Abstract: A method for hoisting and transporting assemblies in an underground nuclear power plant, the method including: 1) pouring concrete onto a reactor cavern to form a rock anchor beam; hoisting a circular bridge crane to the reactor cavern through a hoist shaft on a top of the reactor cavern; mounting the circular bridge crane on the rock anchor beam by using a truck crane; 2) installing a containment cylinder and a track beam of a polar crane in the reactor cavern using the circular bridge crane; hoisting a gantry crane on one end of a polar crane girder and sending the polar crane girder to the reactor cavern; hoisting the other end of the polar crane girder using the circular bridge crane; allowing the polar crane girder to be horizontal; and mounting the polar crane girder on the track beam.

Abstract: In a method for renewing a track (2) and cleaning a ballast bed (3), the old track (2) is lifted off the ballast bed in sections as a track panel (15), transported forward in a working direction (4) and deposited on track panel wagons (8). The exposed ballast bed (3), forming a renewal gap (17), is cleaned by a cleaning machine (11), spoil (32) accruing in the process is transported forward underneath the track panels (15) deposited on the track panel wagons (8), and stored in hopper cars (10). New rails (29), pre-deposited underneath new sleepers (27) positioned on sleeper wagons (14), are pulled forward into the renewal gap (17) by the cleaning machine (11) and deposited on the cleaned ballast bed (3). The new sleepers (27) are laid down on the cleaned ballast bed and connected to the new rails (29) lifted off the ballast bed (3).

Abstract: A conveyor device for conveying transportation structures, particularly transportation skids in the automobile industry, having a conveyor path that is formed from a plurality of path units arranged one behind the other, each of the path units having two parallel longitudinal profiled sections. A drive system for said transportation structures is provided that has at least one drive device which, when said conveyor device is in operation, is arranged on at least one of said longitudinal profiled sections. The drive system includes at least one drive module which can be detachably secured to the longitudinal profiled section by means of a drive-securing device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) in conveying equipment for moving metal strips wound to form coils (2), in particular produced from high-strength or ultra-high-strength steel grades, wherein for transport the coils (2) can be lifted and lowered from a resting position on a coil support (3) by means of a vertically adjustable coil lifting device (4), wherein the coil support (3) has two coil support elements (3a, 3b) which are laterally spaced apart from one another and the coil lifting device (4) has two support prongs (4a, 4b), characterized in that at least the coil support elements (3a, 3b) are disposed asymmetrically with respect to the vertical (5) through the center of rotation (2a) of the coil (2).

Abstract: A docking station for an automated guided vehicle includes a station base unit and a shift unit adapted to move relative to the station base unit between an extended position and a retracted position, where movement of the shift unit from the extended position to the retracted position defines a shift unit movement direction. The docking station further includes an actuator coupled to the station base unit and the shift unit, where the actuator is adapted to move the shift unit between the extended position and the retracted position and at least one locator block coupled to the shift unit. The docking station stops an automated guided vehicle travelling in the shift unit movement direction when a portion of the automated guided vehicle contacts the at least one locator block with the shift unit in the extended position.

Abstract: A system for transferring railroad cars from incoming receiving tracks to classification tracks for building outgoing trains includes a plurality of incoming receiving tracks, a plurality of outgoing classification tracks and one or more transfer tables for moving railroad cars from the incoming receiving tracks to designated outgoing classification tracks. Each transfer table has a plurality of track segments. Incoming railroad cars are received on a plurality of incoming receiving tracks. A first car is uncoupled from a following second car on each of the receiving tracks having cars. The uncoupled first car is moved from the incoming receiving track onto a corresponding track segment on the transfer table. The transfer table is moved to align a selected track segment with an appropriate classification track for the corresponding railroad car. The transfer table is moved and aligned with appropriate classification tracks until each railroad car has been transferred to the appropriate classification track.

