Abstract: A transverse trough coil car includes a plurality of transverse troughs, a pair of trucks, a center sill supported on the trucks, a pair of side walls extending the length of the car coupled to the center sill, and a plurality of trough forming assemblies with each trough forming assembly including at least one floating floor sheet. Each one floating floor sheet is structured to allow for thermal expansion in a first direction along a longitudinal axis of the car body and in a second direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the car body.

Abstract: A transverse trough coil car includes a plurality of transverse troughs, a pair of trucks, a center sill supported on the trucks, a pair of side walls extending the length of the car coupled to the center sill, and a plurality of trough forming assemblies with each trough forming assembly including including at least one floating floor sheet.

Abstract: A cargo restraint component such as a cargo restraint panel or a component of a load restraint strip system (e.g., a connecting strip or a load restraint strip) may comprise an attached RF beacon. Additional non-limiting examples of cargo restraint components that can comprise an attached RF beacon include a fluid filled member (e.g. an inflatable air bag), a layered structure (e.g. cardboard dunnage material with an internal honeycomb structure), a cargo retaining strap, a bracing member, a portable bulkhead, an non-skid mat, and an expandable load stabilizer. An RF beacon attached to a cargo restraint component can be configured to transmit identifying data. In some embodiments, an RF beacon attached to a cargo restraint component may include one or more sensors that can measure one or more environmental parameters.

Abstract: A cargo restraint component such as a cargo restraint panel or a component of a load restraint strip system (e.g., a connecting strip or a load restraint strip) may comprise an attached RF beacon. That beacon can be configured to transmit identifying data. An RF beacon attached to a cargo restraint panel or to a component of a load restraint strip system may include one or more sensors that can measure one or more environmental parameters.

Abstract: A transverse trough coil car includes a plurality of transverse troughs, a pair of trucks, a center sill supported on the trucks, a pair of side walls extending the length of the car coupled to the center sill, and a plurality of trough forming assemblies. Each trough forming assembly includes a center cross bearer member coupled to the side walls and the center sill, a pair of angled floor plates coupled to the side walls, wherein the floor plates form the longitudinally fore and aft sections of adjacent troughs, and a plurality of floor plate supporting gussets extending between the center cross bearer member and the floor plates. A method of forming the transverse trough coil car body is provided for reducing the fabrication costs, inventory costs and assembly time of the car.

Abstract: A coil retainer is configured for securing a metal coil to a support surface using tension lines. The coil retainer includes a core insert extending about an arc and configured to be inserted into a hollow core of the metal coil so that an exterior of the core insert supports an inner surface of the coil along a portion of the inner surface. A coil side containment wall extends along the arc of the core insert and projects radially outward from the core insert. The coil side containment wall is configured to support a flat side of the metal coil. A cross beam extends across the arc of the core insert. Attached to the cross beam is at least one chain guide configured to guide a tension line over the cross beam and at least one chain mount configured to secure a tension line to the coil retainer.

Abstract: A continuous rod transport system has a reel with a cage and a removable hub. The cage has support members interconnected by rings to hold the rod coiled in the cage. The removable hub has extending arms that removably attach to the cage's support members. Locks on the ends of the arms can removably lock the hub to the cages. Because the hub is removable, the cage with coiled rod can be shipped separate from the hub, thereby significantly reducing the transportation weight. Preferably, the cage has a diameter of 14-ft so two cages can be held on a stand and can be transported in overseas containers. In this way, the coiled rod in the cage can be transported to various areas in less costly and time-consuming ways than currently available.

Abstract: Provided are hauling apparatus, systems, and methods adapted to securely transport on a standard flatbed trailer or other structure a plurality of objects up to several feet across having open center portions and curved outer surfaces and weighing up to thousands of pounds each, such as metal coils. A first apparatus is adapted to be removably attached to a standard flatbed trailer or the like, and includes an abutment structure extending upward from a longitudinally extending base that may include specially angled support structures adapted to securely carry the curved cargo. The abutment structure is connected to a movable abutting apparatus by a tensioner structure that passes through the open center portions of the objects without touching those objects. The objects are then secured to the hauling apparatus by tightening the tensioner structure, which causes the objects to be compressed between the abutment structure and movable abutting apparatus.

