Abstract: According to one or more embodiments, a hand-held, portable opener for a hopper trailer and method of opening is described. The hopper trailer opener comprises a base tool assembly coupled with an extension shaft assembly and can be adapted for use with a variety of different trailer opening mechanisms.

Abstract: According to one or more embodiments, a lifter for a railcar vibrator is described. In some cases, the vibrator lifter is operable to position a railcar vibrator onto a hopper railcar and facilitate removal of the vibrator therefrom.

Abstract: A ballistic resilient run-flat tire device, kit and method for manufacturing the same are presented for providing a vehicle a capability of traveling for at least 30 miles at 30 miles per hour, after the device has been compromised as of result of exposure due to ballistic ordinance rifle shots such as 7.62×39 mm and 7.62×54 R or air loss from road hazard punctures. The device includes a tire carcass and a polyurethane inner coating inside the tire carcass that defines an inflatable hollow chamber within the ballistic resilient run-flat tire. The tire carcass has an annular tread, sidewalls, and beads. The polyurethane inner coating inside the tire carcass defining a hollow chamber provides additional protection along the sidewalls and tread of the tire carcass. The kit includes the un-interconnected elements of the device. The method includes the steps of curing, discharging, filling, injecting, introducing, mounting, obtaining, and preparing.

Abstract: A ballistic resilient run-flat tire device, kit and method for manufacturing the same are presented for providing a vehicle a capability of traveling for at least 30 miles at 30 miles per hour, after the device has been compromised as of result of exposure due to ballistic ordinance rifle shots such as 7.62×39 mm and 7.62×54 R or air loss from road hazard punctures. The device includes a tire carcass and a polyurethane inner coating inside the tire carcass that defines an inflatable hollow chamber within the ballistic resilient run-flat tire. The tire carcass has an annular tread, sidewalls, and beads. The polyurethane inner coating inside the tire carcass defining a hollow chamber provides additional protection along the sidewalls and tread of the tire carcass. The kit includes the un-interconnected elements of the device. The method includes the steps of curing, discharging, filling, injecting, introducing, mounting, obtaining, and preparing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for producing a cured tire filling composition and the composition resulting from such a method. The A component has from about 3 to about 30 weight % of a polyisocyanate comprising polymeric toluene diisocyanate (TDI) or diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) with an average functionality of 2 or greater, from about 10 to about 60 weight % of a high molecular weight polyol or blend of polyols having a hydroxyl number in the range of about 20 to about 56, and the balance of a plasticizer. The amount of plasticizer is an amount sufficient to lower the NCO content of the resulting. A component to be less than 10% and is in the range of from about 10 to about 80 weight %. The B component has from 0 to about 30 weight % of the high molecular weight polyol or blend of polyols, from about 70 to about 99 weight % added water, from about 1 to about 8 weight % of a hydrophilic moiety, and from about 0.1 to about 5 weight % of a catalyst.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for protecting the exterior surface of drill pipe bodies from abrasion and wear during drilling operations alternatively using a hardbanded pipe collar inserted into a drill pipe body; a hardbanded pipe sleeve slid over a section of the drill pipe body; or a hardbanded circumferential built up section of the drill pipe body.

Abstract: A duct for containing a cable and method for mounting the cable therein include providing the duct with a collapsible or flexible wall movable between a contracted condition for mounting the duct in a conduit and an extended condition of increased cross-sectional area for inserting a cable in the duct. The duct is moved to its extended condition by an applied internal pressure and, after the cable has been inserted, the duct is returned to its contracted condition. The duct has a multiple layer construction: an inner layer, an outer protective layer and a reinforcing layer between them. There may be frictional reducing ribs on the inner and/or outer layer in order to reduce the forces necessary to place the duct and/or the cable. Alternatively, the duct may have a single, thin layer.

Abstract: A duct for containing a cable and method for mounting the cable therein include providing the duct with a collapsible or flexible wall movable between a contracted condition for mounting the duct in a conduit and an extended condition of increased cross-sectional area for inserting a cable in the duct. The duct is moved to its extended condition by an applied internal pressure and, after the cable has been inserted, the duct is returned to its contracted condition. The duct has a multiple layer construction: an inner layer, an outer protective layer and a reinforcing layer between them. There may be frictional reducing ribs on the inner and/or outer layer in order to reduce the forces necessary to place the duct and/or the cable. Alternatively, the duct may have a single, thin layer.

Abstract: A coupling assembly including a coupler body having a generally cylindrical shape and an opening at one end. The coupler body has an inner wall with an inner circumference and an outer wall. An abutment extends from the inner wall of the coupler body. The coupling assembly further includes a conduit having a generally cylindrical shape complementary to the coupler body. A coupler key groove extends along the inner circumference of an inner wall of the coupler body and is shaped like part of a parallelogram. The conduit has a conduit key groove and is generally shaped like part of a parallelogram. When the coupler key groove and the conduit key groove are aligned they form a pathway shaped like a parallelogram with two acute angles. An aperture in the wall of the coupler provides access to the pathway for a locking strip or flexible key. The locking key has a cross-section, which is a complementary shaped parallelogram. A sealing groove is also provided along the inner wall of the coupler to hold an O-ring.