Abstract: A control and motor arrangement in accordance with the present invention includes a motor configured to generate a locomotive force for propelling the model train. The control and motor arrangement further includes a command control interface configured to receive commands from a command control unit wherein the commands correspond to a desired speed. The control and motor arrangement still further includes a plurality of detectors configured to detect speed information of the motor, and a process control arrangement configured to receive the speed information from the sensors. The process control arrangement is further configured and arranged to generate a plurality of motor control signals based on the speed information for controlling the speed of said motor. The control and motor arrangement yet still further includes a motor control arrangement configured to cause power to be applied to the motor at different times in response to the motor control signals.

Abstract: A scheduling system and method for identifying and planning for the linked movement of two or more trains.

Abstract: A ramp stored under the deck of a rail car may be extended using a load-bearing drive system for the loading of freight or equipment onto the rail car. The surface of the ramp may comprise a rail portion or similar structure to allow the loading of rail bound equipment, such as rail maintenance equipment, onto the deck of the rail car.

Abstract: A multiple axis gantry for providing movement along multiple axis is provided. The multiple axis gantry includes a pair of horizontal tracks and a vertical track to which a work piece carriage is attached. One drive motor provides an input for horizontal movement of the vertical track and a second drive motor provides an input for vertical movement of the work piece carriage. The vertical track of the gantry is driven proximate both ends to prevent cocking or binding during horizontal movement. Furthermore, the multiple axis gantry is configured such that manufacture of a gantry having custom dimensions for the horizontal tracks and vertical track is simple and cost effective.

Abstract: Applicants' automated data storage system includes a first media storage library having a first rail system, a garage having a movable rail system, said garage being disposed adjacent the media storage library, and a plurality of accessors movably disposed on either the first rail system or the movable rail system. In another embodiment, Applicants' automated data storage system further includes a second media storage library, having a second rail system, disposed adjacent the garage, such that the plurality of accessors is movably disposed on the first rail system, the second rail system, or the movable rail system. Applicants' invention further includes a method to move an accessor from the first media storage library into the garage, or from the first media storage library, through the garage, and into the second media storage library. Applicants' invention further includes a method to balance the workload of a plurality of data drives disposed within Applicants' automated data storage system.

Abstract: The invention provides longitudinally extending track support and track members for a mobile storage unit. The track support's upper surface has at least one protrusion which projects above and extends longitudinally along that upper surface. A mating recess extends within and along the track member's under surface. The recess and protrusion are sized and shaped for loose-fit longitudinal engagement of the protrusion within the recess when the track member is laid atop the track support. This permits limited transverse movement of the track member with respect to the track support, reducing susceptibility of the mobile storage unit's wheels to derailment if a transverse force is applied to mobile storage unit as it rolls along the track.

Abstract: In a tilting and extending rail system for a mining pump carrier the present invention comprises; pivotal carrier attaching means, sliding rails, accessory attaching means, tilting mechanism and actuating means. In a preferred embodiment, the rail system is utilized to provide vertical and longitudinal adjustment capabilities to an accessory such as a concrete hopper so as to allow motion flexibility and alignment accuracy between the carrier hopper and an adjacent utility vehicle. Therefore, the utility of this invention provides the mining industry with flexible accuracy in aligning an accessory of a carrier as well as providing optimal discharge distance between carrier accessory and discharging unit with a following utility vehicle carrying-on a common task.

Abstract: The guideway-based transportation system includes a guideway and a mating vehicle. The guideway includes a main guideway section that may branch at a branch point into two separate branch sections. The guideway has a suitable geometry to support and guide the vehicle at any speed reasonably associated with such a transportation system. The vehicle includes both support and guide wheels to support the weight of the vehicle and to maintain contact between the vehicle and the guideway as it moves along the guideway, and may optionally include a switching wheel assembly for switching the path of travel of the vehicle from the main guideway section to either of the branch sections.

