Abstract: A railcar-moving vehicle comprises a modified semi-tractor, having a highway mode for operation on roadways, and a rail mode for operation on rails. The vehicle includes an elongate frame with selectively extendable high rail wheels for guiding the vehicle on rails, and rubber-tired drive wheels for operation on roadways. The rubber-tired drive wheels are configured to support the vehicle on a roadway in highway mode, and to contact the rails in rail mode. A moveable weight is disposed on a rear portion of the frame. A load-shifting mechanism moves the moveable weight between a rearward position for rail mode and a forward position for highway mode.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates generally to immunotherapy and, more specifically, to therapeutic methods for treating tumors and cancerous tissues by first inducing necrosis or apoptosis (e.g., cryotherapy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, ultrasound therapy, or a combination thereof applied against at least a portion of the tumor or cancerous tissue), and then delivering one or more se doses of antigen presenting cells (e.g., autologous dendritic cells) intratumourally or proximate to the tumor or cancerous tissue, but only after a selected period of time sufficient for the bioavailablity of liberated cancer-specific antigens (monitored over the selected period of time) resulting from the necrosis or apoptosis to be at or near a maximum value. The present invention provides an alternative strategy to the ex vivo loading of target antigen to antigen presenting cells such as, for example, enriched autologous dendritic cells for purposes of enhancing an immune response.

Abstract: A railcar-moving vehicle comprises a modified semi-tractor, having a highway mode for operation on roadways, and a rail mode for operation on rails. The vehicle includes an elongate frame with selectively extendable high rail wheels for guiding the vehicle on rails, and rubber-tired drive wheels for operation on roadways. The rubber-tired drive wheels are configured to support the vehicle on a roadway in highway mode, and to contact the rails in rail mode. A moveable weight is disposed on a rear portion of the frame. A load-shifting mechanism moves the moveable weight between a rearward position for rail mode and a forward position for highway mode.

Abstract: A railcar-moving vehicle comprises a modified semi tractor with retractable railroad wheels and an air bag suspension system. A load-shifting device is pivotally disposed rearward on the vehicle frame, and includes a lifting coupler configured to couple to a coupler of a railcar. A coupler airbag is disposed below the lifting coupler, and configured to inflate with compressed air concurrently with the air bag suspension system, so as to simultaneously apply upward force upon the coupler of the railcar and downward force on the drive wheels, which directly contact the rails, so as to transfer a portion of the weight of the railcar to the drive wheels of the railcar-moving vehicle. The railcar-moving vehicle is capable of extended operation at highway speeds both on and off rails.

Abstract: A compressed air braking system for a railcar and railcar moving vehicle combination. The railcar moving vehicle comprises a modified semi-tractor configured to ride on railroad track and couple to a railcar. The railcar moving vehicle further includes means for producing compressed air at a desired pressure, means for transmitting the compressed air through an outlet conduit to the braking system of one or more coupled railcars, and brake actuation means whereby an operator may selectively release pressure in the outlet conduit to actuate the compressed air brakes of the railcar. The brake actuation means may comprise a plurality of electrically operated valves for selectively releasing pressure from the brake pipe of the connected railcar, and a multi-position electrical switch for activating the plurality of valves.

Abstract: A railcar-moving vehicle comprises a modified semi tractor with retractable railroad wheels and an air bag suspension system. A load-shifting device is pivotally disposed rearward on the vehicle frame, and includes a lifting coupler configured to couple to a coupler of a railcar. A coupler airbag is disposed below the lifting coupler, and configured to inflate with compressed air concurrently with the air bag suspension system, so as to simultaneously apply upward force upon the coupler of the railcar and downward force on the drive wheels, which directly contact the rails, so as to transfer a portion of the weight of the railcar to the drive wheels of the railcar-moving vehicle. The railcar-moving vehicle is capable of extended operation at highway speeds both on and off rails.

Abstract: A compressed air braking system for a railcar and railcar moving vehicle combination. The railcar moving vehicle comprises a modified semi-tractor configured to ride on railroad track and couple to a railcar. The railcar moving vehicle further includes means for producing compressed air at a desired pressure, means for transmitting the compressed air through an outlet conduit to the braking system of one or more coupled railcars, and brake actuation means whereby an operator may selectively release pressure in the outlet conduit to actuate the compressed air brakes of the railcar. The brake actuation means may comprise a plurality of electrically operated valves for selectively releasing pressure from the brake pipe of the connected railcar, and a multi-position electrical switch for activating the plurality of valves.

Abstract: A railcar moving device for localized moving of railcars in railyards and the like comprises two hydraulic motors which operatively attach to the railcar, each motor being attached to the end of an axle of the car. A rotatable shaft extends from each motor and is securely attached to a hub which in turn is attached to an endcap secured to the end of the axle. The rotation of the rotable shaft under the power of the motor thus rotates the axle and moves the railcar. An elongate torsion arm is secured at its ends to the motors for minimizing intrinsic movement of the motors.