Abstract: A duct for containing a cable and method for mounting the cable therein include providing the duct with a collapsible or flexible wall movable between a contracted condition for mounting the duct in a conduit and an extended condition of increased cross-sectional area for inserting a cable in the duct. The duct is moved to its extended condition by an applied internal pressure and, after the cable has been inserted, the duct is returned to its contracted condition. The duct has a multiple layer construction: an inner layer, an outer protective layer and a reinforcing layer between them. There may be frictional reducing ribs on the inner and/or outer layer in order to reduce the forces necessary to place the duct and/or the cable.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for producing a cured tire filling composition and the composition resulting from such a method. A mixture of a polyisocyanate having an average functionality of at least 2.3; a high molecular weight polyol having a hydroxyl number in the range of about 20 to about 31 and having an actual functionality of greater than 2.1; 6 to 65 weight percent of a polar plasticizing extender oil; and no greater than 0.5 weight percent polyamine is cured in the presence of a catalyst to form a polyurethane elastomer having a vertical rebound of greater than about 60% based on ASTM D2632 and a Durometer hardness in the range of about 5 to 60 (Shore A). The mixture is used to fill a tire prior to curing the composition within the tire casing and results in a deflation-proof tire that has considerably longer road testing life than tire filling compositions currently available.

Abstract: A very soft polyurethane composition is provided having a low level of an aromatic phosphate or phosphonate plasticizer that will perform well as a self-sealing liner to flat-proof pneumatic tires, and will withstand the high temperatures of the tire retread process and still be functional. The liner is produced by a method of meter-mixing an isocyanate component and a high molecular weight polyol component system that can be poured directly into the tire to be lined as it is being rotated to spread the material uniformly in the tire until it sets up and will not cold flow. Also, the meter-mixed liner material can be poured on a flat surface of release paper to form sheet stock that can be cut into strips and then applied to the inner lining of the tire at a later time.

Abstract: A machine for installing a plurality of cables together in a duct comprising a cable pushing machine and a cable wrapper. The cable wrapper comprises a platform rotatably attached to a mount. The platform and mount have aligned bores therethrough. Coils of winding media are attached to the platform. Cables pass through the bores, and the winding media is dispensed onto the cables. The platform rotates as the winding media is dispensed, thus wrapping the winding media around the cables. The cables are then passed through the cable pusher and into the duct. The rotation of the platform may be driven by the movement of the cables, or by independent means such as a motor.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for producing a cured tire filling composition and the composition resulting from such a method. A mixture of a polyisocyanate having an average functionality of at least 2.3; a high molecular weight polyol having a hydroxyl number in the range of about 20 to about 31 and having an actual functionality of greater than 2.1; 6 to 65 weight percent of a polar plasticizing extender oil; and no greater than 0.5 weight percent polyamine is cured in the presence of a catalyst to form a polyurethane elastomer having a vertical rebound of greater than about 60% based on ASTM D2632 and a Durometer hardness in the range of about 5 to 60 (Shore A). The mixture is used to fill a tire prior to curing the composition within the tire casing and results in a deflation-proof tire that has considerably longer road testing life than tire filling compositions currently available.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a power cable having a semi-conductive layer includes wiping the semi-conductive layer with a cleaning solution comprising a brominated hydrocarbon selected from the group consisting of n-propyl bromide and isopropyl bromide to remove at least a portion of the semi-conductive layer.

Abstract: A cleaning solution including a brominated hydrocarbon and an ester. The cleaning solution is especially useful for cleaning high-voltage power cables prior to splicing.

Abstract: An improved cable feeder uses tractor type drive belts and compressed air to propel cable through a conduit. The axial force applied to the cable is sensed with a strain gauge near the conduit or a pressure detector in a hydraulic system powering the drive belts. If excessive force is applied, hydraulic fluid is diverted from the drive belts. The radial force applied to the cable is limited by a calibrated spring. The feeder can also be arranged in a mid-assist configuration. Conduits and the cable are sealed to maintain air pressure. A by-pass pipe is provided to convey pressurized air from a first conduit to a succeeding conduit.

Abstract: An improved cable feeder uses tractor type drive belts and compressed air to propel cable through a conduit. The axial force applied to the cable is sensed with a strain gauge near the conduit or a pressure detector in a hydraulic system powering the drive belts. If excessive force is applied, hydraulic fluid is diverted from the drive belts. The radial force applied to the cable is limited by a calibrated spring. The feeder can also be arranged in a mid-assist configuration. Conduits and the cable are sealed to maintain air pressure. A by-pass pipe is provided to convey pressurized air from a first conduit to a succeeding conduit.

Abstract: An improved cable feeder uses tractor type drive belts and compressed air to propel cable through a conduit. The axial force applied to the cable is sensed with a strain gauge near the conduit or a pressure detector in a hydraulic system powering the drive belts. If excessive force is applied, hydraulic fluid is diverted from the drive belts. The radial force applied to the cable is limited by a calibrated spring. The feeder can also be arranged in a mid-assist configuration. Conduits and the cable are sealed to maintain air pressure. A by-pass pipe is provided to convey pressurized air from a first conduit to a succeeding conduit.

Abstract: A coupler for connecting a pair of plastic pipes aligned end-to-end includes a rigid plastic sleeve having a center portion and two end portions. An internal passage longitudinally extends through the sleeve and is sized for receiving ends of the pipes. The center portion has a pair of spaced apart annular sealing grooves located within the internal passage. Each of the end portions has circumferentially spaced apart slits longitudinally extending from an end of the sleeve and forming a plurality of elements deflectable toward and away from the pipes. An annular flexing groove is located within the internal passage and near an inner end of the slits for increasing the flexibility of the elements. Each of the end portions also has an annular locking groove located within the internal passage and on the elements. O-rings are located within the sealing grooves for encircling the pipes and forming seals between the sleeve and the pipes.