Abstract: In a travelling trolley assembly, the two side frame bars (6, 7) which extend on either side of the running rail (2) are connected to one another via two connecting columns (8). The connecting columns (8) are smooth and cylindrical on the outside are fitted into receiving or sliding-guidance devices which are formed in the side frame bars (6, 7) below the running rail (2). In order to adjust the distance between the two side frame bars (6, 7) and to fix the distance which has been set, receiving devices, through which a threaded rod (46) which is parallel to the connecting column (8) passes, are situated in the vicinity of the connecting columns (8). The distance is adjusted and fixed with the aid of screw threads (94, 95), preferably lock nuts, which rest on the connecting rod (46). This type of fixing arrangement does not damage the shape of the guide columns (8), so that dismantling is easy to carry out at any time.

Abstract: A vehicle including a load frame, a drive assembly, and a pivot link assembly. The load frame includes castor wheels to rollingly support the load frame on a support surface. The drive assembly includes a drive frame, a drive wheel, and a rigid castor wheel wherein the drive wheel and rigid castor wheel are each mounted to the drive frame. The pivot link assembly couples the drive frame to the load frame and permits the drive frame to move vertically and angularly relative to the load frame.

Abstract: A storage conveyor for a hybrid carrying truck is disclosed wherein construction of a carrying line at a site can be achieved simply and at a low cost without precise construction and smooth carrying and easy transfer between adjacent carrying apparatus of different types from each other can be achieved. The storage conveyor for a hybrid carrying truck carries a hybrid carrying truck which includes a pair of left and right skid members and two pairs of traveling wheels disposed at front and rear positions on the left and right sides thereof, and includes a plurality of conveyor units connected to each other in a carrying direction.

Abstract: System and method for loading and unloading highway vehicles for transportation over railroad lines. The system has a number of railroad vehicles, each having a deck for highway vehicles. The deck extends from a central portion of the vehicle to one or both ends of the railway vehicle. The invention includes a terminal which has at least one stationary railroad track portion which is connected to a railroad system outside of the terminal. The terminal also has number of moveable railroad track segments. These segments can be positioned in a first configuration in which they are aligned so that railroad vehicles can be rolled from one or more of the stationary railroad track segments onto the moveable railroad track segments.

Abstract: An overhead bridge crane truss having a channel connected to a support beam by vertical connectors is improved in strength by adding wide braces at end regions of the truss, without significantly increasing truss weight or cost. The wide braces are rectangular box beams welded around their upper and lower peripheries respectively to the bottom of the support beam and the top of the channel.

Abstract: Pilot-channel apparatus is provided for guiding movements of runnered vehicles, equipment fitted with skid runners and containers with runners for three-dimensional displacements such as loading and transport on/off wheeled trailers and for two-dimensional displacements such as movements within a planar storage area. Unitary and multiple pilot channels incorporate characteristic forms with specified features for safe, reliable engagement with known runner profiles to control lateral and transverse powered movements, especially loading of snowmobiles onto a trailer. Pilot- channel apparatus is supplied in the form of formed shapes and bands of length up to approx. 10 meters which allows customized placement, mounting and spacing of specific pairs of fixed or moveable channels. Specific two- and three- dimensional pilot-channel arrays and kits with specific shapes of pilot channels are indicated for owner- installation on existing snowmobile trailers.

Abstract: Pilot-channel arrays for guiding movements of runnered vehicles, equipment fitted with skid runners and containers with runners are provided for three-dimensional displacements such as loading and transport on trailers and for two-dimensional displacements such as movements within a storage area. Individual pilot channels incorporate specific form for safe, reliable engagement with known runner profiles to control lateral and transverse powered movements, especially loading of snowmobiles onto a trailer. Pilot-channel arrays incorporate specific placement, mounting and spacing of specific pairs of fixed or moveable channels.

Abstract: A carrier is provided for transporting a carnival ride track and carnival vehicle, without the necessity of dismantling and removing the vehicle from the track during transportation. In the use of the carrier, a carnival vehicle, such as a toy train, remains elevated during highway transportation of the carrier. A section of amusement ride track, is incorporated into a trestle portion. When in use, the carrier lowers the track to the ground so that the carnival vehicle, such as a toy train for carrying passengers, can move about a designated track configuration, such as a "figure eight" track design. The carrier includes a retractable suspension system designed to lower the trailer holding the track completely to the ground level, and to raise it for travel over the road.

