Abstract: A clarifier tank for a water and sewage treatment system is provided. A plurality of spaced columns extending along the lengths of the tank include arms extending therefrom to receive rails on which flight members ride. Cables are connected from the ends of the tank to the arms of the columns to maintain the columns stabilized.

Abstract: A method of forming a hollow reinforced fiber structure includes the steps of providing fiber reinforced material around a flexible expandable member and placing the resulting package inside of a mold which includes inner surfaces conforming to the shape of the structure being formed. A second expandable means is included in the mold on both sides of the package. After the mold is closed, pressure is applied to force the second expandable means against the fiber reinforced material. Resin is injected into the fiber reinforced material. The pressure is then decreased in the second expandable means as inflatable member is expanded to force the fiber material to conform to the inner surfaces of the mold. The fiber material is then cured to form the structure.

Abstract: A hopper car comprises two substantially similar units which are relatively short and have low roof lines. A pair of trucks is connected to opposite ends of the car. A third truck is connected between the two units. A coupler between the units and the third truck provides articulation therebetween.

Abstract: A programmed welding control system is provided for welding automatically a variation of different weld patterns on different assemblies. The system includes a rotary table indexed to be moved to home, idle, and weld stations. An assembly of parts to be welded together are positioned on the rotary table at the work station and held by mechanical elements. Means are provided to identify a particular assembly to control a subsequent welding pattern, and to detect the presence or absence of the operator near the home station. When an assembly is present and the operator is away from the work station, the rotary table is rotated to the welding station when a robot with a welding gun is activated to automatically weld the parts of the assembly in accordance with a weld pattern previously determined at the home station. After the welding operation, the rotary table is rotated back to the home station.

Abstract: A chain conveyor system includes a plurality of interconnected links. The links include first barrel portions connected to engage and be driven by a mechanical drive mechanism including a sprocket wheel. Removable high wear preformed coiled bands having free ends are wrapped around the barrel portions of the links to provide bearings to minimize wear on the links resulting from contact with the mechanical drive member.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced structure formed by layers of fiber having a metallic reinforcement element disposed therebetween. The metallic element includes bent portions or fingers formed at the edges thereof, which extend toward the outer surfaces of the layers of fiber. The fiber layers and metallic element are held in place by resin injected during a molding process. The bent portions of the metallic element bridge the inner plane surfaces of the layers of fiber to strengthen the areas at the resin plane where stress areas normally causes the layers of fiber to separate.

Abstract: A resin transfer molding system includes a plurality of ports for injecting resin into reinforcement material, which preferably comprises fabric, disposed between upper and lower mold pieces to form a structural part. Channels are provided adjacent the fabric reinforcement material and act as reservoirs to permit relatively fast and efficient injection of the resin without excessive applied pressure.

Abstract: A resin transfer molding system and method provides for injecting resin into fibrous material disposed on the inner surfaces of a pair of mold pieces. The mold pieces are shaped to form a structure with two sections which extend in at least two different planes. An inflatible member in one of the sections forces a second pre-inflated member into the second section prior to the injection of resin into the fibrous material.

Abstract: A lead or head end rail car includes crew living and working accommodations. Controls for the propulsion car, such as a locomotive, and other trailing cars are included in the head end car. Crashworthiness is built into the head end car to provide safety for the engineer and crew in case of accident.

Abstract: Methods and means for providing a one-piece seamless enclosure include a plurality of panels each having a foam core surrounded by a fiber reinforced cloth or woven material. The panels are joined inside of an outer mold. An inner inflatable mold is inserted into the area between the panels and pressurized. Resin is pumped into the cavity between the inner and outer molds and then cured. The molds are removed and a one piece seamless enclosure or shelter is provided.