Abstract: A method for processing heat transfer labels for quality assurance purposes that may be provided in the form of a roll, with defective heat transfer labels remaining included within the roll instead of being removed. A marking system may be used during or after production of the heat transfer labels in order to distinguish acceptable heat transfer labels from defective heat transfer labels to prevent the latter from being used in the manufacture of garments or other goods. A sensor eye may be disposed on the heat bonder used in the production process to detect the marks and automatically advance the roll to the next acceptable heat transfer label.

Abstract: An adapter is used to couple a prime mover body to a housing of a generator. The adapter has openings that allow an armature of the generator to be attached to the flywheel of the prime mover. The adapter provides a torque coupling between the prime mover and the generator so that the attachments of the prime mover and generator to the skid, as well as the skid itself, can be reduced in size and weight because they no longer need to oppose the prime mover-generator torque load. A thickness of the adapter and a pattern of the openings in the body of the adapter are selected to move any natural resonance frequencies of the adapter outside an operating frequency of the prime mover.

Abstract: A moveable plow for a locomotive suitable for operating in sandy environments is provided. The moveable plow comprises a body and a wearable lip. The body forms a curl at its top edge along substantially the entire body width to channel the flow of sand outwardly. The lip is removably affixed to the body and contacts a rail. The moveable plow is attached to a bogie by a pneumatically operated height adjusting mechanism that can raise or lower the moveable plow. The moveable plow and rail define a sweep angle equal to or greater than an angle of repose of the sand in the surrounding environment.

Abstract: A skid structure for a powertrain includes a pair of longitudinally extending members disposed about a central axis and in a mutually spaced apart relationship with one another. Each of the members includes a top wall; a bottom wall disposed in a spaced apart relation with the top wall; and a side wall connected at corresponding edges of the top and bottom walls to define a pocket therebetween. The pocket is configured to extend longitudinally along a length of the member and laterally along a width of the top and bottom walls. The skid structure further includes multiple gussets that are disposed within the pocket and interspaced from one another along the length of the member. Each gusset is configured to connect with at least two of the top wall, the bottom wall, and the side wall. The gussets are configured to support a weight of the powertrain thereon.

Abstract: An adapter is used to couple a prime mover body to a housing of a generator. The adapter has openings that allow an armature of the generator to be attached to the flywheel of the prime mover. The adapter provides a torque coupling between the prime mover and the generator so that the attachments of the prime mover and generator to the skid, as well as the skid itself, can be reduced in size and weight because they no longer need to oppose the prime mover-generator torque load. A thickness of the adapter and a pattern of the openings in the body of the adapter are selected to move any natural resonance frequencies of the adapter outside an operating frequency of the prime mover.

Abstract: A skid structure for a powertrain includes a pair of longitudinally extending members disposed about a central axis and in a mutually spaced apart relationship with one another. Each of the members includes a top wall; a bottom wall disposed in a spaced apart relation with the top wall; and a side wall connected at corresponding edges of the top and bottom walls to define a pocket therebetween. The pocket is configured to extend longitudinally along a length of the member and laterally along a width of the top and bottom walls. The skid structure further includes multiple gussets that are disposed within the pocket and interspaced from one another along the length of the member. Each gusset is configured to connect with at least two of the top wall, the bottom wall, and the side wall. The gussets are configured to support a weight of the powertrain thereon.

Abstract: A sand plow system for a locomotive is described. The sand plow system may comprise an adjustable plow configured for vertical adjustment between a lowered position in which the adjustable plow is in contact with the rails and a raised position in which the adjustable plow is suspended above the rails. The sand plow system may further comprise a fixed plow disposed axially forward of the adjustable plow with respect to a longitudinal axis of the locomotive. The fixed plow may be vertically raised above the rails by a distance of less than 150 millimeters.

Abstract: A moveable plow for a locomotive suitable for operating in sandy environments is provided. The moveable plow comprises a body and a wearable lip. The body forms a curl at its top edge along substantially the entire body width to channel the flow of sand outwardly. The lip is removably affixed to the body and contacts a rail. The moveable plow is attached to a bogie by a pneumatically operated height adjusting mechanism that can raise or lower the moveable plow. The moveable plow and rail define a sweep angle equal to or greater than an angle of repose of the sand in the surrounding environment.