Abstract: A transport unit including a plate shaped transport base with cylindrical cargo objects placed there on disposed with their center axes parallel to one another and in at least one layer, wherein the center axes respectively have a distance from one another and wherein enveloping surfaces of adjacent objects are in a line contact with one another, and cargo securing devices configured as tension devices, through which the objects are secured on the base against sliding or rolling. A base which is characterized by an improved utilization of the transport volume and for which the fixation of the objects can be provided in a simply and comfortably, it is provided that tension devices engage a face of the objects and at least each object disposed at an edge of a layer is connected at the face with a tension device in a force transmitting manner.

Abstract: A transportation system for a wind turbine component such as a wind nacelle or a section of a tubular wind turbine tower is provided, including a wind turbine component with a rigid structure. The system further includes at least two frame elements directly or indirectly connected to the rigid structure of the wind turbine component, where the at least two frame elements define a space enclosing the component. A a displacement system and a method of establishing a transportation or displacement system for a wind turbine component are also provided.

Abstract: A transport unit including a plate shaped transport base with cylindrical cargo objects placed there on disposed with their center axes parallel to one another and in at least one layer, wherein the center axes respectively have a distance from one another and wherein enveloping surfaces of adjacent objects are in a line contact with one another, and cargo securing devices configured as tension devices, through which the objects are secured on the base against sliding or rolling. A base which is characterized by an improved utilization of the transport volume and for which the fixation of the objects can be provided in a simply and comfortably, it is provided that tension devices engage a face of the objects and at least each object disposed at an edge of a layer is connected at the face with a tension device in a force transmitting manner.

Abstract: A vehicle for transporting, rolling and unrolling ground covers broadly includes an elongate framework, a spindle supported by the framework to mount one or more rolls of material, one or more ground wheels, and split bearings located toward the ends of the framework for receiving and supporting the roll-carrying spindles. The split bearings each include an upper part which is openable to enable the split bearing to receive and secure the end of the spindle. Preferably, the framework includes one or more parts, such as support members, which are operable to pivot about the framework so that the angle of the axis of the spindle is adjustable.

Abstract: An improved method of shipping and storing tires having a removable tread belt mounted to a tire carcass which are typically used on large vehicles such as earthmovers. The method includes shipping the tread belt separately from the tire carcass; and holding two opposite sides of the tread belt in mating engagement during shipping.

Abstract: The methods and apparatus for transporting compressed gas includes a gas storage system having a plurality of pipes connected by a manifold whereby the gas storage system is designed to operate in the range of the optimum compressibility factor for a given composition of gas. The pipe for the gas storage system is preferably large diameter pipe made of a high strength material whereby a low temperature is selected which can be withstood by the material of the pipe. Knowing the compressibility factor of the gas, the temperature, and the diameter of the pipe, the wall thickness of the pipe is calculated for the pressure range of the gas at the selected temperature. The gas storage system may either be modular or be part of the structure of a vehicle for transporting the gas. The gas storage system further includes enclosing the pipes in an enclosure having a nitrogen atmosphere. A displacement fluid may be used to offload the gas from the gas storage system.

Abstract: A device for restraining payloads to a surface, particularly heavy objects being transported by various modes of transportation, such as a flat bed trailer, The device includes a tensionable member with loops at opposite ends that is secured to the front to rear frame Tails which run lengthwise on the underside of a flat bed trailer. The device further includes chains or other restraining elements that are secured to the loops at the opposite extremities of the tensionable member, pass over or through the side rails of the flat bed trailer and over or through the payload. The device also has ratchet binders or other tightening device to achieve tightening of the restraining elements The device, which is relatively light in weight, achieves increased restraint of payloads during transportation without significantly adding to the total weight of the payload.

