Abstract: An improved actuating mechanism for the bucket assembly of a refuse vehicle includes a variable torque applying linkage connected to a hydraulic cylinder wherein the linkage is comprised of a crankarm fixed to a rotatable shaft, on which the bucket assembly is mounted, and a connecting link which has one end connected to the crankarm and its other end connected to the piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder. The linkage is connected in such a manner that the link functions both as a two force and a three force member during a complete cycle of operation, and in so doing, is operable to change the moment arm of the force applied by the cylinder which, in turn, varies the torque applied to the shaft; the greatest torque being applied during a compression stroke of the bucket assembly.

Abstract: Tubes for use in nuclear reactors fabricated from a quaternary alloy comprising 2.5-4.0 wt% Sn, 0.5-1.5 wt% Mo, 0.5-1.5 wt% Nb, balance essentially Zr. The tubes are fabricated by a process of hot extrusion, heat treatment, cold working to size and age hardening, so as to produce a microstructure comprising elongated .alpha. grains with an acicular transformed .beta. grain boundary phase.

Abstract: The specification describes a tailgate assembly for a tiltable body of a truck or the like, the assembly being movable between opened and closed positions in response to the angular displacement of the dump body and including first and second gate members releasably secured to a rear wall of the vehicle and resilient means biasing the gate members to the opened position in such a manner that upon release of the gate members the assembly will move to the opened position.