Abstract: There is provided an improvement for a railroad freight car for transporting containers. The car is of the type having spaced apart side structures, opposed end structures and a floor structure, all of which together define a well for receiving a plurality of containers. The well has a longitudinal direction substantially aligned with the direction of travel of the car and a transverse direction substantially normal thereto. The floor structure of the car has a container support within the well which provides a container support surface. The improvement comprises a container stop provided with the container support, the container stop having an extended position and a retracted position. The container stop is biased to the extended position by a biasing component. The extended position is defined by the container stop extending upwardly from the container support surface to present two stop surfaces within the well.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a continuously variable transmission for varying the speed ratio of an output shaft relative to an input shaft driven by a vehicle engine or other input power source. In an embodiment of the invention, the power transmission system includes a driven input member coupled in driving engagement with at least one rotor to transfer torque to the rotor. A disk member is positioned in cooperative relationship with a rotatable shaft and in a driving engagement with the rotor, such that the disk member is driven to transfer torque to the rotatable shaft. An output member is driven by the rotatable shaft, and torque is transferred from the shaft to the output member, with the disk member being selectively axially moveable relative to the rotor and to the rotatable shaft in response to output load torque on the output member so as to vary the torque transferred from the rotor.

Abstract: A sound deflector comprising of a curved deflecting surface, with the deflector being connected to the back of a boat. The sound deflector deflects the sounds emitting from the outboard of a boat away from the passengers in the cockpit. The deflector is composed of sound deflecting material and encompasses the engine over the waterline.

Abstract: A dual disconnect differential assembly for four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle is disclosed. This disconnect differential assembly connects both output shafts of a differential assembly (and correspondingly both axle shafts which are driven by the respective output shafts) simultaneously. The dual differential assembly herein also disconnects both output shafts simultaneously. A clutch mechanism associated with the two differential side gears (which may be otherwise conventional) and with annular driven gears which are in driving engagement with respective output shafts, is provided for simultaneous connection and simultaneous disconnection of the output shafts. The dual disconnect differential assembly herein is simple, compact, and reliable. It overcomes the disadvantages associated with single axle disconnect mechanisms presently in use. It also provides a simpler, more compact, and more reliable dual disconnect differential mechanism than any such mechanism presently known.

Abstract: An electromagnetically controlled bi-directional one-way clutch apparatus which permits relative overrun or differentiation between a front torque transmitting shaft and a rear torque transmitting shaft up to a predetermined level and, if the amount of relative overrun or differentiation between the front torque transmitting shaft and the rear torque transmitting shaft exceeds this predetermined level, locks the front torque transmitting shaft and the rear torque transmitting shaft together such that the front torque transmitting shaft and the rear torque transmitting shaft rotate at substantially the same rotational speed.

Abstract: A four-wheel drive transfer case including a force sensor and associated electronics for sensing the reaction forces on driven members within the transfer case, such as in association with an output shaft and its bearings. The force sensor and associated control system establish an output signal which varies depending upon the magnitude of the reaction force and yields an indication of the torque distribution between the output shafts of the transfer case. The output voltage signal is used by a torque monitoring and control system to vary and/or limit the magnitude of torque transmitted to the output shaft.

Abstract: A wheel mount for a wheel comprises a spindle, a hub for surrounding the spindle and a bearing assembly interposed between the spindle and the hub. The spindle extends from an end of an axle of a vehicle and has a generally decreasing diameter from its proximal end to its distal end. The spindle is provided with a pair of lands near the ends of the spindle for receiving bearings, and has bearing retainers near the respective ends also, the distal retainer being removably attached. These inboard and outboard bearing retainers define an axial bearing space. The hub has a central aperture with an inboard land and an outboard land provided on an internal surface of the central aperture, also for receiving bearings. The bearing assembly comprises an inboard bearing and an outboard bearing in spaced apart relationship within the axial bearing space. The inboard bearing has an internal diameter larger than the internal diameter of the outboard bearing.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for setting welding run-off tabs in a coil end joiner which includes a support table having a U-channel therein, the U-channel having an opening through a base portion thereof, a left hold down clamp and a right hold down clamp positioned to either side of the U-channel over the support table, a first angled member having an actuator which provides horizontal movement of the first angled member, the first angled member extending upwardly through the opening in the base portion of the U-channel and contacting a corresponding second angled member such that horizontal movement of the first angled member results in vertical movement of the top surface of the second angled member which is parallel to the top surface of the support table. A rear welding run-off tab holder member having a U-channel therein is positioned over the second angled member and includes a rear welding run-off tab clamp which is positioned at a rear end thereof.

