Abstract: The present invention concerns a device for locking/unlocking a pallet on a support structure in a predefined position, including activation means for activating and deactivating the locking of the pallet. The activation means includes studs that are movable and retractable, mounted sliding in side members on each lateral side of the pallet, the studs being capable of engaging in housings provided in the support structure; drive members mounted in the side members of the pallet to move the studs between a retracted position corresponding to unlocking and a laterally protruding position on the side members corresponding to locking; and removable actuation means suitable for being disposed on or in the pallet, in a position in which they mechanically engage with the drive members in order to control the movement of the studs.

Abstract: A hard disk cache includes entries to be written to a disk, and also includes ordering information describing the order that they should be written to the disk. Data may be written from the cache to the disk in the order specified by the ordering information. In some situations, data may be written out of order. Further, in some situations, clean data from the cache may be combined with dirty data from the cache when performing a cache flush.

Abstract: A plurality of trailer arrangements, configurations and assemblies are provided in combination with a tractor to transport wheeled vehicles over the highway, in compliance with current state and federal regulatory requirements and with a view toward future modification of those requirements.

Abstract: A plurality of trailer arrangements, configurations and assemblies are provided in combination with a tractor to transport wheeled vehicles over the highway, in compliance with current state and federal regulatory requirements and with a view toward future modification of those requirements.

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: A rail vehicle has a body with a hollow center section that accommodates the suspension and landing legs of a road semi-trailer thus enabling the combined vehicles to be transported on a rail system with a restrictive loading gauge. The rail vehicle utilizes a two axle suspension arranged around the road vehicle components to provide a rail vehicle of the shortest possible length. Part of the center section of the rail vehicle can be swung outward on a sliding bearing thus enabling a road trailer to be loaded or unloaded from the side by means of a conventional road tractor unit and obviating the need for expensive terminal equipment. The wagon frame joining the parts of the wagon carrying the rail suspension is prestressed to ensure that vertical bearing surfaces of the sliding bearing are maintained in contact thus improving the integrity of the wagon and ensuring operation.

Abstract: A kit is provided for attaching to a road travelling mobile platform (e.g. a wheeled trailer or a self-propelled vehicle such as a pickup truck or a flatbed truck) suitable for transporting a first vehicle. The kit enables the mobile platform to transport a second vehicle, such as a boat trailer carrying a boat, thereon. The kit includes: a tiltable ramp suitable for supporting a boat and boat trailer thereon. a first support for supporting one portion of the tiltable ramp in an elevated position with respect to the mobile platform; a chain and drum located on the first support for securing the boat and boat trailer to the tiltable ramp; and a second support capable of supporting a long lever arm portion of the tiltable ramp in an elevated position or capable of retaining the long lever arm portion in a lowered position. The first and second supports include connectors for connecting the mobile platform to the respective supports.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transporting fluid or particulate material is described wherein a railroad car is placed on a truck-trailer unit and is transported over land by the truck-trailer to the source of the material. The railroad car is loaded with the material at the source of the material while the railroad car is on the truck-trailer unit and is then transported over land to a rail terminal by the truck-trailer unit. The loaded railroad car is then unloaded from the truck-trailer unit at the rail terminal for subsequent rail transportation. A second method of transporting the material is described wherein the railroad car is loaded with the material and is transported by rail to a rail terminal. The loaded railroad car is loaded onto the truck-trailer unit at the rail terminal and is transported over land to a material unloading location by the truck-trailer unit. The material is unloaded from the loaded railroad car at the material unloading station while the railroad car is on the truck-trailer unit.

Abstract: In an airplane adapted to carrying cargo, particularly wheeled and/or tracked vehicles, and having a side loading cargo door, a rectangular turntable is installed near the door. The turntable and its pivot are so located that (1) the turntable extends through the door when it is crosswise to the fuselaage and is totally enclosed in the airplane when it is aligned with the fuselage and (2) vehicles longer than the width of the door or width of airplane can be accommodated.