Abstract: A special wagon has at one end thereof a movable ramp which may be lowered simultaneously with buffers on the wagon. The movable ramp and a platform of the wagon carry rails on which the bogies can roll. Arranged in parallel with these rails are C-shaped slideways, in which are displaced chains, ends of which carry hooks for holding a bogie and for pulling it up the ramp and onto the platform. The chains and hydraulic jacks for maneuvering the ramp receive working fluid from a motor-driven pump unit via controls. The platform of the wagon carries systems for securing bogies for rail travel.

Abstract: Heavy articles such as metal coils are transferred to and from storage locations in a storage area by a system of tracks and carriages including non-powered carriages which transport the articles directly and self-propelled carriages which move perpendicularly to the direction of movement of the non-powered carriages. The non-powered carriages are moved off and onto the self-propelled carriages by feeders carried by the self-propelled carriages. In one form of the invention, the above-mentioned self-propelled carriages are transferred to and from tracks in a parallel track array by an additional self-propelled carriage movable along a track extending perpendicular to the tracks of the parallel track array.

Abstract: A hydraulically operated load handling vehicle for open-top railway cars having four, three-way adjustable outriggers, each having a pair of wheel-like pads which ride along the sidewall tops of open-top railway cars. The corresponding wheel-like pads on the vehicle can be raised and lowered separately from the other corresponding pair so as to move across the space between adjacent railway cars in a string by a bridging action. The vehicle is provided with at least one crane, and preferably two cranes to load and unload the railway cars on which it is supported.

Abstract: In a storage facility for heavy coils or the like, coils are transported to and from stationary rests by a first carriage which include a hydraulic lift. The first carriage is carried by a second carriage which moves perpendicularly to the path of the first carriage and which has its own heavy article-supporting rest. Transfer of heavy articles from rest to rest takes place by operation of the hydraulic lift in conjunction with lateral movement of the first carriage. The second carriage is self-propelled, and also carries a hydraulic pump unit for powering the lift through a flexible coupling which allows limited movement of the first carriage away from the second carriage. A third carriage, which is self-propelled and movable perpendicularly to the path of the second carriage, receives the second carriage to carry the second carriage, with a first carriage on it, to and away from the storage facility. The second and third carriages are movable independently of each other.

Abstract: A variable height workstation includes a trolley delivery apparatus for controllably moving a rail section from a gap formed in a subsidiary loop rail to a workstation located remotely from the loop. A pivotal cam is controllably rotated by an actuator and moves with the rail section and arrests travel of a trolley on the moveable rail section so that rail section may be removed toward the workstation while carrying the trolley. The pivotal cam is also capable of accelerating a trolley off the rail section either after the rail returns to its normal bridging position or from the rail section without it being lowered. The trolley delivery apparatus is employed in a subsidiary loop system whereby a preworkstation indexer is located upstream of it to advance individual diverted trolleys onto the moveable rail section.

Abstract: A conveying carrier is arranged to be self-propelled and move along a conveying passage having a pit formed therebelow. A track covers the top side of the pit flush with the road surface of the conveying passage. A plurality of wheels are attached to the conveying carrier with at least the front wheels being casters. A steering frame is pivotally supported on the conveying carrier and is turnable about a vertical steering axis line. A driving wheel and motor are attached to the steering frame, with the driving wheel being positioned to contact the track at a location substantially directly below the vertical steering axis line. A guide member is guided by a guide rail laid in the pit and connected to the steering frame through a slit in the widthwise center of the track. The pit is a substantially U-shaped track frame buried in the widthwise central portion.