Abstract: A wallboard fastening member and methods of using the same which is adapted to be positioned as a wall stud or joist between existing studs or joists present in a walls and ceilings of residential, commercial and industrial structures. The wallboard fastening member in accordance with the present invention is intended to be used where opposing ends of a piece of wallboard, such as gypsum drywall wallboard, are not aligned with an existing stud or joist to avoid the necessity of fitting up or cutting the wallboard and thus creating undesirable scrap. The preferred embodiment of a wallboard fastening member is a generally elongated member and preferably includes a stepped configuration on one side to permit the wallboard fastening member to fasten adjacent pieces of wallboard having different sizes by using the side having a stepped configuration or to fasten adjacent pieces of wallboard of the same size by using the flat side.

Abstract: The earthquake resistant equipment rack of the present invention includes a base having integrally formed upstanding walls on each end to provide structural rigidity to the connection of the base and a plurality of vertical upright members. The upstanding walls increase the rigidity of the base in conjunction with the vertical members, and also work in conjunction with gussets to further increase the rigidity and stiffness at the base. The gussets are comprised of a vertical wall which is notched on one end to be coupled to a front wall or channel in the base. The gussets also include a top wall and back wall which are directly coupled to the vertical upright members positioned in association with the base. A channel top is coupled between the uppermost portions of the vertical upright members providing the rack with a rectangular frame structure.

Abstract: A case-driven differential for a vehicle has a pair of inserts, one of which is used in each of a pair of opposing bores in the differential case. These bores in which the inserts are used receive the ends of the pinion shaft. The inserts are plug-like elements which are press fitted into the bores. The inserts are preferably formed from powdered metal in a net forming technique. Such an insert will be harder and more wear-resistant than the metal used in the differential case and will possess additional porosity for providing and retaining lubricant in critical wear areas. The end of the insert which projects into the interior of the case may be used to provide a flat thrust surface against which one of the pinion mates on the pinion shaft may bear.

Abstract: The present invention is a multiple pump transmission jack for use with removing and repairing transmissions. The jack has two hydraulic pumps mounted on a base which are connected with interrelated oil passages or conduits formed within the base, which is operated by a pedal connected with the two pumps for drawing hydraulic oil from a reservoir and into an oil pressure cylinder to easily and quickly raise a piston rod within the oil pressure cylinder saving the operator's effort and increasing the efficiency of operation. The jack also includes an overload system that prevents the operator from placing a load on the jack which is greater than its rated load, thus preventing danger.

Abstract: A shipping rack is provided for safe and secure transport of a plurality of generally elongate workpieces, each of the plurality of workpieces having a longitudinal axis and distinctly different first and second ends. The shipping rack comprises a rectangular base with a vertical members extending perpendicularly upwardly from the four corners of the base. Affixed to the vertical members are at least one pair of horizontal support members. Each such pair is positioned in spaced apart parallel relationship. Across the length of the horizontal support members are a plurality of pairs of alternating first and second slots for receiving the first and second respective ends of the workpieces. Because of the difference in depth of the first and second slots, the workpieces are held in the pair of support members with the axis thereof at an angle of about 5 degrees relative to the horizontal.

Abstract: A part tracking system comprised of an array of photoelectric sensors positioned at various angles with respect to a conveyor transporting parts such as pieces of poultry to create a field of detection. The angle arrangements of the array of photoelectric sensors circumscribes the parts with lines of varying angles to approximate the part outline or closed line integral with a polygon. As a part is conveyed through the array of photoelectric sensors each transition of the sensors provide a side of the polygon that circumscribes the part. From this the vertices of the polygon can be determined which allows the centroid and angle of the major axis of the part to be calculated thereby providing the coordinates for the part's location on the conveyor. The coordinates are then conveyed to a robotic controller which manipulates an end effector to grasp the part.

