Abstract: The invention relates to heat-recoverable covers which comprise embedded electrical resistance heaters, and to methods of covering an elongate object using such covers. In a preferred embodiment (FIG. 5), the cover comprises a heat-recoverable polymeric sheet (22) or fabric, provided with upstanding rails (24,25) as a first closure means. A heating element (36) is embedded in the sheet and arranged to follow a serpentine path such that each return loop portion 38 projects beyond the edges of the cover. The sheet is coated on its inner surface with a layer of adhesive and/or sealant (28,30). In use, the cover is wrapped around a substrate (32) at least once, and first and second closure means (24,25and 26,27) are engaged to hold the cover in the wrapped configuration. The cover is then heated to cause the cover to recover, and the adhesive and/or sealant to form a seal.

Abstract: A gooseneck structure is coupled to a tractor via a spherical bearing which compensates for pitch, roll and yaw motions and is coupled to support brackets upon the trailer via a horizontal support beam positioned at the underside of the support brackets. Air bag lifting actuators cause the horizontal support beam to be raised to contact the support brackets mounted upon a side wall portion of the trailer and a hydraulic actuator thereafter causes a substantially vertical elevation control beam to press against a side wall portion of the trailer to rotate the trailer about its wheel axles and thus elevate it above the terrain to provide for a variable degree of clearancce between the underside of the trailer, regardless of the degree of roughness of the terrain.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heat-recoverable covers which comprises embedded electrical resistance heaters, and to methods of covering an elongate object using such covers.In a preferred embodiment, the cover comprises a heat-recoverable polymeric sheet (22) or fabric, provided with upstanding rails (24,25) as a first closure means. A heating element (36) is embedded in the sheet, and arranged to follow a serpentine path such that each return loop portion 38 projects beyond the edges of the cover. The sheet is coated on its inner surface with a layer of adhesive and/or sealant (28,30).In use, the cover is wrapped around a substrate (32) at least once, and first and second closure means (24,25 and 26,27) are engaged to hold the cover in the wrapped configuration. The cover is then heated to cause the cover to recover, and the adhesive and/or sealant to form a seal.