Abstract: A refractory metal silicide target is characterized by comprising a fine mixed structure composed of MSi2 (where M: refractory metal) grains and Si grains, wherein the number of MSi2 grains independently existing in a cross section of 0.01 mm2 of the mixed structure is not greater than 15, the MSi2 grains have an average grain size not greater than 10 &mgr;m, whereas free Si grains existing in gaps of the MSi2 grains have a maximum grain size not greater than 20 &mgr;m. The target has a high density, high purity fine mixed structure with a uniform composition and contains a small amount of impurities such as oxygen etc. The employment of the target can reduce particles produced in sputtering, the change of a film resistance in a wafer and the impurities in a film and improve yield and reliability when semiconductors are manufactured.

Abstract: A shock absorber for an end of a steel or cast-iron container for the transport of spent-fuel elements is in the form of a casing with a recess receiving the end of the container and having, in turn, a stepped-pyramid element which decreases in wall thickness from the region surrounding the container end of a free end of the stepped pyramid.

Abstract: A device for securing objects to a surface, particularly heavy objects—such as steel coil, flat steel, or pipe—being transported by various modes of transportation, such as a flat bed trailer. The device includes a rigid member that is secured to the front to rear frame rails which run lengthwise on the underside of a flat bed trailer. The device further includes chains or other restraining elements that are secured at the opposite extremities of the rigid member, pass over or through the side rails of the flat bed trailer and over or through the payload. The device also has ratchet binders or other tightening to achieve tightening of the restraining elements. Use of the device achieves increased restraint of payloads during transportation.

Abstract: A writing implement comprising: a barrel; a compressible grip disposed over the barrel having an outer surface that includes at least two recessed portions, each recessed portion creating a concave depression running at least some portion of the length of the grip, each recessed portion having a plurality of ribs; and an air gap provided between the barrel and the grip.

Abstract: A load securing device is provided for securing a cylindrical load to the deck of a flatbed transportation vehicle, such as steel coils. The load securing device of the invention comprises a pair of elongate base members, one secured along each of the side edges of the flatbed. Two elongate load securing members are provided which are positioned transversely to the two base members. These two cross members are positioned one on either side of the cylindrical load. Where the cylindrical load to be secured includes a central opening, such as the eye of a steel coil, a central load securing member is preferably also provided. This central load securing member extends through the eye of the coil and is secured to the flatbed. If the cylindrical load is positioned on the flatbed vehicle with its axis generally parallel to the length of the flatbed, a third pair of elongate members is provided, each of which extends from one of the two load securing members to the other, one on either side of the load.

Abstract: The present invention provides a molded shield for use as a protector for a roll. The shield comprises a first section for insertion into an end of the roll, the first section having a degree of curvature approximating that of an inside surface of the roll; and a second section integral with the first section and substantially perpendicular thereto, the second section to abut the end of the roll into which the first section is inserted. A method and an apparatus for forming a roll protector shield is also provided. Preferable, the shield is formed from ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene.

Abstract: A trailer (100) is provided that transports coils (20) in a trough formed by at least one pair of longitudinally extending spaced-apart support members (8,8') that extend upwardly away from each other towards the bed plane (BP) of trailer (100) such that a peripheral portion of coils (20) are engaged by support members (8,8') below bed plane (BP). Trailer (100) preferably includes containment structures (10, 10') to provide a cage-like structure about support members (8,8') and coils (20) and further preferably includes protective covering over coils (20) in the form of clam shell like sections (16, 16') as well as bar members (32) on opposite sides of each coil (20) that are operative to prevent coils (20) from telescoping.

Abstract: A device for securing an object to a surface includes a pair of brackets, with each of the brackets having an elongated member with a pair of pivotally mounted cleats attached to the elongated member at opposing ends. Each of the cleats has a first U-shaped passage. To secure an object, the brackets are seated on substantially opposing sides of the object with each of the cleats pivoting to adjust to the contour of the object. A first restraining element passes through the first passage in one cleat for each bracket and a second restraining element passes through the first passage in the other cleat for each bracket. The ends of said first and second restraining elements are secured to the surface, thus securing the object to the surface. A method for securing an object to a surface using the apparatus of the invention is also provided.

