Abstract: A method is disclosed for making a part with a smooth surface, such as an exterior automotive body panel, by compression molding a charge containing a curable resin. The charge is placed on the molding surface of one of the dies so that the charge covers 40%-80% of the surface area of the molding surface. The molds are moved to a partially closed position and the mold cavity is quickly evacuated. The mold is then closed so that the dies compress the charge to cause it to fill the mold cavity and, after the resin cures, the part is removed from the mold.

Abstract: A non-metallic integral housing includes a plurality of fiber covered foam panels joined together. An electro-magnetic shield is disposed on one surface and around the edges of the panels. The shield includes a pair of metallic foils having openings therein separated by a fibrous non-conducting material. Layers of additional fibrous material are disposed on opposite surfaces of the foils. The metallic foils with the fibrous material are disposed on the outer surfaces and around the edges of the panels where they are metallurgically joined. Resin is impregnated into the fibrous material to encapsulate the metal foils to produce an integral isolated housing with the shield within the walls of the housing.

Abstract: A tank tread pad and composition for making. A tank tread pad is formed from a polymeric material which is formed by an inter penetrating polymer network comprising a first urethane component and a second resinous component which cures under different conditions and is substantially unreactive with the urethane. A fiberous reinforcement is present in the cured resinous material.

Abstract: A system is provided to measure, store and display data relating to a series of steps in a plurality of welding operations. The data stored may be printed out to assist in locating steps in an operation which do not conform to predetermined time standards to permit corrective actions to be taken, if necessary.

Abstract: A series of steps are performed at a plurality of stations on a component as it is automatically transferred from one station to the next during a manufacturing operation. Means and methods for measuring and recording the time cycles for each of the steps are provided. The recorded times cycles may then be compared with predetermined standards to determine the location of any faulty operation.

Abstract: A stub post is connected between the roof and ceiling of a railway car. A stanchion is fixed to the stub post and slip fitted into a cup secured to the top of an aisle seat. An adapter unit attached to the stub post is provided to receive the top end of the stanchion and permit it to be pivoted in position to drop into the cup member before it is fixed in place to the adapter.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for producing an integral housing includes an inner and outer mold. A plurality of frames having plastic sheets are joined together to form the inner mold when pressurized inside of a rigid outer mold. The edges of the plastic sheets are sealed to prevent leakage of pressure.

Abstract: A mounting member is disposed on one end of a mechanical spring to prevent vibrations from a truck being transmitted into a car body for transmitted to the spring and car body if mounted below the spring. The mounting includes a pair of elastomeric rings, with one of the rings providing vertical compliance and the other providing lateral compliance between the truck and car body.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for compresseion molding a part from a charge having a curable resin therein. Provision is made for defining a vacuum chamber surrounding the mold cavity when the upper and lower dies are brought to a partially closed position. The vacuum chamber includes a vertically movable ring surrounding the upper die which is urged into sealing engagement with a surface surrounding the lower die. The ring has a wiper blade mounted in a position to contact the side wall of the upper die thereby permitting relative vertical movement between the ring and die. The mold cavity is rapidly evacuated and then the upper die is brought into a fully closed position while the resin cures.

Abstract: A welding electrode assembly includes an electrode holder having a "knock-out" cap electrode disposed to engage a workpiece during a resistance welding operation. The electrode holder is surrounded by electrical insulating material which in turn is covered by a wear resistant metal shield. Means are provided for cooling fluid to flow through the electrode holder close to the cap electrode.

Abstract: A railway truck includes a pair of pivotable side frames connected by a pivot assembly which maintains the side frames in tram while still permitting equalization. Springs are connected between a car body and the side frames to provide equalization for the wheels on the truck. The springs also serve as the load transmission path from the car body to the side frames.

Abstract: An isocyanate terminated urethane prepolymer composition having an equivalent ratio of NCO to OH from about 1.2/1 to about 5/1. The isocyanate terminated urethane prepolymer acts as dual functional additive and is prepared by reacting one equivalent weight of a polyol having an average molecular weight of about 600 to about 4,000 and an average functionality of about 2 to about 6 and preferably 2 to 3 and most preferably 2 and 1.2 to 5 equivalents of polyisocyanate and preferably two equivalent weights of polyisocyanate, and preferably a diisocyanate, whereby the reactants combine in a one-step addition process to yield an isocyanate terminated urethane prepolymer of controlled molecular weight to impart improved low shrink, dynamic impact, molding characteristics as measured by viscosity index properties in thermoset polyester resin products, and particularly sheet molding compositions (SMC) by covalently bonding to the polyester resin matrix of the SMC.

Abstract: A method for repairing plastics, metal and the like. The method uses a compound comprising a thermosetting unsaturated polyester resin, a thermoplastic resin mixed with said polyester, particulate inorganic filler, as well as additional metallic particulate material, fibrous materials and a catalyst. The compound when cured at a relatively elevated temperature of about 325.degree.-350.degree. F. provides a low shrink material which can be painted and baked on normal processing lines up to 350.degree. F. without separating from the underlying substrate.

Abstract: A laterally disposed cylinder including fluid therein connected between a truck and car body is responsive to lateral forces to provide low damping when relatively low lateral forces are applied and proportionally higher damping as relatively higher lateral forces are applied. The cylinder includes a piston to provide two fluid chambers. The piston includes an opening therein. An element is provided to vary the opening in accordance with the lateral forces.

Abstract: A freight car includes main side and end frame beams. Wall structures are connected to the beams and extend downwardly therefrom. A floor structure is connected to the wall structures to provide a lower well arrangement for receiving a trailer therein.

Abstract: A shock mount assembly for holding a component includes three sets of elastomeric members with each of the sets being disposed at right angles with respect to each other. One set of members is primarily in compression with the other two being primarily in shear resulting in deflections being the same regardless of the directions of applied external forces.

Abstract: Molten slag is poured onto the upper surface of an elongated conveyor member. The surface of the conveyor member is cooled while maintaining it free from contact with liquids. Preferably, this is accomplished by way of a water cooled pan connected to the lower surface of the member. Reciprocal lengthwise motion is imparted to the conveyor member to transport the slag over the cooled surface until the slag is solidified and broken into pieces.

Abstract: A tilt system for a railway car includes mechanical actuating members for tilting the car only when lateral acceleration forces exceed preselected minimum levels. A mechanical stop mechanism is provided to selectively permit the tilting operation to exceed non-tilt stop positions.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for testing automotive and truck wheels and hubs include placing a wheel connected to a hub and an arm or axle like member into a frame which maintains the wheel relatively fixed. Actuators are provided to apply forces to the wheel through the axle and hub. The forces are applied in different directions with the actuators being programmed to simulate actual road conditions over a long period of time in a relatively short test time without requiring substantial rotation of the wheel.