Abstract: A mobile machine arrangement for exchanging old track ties for new track ties comprises first and second machine units, a drive for propelling each machine unit independently along the track in an operating direction, an operator's cab for each machine unit, each machine unit comprising a bridge-like machine frame, a tie loading car coupled to the machine frame and undercarriages supporting the machine frame and the tie loading car on the track, a respective tie exchange device for laterally pulling old ties out of the track mounted on the machine frame of the leading machine unit and for laterally inserting new ties into the track mounted on the machine frame of the trailing machine unit, each tie exchange device comprising power-driven vertically and longitudinally adjustable tie gripping devices, a control for the tie exchange device mounted on each machine unit, and a tie transport arrangement mounted on the machine frame and tie loading car of each machine unit.

Abstract: A mechanical tie gang comprises a train of open top railroad cars, a power-driven crane for loading and unloading ties and having an undercarriage arranged for mobility in the direction of the railroad track, and a track supporting the undercarriage of the crane for mobility above the top edges of the side walls of the railroad cars in this direction, the track comprising two parallel guide rails mounted on the top edges of the railroad cars and being spaced apart a distance corresponding to the gage of the crane undercarriage, the guide rails extending beyond the end walls of the railroad cars into the gaps between adjacent cars.

Abstract: A compost handling machine comprising a carriage to support the machine for movement along a composting bay, and a compost agitating and conveying assembly to agitate compost in, and to move the compost along the bay. The agitating and conveying assembly includes a conveyor subassembly and a drum subassembly. The conveyor subassembly includes a plurality of lifting cleats that, in use, are moved around a closed path to lift compost in the bay and move the compost rearwardly therein. The drum subassembly includes an agitating drum extending between and supported by a pair of support arms, and the drum is rotated to agitate and comminute the compost in the bay.

Abstract: A method for sequentially exchanging selected consecutive groups of old ties for groups of new ties while retaining groups of old ties between the selected old ties in a railroad track consisting of two rails fastened to the ties supported on ballast, which method comprises advancing at least one elongated bridge-like work vehicle along the track, sequentially operating a succession of different individual devices mounted on the advancing work vehicle to remove rail fastening elements whereby the selected ties are detached from the rails, to remove tie plates positioned between the detached ties and the rails, to withdraw the detached ties laterally from the track, to scarify the ballast where the detached ties have been withdrawn whereby shaped recesses are formed in the ballast under the rails, to insert new ties in the shaped recesses, to place new tie plates between the new ties and the rails, to tamp ballast under the new ties, and to fasten the rails to the new ties.

Abstract: A bomb handling system includes a plurality of mobile frames, each having a pair of rails and carrying members on the rails. Each pair of carrying members supporting corresponding ends of a bomb and there being locking mechanisms with separate, common actuators at particular locations along the lengths of the rails selectively to arrest a pair of carrying members in transversely aligned positions at a location and to allow such pair to travel past a location. The mobile frames may be attached in a train with their pairs of rails in end-abutting relation and including blocking mechanisms which releasably prevent transfer of a pair of carrying members from one frame to the next. A mobile frame may include a mechanism to elevate its rails so that loaded and positioned bombs may be raised for attachment to an aircraft.

Abstract: In the particular embodiments of the invention described herein there is disclosed apparatus for loading particulate material into a train of coupled rail cars. The apparatus includes open topped rail cars which carry a continuous rail track of rails which are attached to the upper edges of the cars, a loading car which carries a ramp which leads from a low level to the track on the rail cars, a bucket loader and perhaps a conveyor for loading a self propelled load distribution vehicle which is adapted to run under its own power on the ramp and the track.