Abstract: A device for the careful and gentle transport of mechanically sensitive goods in the form of rolls comprises a rectangular base frame and supporting elements 2, 2', which can be pivoted down onto the base frame. By use of joints 6, 6', the supporting elements 2, 2' can be pivoted down onto the base frame from their vertical position, through an angle of 90.degree., relative to the base frame. Holding elements 3, 3', which receive the shaft ends of goods in the form of rolls, are arranged centrally, relative to the transverse sides of the base frame, on transverse struts of the supporting elements.

Abstract: A device for the careful and gentle transport of mechanically sensitive goods in the form of rolls comprises a rectangular base frame and vertical supporting elements provided on the base frame. The upper ends of the supporting elements are mutually connected by stablizing rails which extend parallel to the longitudinal sides of the base frame. Each of the supporting elements is equipped with a base joint and a further joint about which the supporting element can be pivoted and folded down onto the base frame.

Abstract: An improved bulkhead assembly intended for use in connection with the transportation of materials on a flat rack container, and an improved material transport system employing such bulkhead assembly is shown. The improved material transport system is of the type which includes a flat rack container having at least one open ended rail mounted on the flat rack which includes at least a pair of opposed flat bars mounted in spaced apart relation extending along the length of the rack container. The improved bulkhead assembly is formed by a base including an upper plate which rides along the upper support surface of the rail, and a lower locking plate adapted for riding along the lower surface of the rail. Devices are interposed between the upper plate and the lower locking plate for lockingly engaging the base onto the rail at any fixed position along the length thereof.

Abstract: A tube trailer for cylindrical compressed gas tubes which are arranged in rigid modular units, each with a plurality of tubes. The tubes in each package are mounted between a pair of brackets so that they are parallel spaced and lie in a single plane. At least one end of each tube has a projection which is adapted to be connected to a valve fixture of manifolding and piping which is located at one end of the trailer bed. The modular tube package is removably mounted on the trailer bed and a plurality of tube packages are removably coupled together.

Abstract: A returnable skid for coiled products employs separator posts that are storable within other components. The same assembly that mounts the posts during use also cooperates with the corresponding assembly of a like skid to interengage them in stacked condition. Both of these features facilitate transport of the empty skids. The construction provided minimizes the amount of extraneous packaging materials that are required to maintain the coils of product in place on the skid and to properly protect them, and the coils can be disposed either standing upright or lying flat on the skid.

Abstract: A railroad car (R) for hauling trailers (T) has a hitch assembly (HA) for securing the trailer. The hitch assembly includes a retainer pin (P) extending through a head portion (H) of the hitch assembly. A retainer (1) for retaining the pin in place and for facilitating its removal and replacement includes a clip (3) attached to each side of the head adjacent the opening (O) in the side of the head adjacent the opening (O) in the side of the head through which the pin is installed or removed. Each clip projects outwardly from the respective side of the head and has an opening (9) corresponding to the opening in the side of the head. A fastener (11) is removably attachable to each clip through the opening in the clip. A portion (15) of the fastener abuts the outer end of the retainer pin when the fastener is assembled with the clip. This prevents longitudinal movement of the retainer pin.

Abstract: A protective member for use in securing metal coils to a transport vehicle or other support. The member is formed of hard, wear-resistant material having a coil contacting surface and an opposed surface. The opposed surface is grooved to receive a cable, chain or other securement member which spans the coil and whose ends are secured to the vehicle or other support. A plurality of magnetic strips are secured to the coil engaging surface of the block for positioning the block on a metal coil. Releasable chain or cable retaining means are carried by the member transversely of said groove.

Abstract: In one exemplar embodiment, a load restraining apparatus for cargo vehicles having a generally rectangular load space defined by side walls and a flat bed is provided having a pair of elongated slotted-rail assemblies each of which includes an inner longitudinal channel adjacent to and communicating with the longitudinal slot in the rails which are mounted in a spaced-apart parallel relationship the longitudinal length of the flat bed of the vehicle.