Abstract: A locking washer arrangement which includes two (2) washer members fabricated from a hardened steel material, a thicker one on the bottom and a thinner one on the top. The top surface of the top washer member and the bottom surface of the bottom washer member preferably have a relatively high coefficient of friction and may be grooved, embossed or otherwise roughened so they will grip the surfaces they come into contact with while the bottom surface of the top washer member and the top surface of the bottom washer member have a relatively low coefficient of friction to facilitate relative movement therebetween. Relatively long flexible tabs project radially outward from the periphery of the top washer member and distal ends are bent downwardly to engage and interlock between corresponding relatively short stiff tabs projecting radially outward from the periphery of the bottom washer member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adhesive closure system. More specifically, this invention relates to an adhesive closure system with an abridged release liner. Initially, the abridged release liner allows partial exposure of the single adhesive layer to achieve a temporary bond. When desired, the release liner can be removed exposing the remainder of the adhesive to achieve a permanent bond. This type of closure system has numerous applications including the closure system for pipe insulation sleeves.

Abstract: An improved bushing assembly for the inboard end of a brake cam shaft is provided with a bushing which establishes a grease flow pathway within the bushing assembly. Grease enters a cavity formed from a pair of housing halves which contain the bushing through a grease zerk which is directly connected to a first radial hole in the bushing, so the fresh grease injected goes directly to the grease reservoir between the bushing and the shaft. Flow channels provided in the bushing interior surface guide the grease around the shaft to a second radial hole which is diametrically opposite the first radial hole. A seal on the shaft restricts grease flow outwardly from the bushing along the shaft. Grease may be purged through the second radial hole to an annular space between the bushing and the interior surfaces of the housing halves, from which the grease may exit the housing around the periphery of a window in one of the housing halves through which the grease zerk passes.

Abstract: Outdoor hot and cold water faucet assembly having a mixing faucet which provides hot and/or cold water, or some combination thereof, which is enclosed in a housing having a hinged door which insulates and protects the outdoor hot and cold water faucet. The outdoor hot and cold water faucet assembly preferably includes a housing or enclosure having an outwardly facing opening and a cover member pivotally attached to the housing or enclosure, the cover member being capable of being closed on the outwardly facing opening in the housing or enclosure and also being capable of being opened from the outwardly facing surface to permit access to the interior of the housing or enclosure through the outwardly facing opening and an outdoor hot and cold water faucet having a hot and cold water control valve and a hot and cold water control handle, the hot and cold water control handle being positioned in the interior of the housing or enclosure.

Abstract: A fishing rod and reel assembly carrying case having two (2) elongated housing sections attached along one elongated edge thereof by a pivotal connection, such as one or more hinges. The interior of each of the two (2) elongated housing sections includes a cavity into which a fishing rod and reel assembly can be placed and one of the elongated housing sections includes one or more tackle box compartments having dividers positioned therein and pivotally attached cover portions which cover and retain fishing tackle and other fishing equipment therein. The two (2) elongated housing sections can be closed upon each other and latched in this position to form an elongated fishing rod and reel assembly carrying case having an integral handle portion to carry the enclosed fishing rod and reel assembly carrying case.

Abstract: The method and apparatus of the invention describes an oven having a housing formed by an enclosure, the enclosure having a cooking chamber in a portion thereof. The oven housing may also include an inlet and outlet positioned in predetermined relationship to the cooking chamber and a conveyor belt on which food products to be cooked are positioned. The conveyor belt travels through the oven housing from the inlet to the outlet and defines over a separate portion thereof a conveyance path through the cooking chamber. The oven further includes at least a source of steam for creating a cooking atmosphere in the cooking chamber. The cooking chamber of the oven is defined at its lower limit by the level of steam within the housing and the inlet and outlet are positioned below this lower limit to maintain the steam within the cooking chamber. In this manner, the escape of steam from the cooking chamber is substantially prevented or controlled.