can also support the dashboard and steering column.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a folding trailer with kneeling device is disclosed. The trailer includes a kneeling mechanism that is moveable between a traveling position and a kneeling position. The kneeling mechanism includes a pair of control arms that are cantilevered from the ends of a tubular control shaft. The control shaft is hingeably connected to a frame of the trailer. At least one hydraulically actuated cylinder is used to control the positioning of the kneeling mechanism with respect to the frame of the trailer. Placing the kneeling mechanism place in the kneeling position causes the trailer edge of the trailer to be positioned proximate to the ground to facilitate loading and unloading of the trailer.

Abstract: A drive line apparatus has a pair of tubular shafts configured to fit telescopically. The outer shaft has internal splines and the inner shaft has outer splines so that the shafts rotate in unison. Each of the outer and inner shaft has one partially closed end for coupling to a universal joint, wherein the joint connected to the partially closed end of the inner shaft is disposed within the inner shaft for further reducing the length of the drive line apparatus.