Abstract: A track renewal train of a plurality of track-bound freight cars storing ties removed from an old track section and ties to be laid for a new track section comprises a work car whose front frame end is pivotally supported on a last freight car. Elongated conveyors are mounted on the work car for conveying the old ties from a tie removing device and the new ties to a tie laying device. A tie transfer vehicle has front and rear gantry undercarriages, the front gantry undercarriage being movable only on the last freight car and the rear gantry undercarriage being movable only on the work car. The tie transfer vehicle includes two tie gripping devices arranged successively in the working direction of the train for simultaneously receiving the old ties and delivering the new ties while the ties are positioned transversely to the old track section.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a brake mechanism, particularly useful on a vehicle which travels on the upper side wall edges of gondola cars. The brake mechanism includes a brake shoe rack which carries two pairs of brake shoes, one pair of brake shoes being adapted to clamp one side wall of the gondola car and the other pair of brake shoes being adapted to clamp the other side wall of the gondola car. The pairs of brake shoes are moved in opposition to one another by a single hydraulic ram to effect the clamping of the side walls. The brake shoe rack is pivotally supported below the chassis of the gondola car loader by hydraulic cylinders for raising and lowering the brake shoe rack as the vehicle is moved from gondola car to adjacent gondola car. The brake shoe rack is also movable from side to side with respect to the chassis of the vehicle to enable the brake mechanism to accommodate gondola car side walls which are bowed or otherwise irregularly shaped.

Abstract: A three point suspension crane for use on a circular track having the hoist machinery disposed on the crane at points proximate the engagement of the crane with the track.

Abstract: A gondola car loader includes a chassis moveable along the top edges of adjacent gondola cars in a direction of the railroad track on which the cars are located. Four beams, pivotably mounted at their centers to the chassis, each carry wheels at both ends thereof for supporting the chassis on the cars. The beams are adapted to be pivoted to selectively engage the wheels with the top edges of the sides of the gondola cars, thereby facilitating motion of the chassis across the gaps between adjacent cars.

Abstract: In order to transfer long vehicles upon a ground surface and more particularly railway carriages or wagons, use is made of platforms which glide over the ground by means of fluid cushions and which carry track sections for receiving vehicle wheels. Two or more such platforms which are movable independently of each other, are mutually positioned so that the respective track sections are in extension of each other and are assigned to the vehicle front wheel system and to the vehicle rear wheel system respectively, each platform being independently lockable with the vehicle.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a large shelter umbrella including a base having a supporting post the top of which is an umbrella, means mounting the supporting post at an end portion thereof for pivotal movement about a generally horizontal axis, the end portion having a free terminal end, means connected to the free terminal end for imparting a force thereto to pivot the supporting post about a horizontal axis, and lifting element means at a side of the horizontal axis opposite the terminal end connected between the base and the supporting post for imparting a force to the supporting post to pivot the latter about the horizontal axis.

Abstract: A train assembly for replacement of an old rail track by a new one with long rails comprises a permanently coupled train section including an open-frame wagon with rails carrying gantries for removal of track panels through the open frame and placing new cross-ties. The open-frame wagon has a bogie able to run on the track but retracted during operation and replaced by caterpillar tracks running on the ballast, or by rollers running on the new rails placed temporarily beside the track. The new rails are then brought together and fixed on the newly-placed cross-ties, so that the rear part of the train assembly runs on the new track whereas the front part runs on the old track.

Abstract: A California type platform having an elongate frame which may be raised above the platform by wheels carried by the frame in position to be forced downwardly against the tunnel track by means of inflatable air bags.

Abstract: An installation for the agglomeration of minerals including, a rotatable circular track, a plurality of grate-carrying cars which rest on the track and move with it through various treatment zones, and a device for moving the cars relative to the track through a discharge zone. The device may tilt each car as it passes through the discharge zone in order to unload treated minerals from the grate on the car.

Abstract: A mobile trackway comprises a plurality of interconnected carriages adapted for rolling on an existing trackway, and having mounted on upper surfaces thereof two side-by-side trackways. Ramp cars (which form part of the mobile trackway) and switching sections on the carriages permit load-transporting cars to be moved to either of the two trackways from the existing trackway. When used in conjunction with tunneling machinery, a string of muck cars is positioned on one of the trackways and may be conveyor loaded while previously loaded cars are removed from, and empty cars are delivered to, the other trackway. The carriages are of hollow shell construction and are adapted for carrying ballast, for example excavated rock, scrap iron or concrete, to prevent being tipped over by any arrangement of loaded muck cars thereupon. No other stabilization means, such as outriggers or supporting members contacting the tunnel, is required.