Abstract: A truck bolster ring is described comprising an annular ring adapted to be secured to the truck bolster and having inner and outer diameters. A wear resistant surface is electrically welded to the inner diameter of the ring to increase the useful life of the ring.

Abstract: A mechanized truck bolster ring renewal system is described for cutting the worn bolster ring from a truck bolster and for welding a new bolster ring onto the truck bolster. A bolster clamp mechanism is pivotally mounted on a frame and includes means for centering the truck bolster as well as clamping the truck bolster thereon. A hydraulic cylinder is provided for pivotally moving the bolster clamp from a horizontally disposed position to a vertically disposed position. Apparatus is provided for permitting the selective rotation of the bolster clamp and the bolster thereon. A cutting torch is mounted on a horizontally movable arm and is moved in place adjacent the bolster ring. The cutting torch is ignited and cuts the ring from the truck bolster as the bolster clamp rotates. After the worn ring has been cut from the truck bolster, the torch assembly is removed from the horizontally extending arm with a ring mandrel being installed thereon.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for welding workpieces wherein the workpieces are defined by a structure having a plurality of areas with joined and bonded locations with at least one of the areas being different in depth than the depth of its adjacent area. At least one group of welding heads is provided in a predetermined spacial arrangement. When the welding heads are activated, they operate to join and bond the workpieces at certain joined and bonded locations. A carriage is provided to move the workpieces under the welding heads. Limit switches and a control circuit are provided for stopping the workpieces under the welding heads so that a first zone on the workpieces, which includes portions of more than one of the areas of different depths are under the welding heads. Means are also provided for lowering the welding heads until they come into contact with and exert pressure on the workpieces adjacent the location to be welded in the areas different in depth in the first zone.

Abstract: A first elongated hollow conveyor tube has one end in communication with the source of material to be conveyed and its other end in communication with the area to which the material is to be conveyed. A second hollow tube embraces a portion of the length of the first tube and has a larger diameter than the first tube so that an elongated annular compartment area is defined therebetween. The ends of the second tube are sealed to the exterior surface of the first tube. Air under pressure is supplied to the compartment area at approximately 15-30 PSI and 220-500 C.F.M. The first tube has a plurality of spaced-apart openings formed therein which are in communication with the compartment area. An air tube is mounted in each of the openings and has an intake end in communication with the compartment area and a discharge end in communication with the interior of the first tube.