Abstract: Disclosed is a pit cover and method of installing the same. The pit cover includes a plate having a hole defining an area. A block having a threaded hole may be affixed to a bottom surface of the plate such that the threaded hole aligns with the area. A support is associated with the foundation and a groove is defined by one of the pit cover or the support. A protrusion is defined by the other one of the pit cover or the support. The groove narrows from a first width towards a second width. The first width is disposed relative to the second width such that insertion of the protrusion into the groove causes an end of the protrusion to pass the first width prior to passing the second width. The protrusion interacts with the groove to align the pit cover at a predetermined position relative to the foundation.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus and controller therefore, where the lifting apparatus includes independently driven lifting columns and independently driven wheels that are controlled by a controller having a number of sensors such as limit sensors, position sensors, rotation sensors, laser sensors, torque sensors and the like. The independent motors for lifting and driving may also be removed easily to provide for improved servicing and maintenance. The various sensor signals are used to calculate, coordinate and calibrate the apparatus for precise and safe movement by the motors in order to perform lifting and positioning operations, for example rail car repair and service.

Abstract: Provided is a system and method for positioning a load including an apparatus having a plurality of columns. Each column has a first support and a motor adapted to move the first support along an axis of the column. A second support is connected to at least two of the first supports and a track member for receiving a portion of a vehicle is connected to the second support. Load and position sensors are coupled to the apparatus for transmitting load and position signals. A controller is in communication with the columns and receives the load and position signals to compare the load and position signals to generate at least one control signal that is sent to at least one of said motors for controlling the position of at least one of said first supports.

Abstract: A turntable assembled from a plurality of flat sheet metal parts where the sheet metal parts include a series of voids and/or protrusions. The protrusions insert into the voids so that some flat sheet parts are disposed in a vertical orientation and some in a horizontal orientation, the vertical parts substantially perpendicular to the horizontal parts. The flat sheet parts are welded together to create a support structure with the voids and protrusions interacting to align the flat sheet parts within required manufacturing tolerances. One of the horizontally disposed parts has holes therein for attaching the support structure to a hub to create a rotating turntable.

Abstract: An assembly for supporting machinery and a method for installing the same is disclosed. A frame module including: a base with at least one attachment location, the attachment location for receiving the machinery; and a plurality of frame members affixed to the base, wherein at least one of the frame members defines a plane corresponding to a wall. A foundation has first and second sections and is disposed around the frame module. A portion of the frame module is at least partially submerged within the foundation. The machinery has at least one flange for affixing the machinery to the foundation at the attachment location. The first section of the foundation is disposed below an outside surface of the base and the second section of the foundation defines the wall of the foundation.

Abstract: A device and method is disclosed for installing a turntable in a foundation. A foundation module having a base with a plurality of holes therein is used for installing the turntable. A first one of the plurality of holes is adapted to receive a foundation material there through for pouring a first section of the foundation and plurality of frame members are adapted to affix to the base. A form having an outer surface is adapted to secure to at least one of the plurality of frame members. The outer surface of the form is adapted retain a portion of the foundation material for pouring a second section of the foundation and the second section of the foundation defines a wall. Part of the turntable is adapted to rotate within the wall.

Abstract: A turntable assembled from a plurality of flat sheet metal parts where the sheet metal parts include a series of voids and/or protrusions. The protrusions insert into the voids so that some flat sheet parts are disposed in a vertical orientation and some in a horizontal orientation, the vertical parts substantially perpendicular to the horizontal parts. The flat sheet parts are welded together to create a support structure with the voids and protrusions interacting to align the flat sheet parts within required manufacturing tolerances. One of the horizontally disposed parts has holes therein for attaching the support structure to a hub to create a rotating turntable.

Abstract: A receiver embedded in and affixed to a foundation, the receiver is adapted to receive a turntable through an opening defined by the floor and walls of the receiver. The turntable is designed to rotate within the opening. The floor of the receiver has holes therein for bolts. The holes are located relative to center of the receiver and the foundation such that a turntable may be affixed to the bolts and rotate within the receiver and foundation. The receiver has a number of flanges both on the walls and on the floor to engage with the foundation. The foundation is created from two pour sections, a first pour for the floor of the foundation and a second pour for the walls of the foundation.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing a wheelset from a railroad vehicle includes a frame configured for motion with respect to the railroad vehicle. The apparatus also includes a lifting yoke cooperatively associated with the frame. The yoke is configured to engage flanges of the wheelset. The apparatus further includes at least one lifting screw interposed between the frame and the lifting yoke, such that upon rotation of the at least one lifting screw, the yoke may be raised and lowered to selectively engage the flanges of the wheelset. A “universal” lifting yoke can include a first portion which engages the at least one lifting screw, a set of extendable transverse members having outward ends, and flange-engaging blocks secured to the outward ends of the extendable transverse members and configured to engage the flanges of the wheelset.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing a wheelset from a railroad vehicle includes a frame configured for motion with respect to the railroad vehicle. The apparatus also includes a lifting yoke cooperatively associated with the frame. The yoke is configured to engage flanges of the wheelset. The apparatus further includes at least one lifting screw interposed between the frame and the lifting yoke, such that upon rotation of the at least one lifting screw, the yoke may be raised and lowered to selectively engage the flanges of the wheelset. A “universal” lifting yoke can include a first portion which engages the at least one lifting screw, a set of extendable transverse members having outward ends, and flange-engaging blocks secured to the outward ends of the extendable transverse members and configured to engage the flanges of the wheelset.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing a wheelset from a railroad vehicle includes a frame configured for motion with respect to the railroad vehicle. The apparatus also includes a lifting yoke cooperatively associated with the frame. The yoke is configured to engage flanges of the wheelset. The apparatus further includes at least one lifting screw interposed between the frame and the lifting yoke, such that upon rotation of the at least one lifting screw, the yoke may be raised and lowered to selectively engage the flanges of the wheelset. A “universal” lifting yoke can include a first portion which engages the at least one lifting screw, a set of extendable transverse members having outward ends, and flange-engaging blocks secured to the outward ends of the extendable transverse members and configured to engage the flanges of the wheelset.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing a wheelset from a railroad vehicle includes a frame configured for motion with respect to the railroad vehicle. The apparatus also includes a lifting yoke cooperatively associated with the frame. The yoke is configured to engage flanges of the wheelset. The apparatus further includes at least one lifting screw interposed between the frame and the lifting yoke, such that upon rotation of the at least one lifting screw, the yoke may be raised and lowered to selectively engage the flanges of the wheelset. A “universal” lifting yoke can include a first portion which engages the at least one lifting screw, a set of extendable transverse members having outward ends, and flange-engaging blocks secured to the outward ends of the extendable transverse members and configured to engage the flanges of the wheelset.