Abstract: A method for coupling a fitting to a tubing end includes pressing a collar over the outer surface of the tubing until the strain on the collar in the hoop direction is at a predetermined level, or pressing a collar with a predetermined axial load.

Abstract: A method for coupling a fitting to a tubing end includes pressing a collar over the outer surface of the tubing until the strain on the collar in the hoop direction is at a predetermined level, or pressing a collar with a predetermined axial load.

Abstract: A method for coupling a fitting to a tubing end includes pressing a collar over the outer surface of the tubing until the strain on the collar in the hoop direction is at a predetermined level, or pressing a collar with a predetermined axial load.

Abstract: A method for coupling a fitting to a tubing end includes pressing a collar over the outer surface of the tubing until the strain on the collar in the hoop direction is at a predetermined level, or pressing a collar with a predetermined axial load.

Abstract: A collar for having in cross-section a generally triangular filler section and a generally rectangular outer section over the filler section. The collar may be part of a tube assembly where the collar serves to couple a fitting to tube. A method of installing the collar includes pressing the collar over the outer surface of the tubing until the strain on the collar in the hoop direction is at a predetermined level.

Abstract: A collar for having in cross-section a generally triangular filler section and a generally rectangular outer section over the filler section. The collar may be part of a tube assembly where the collar serves to couple a fitting to tube. A method of installing the collar includes pressing the collar over the outer surface of the tubing until the strain on the collar in the hoop direction is at a predetermined level.

Abstract: Eccentrically loaded structural members and methods of forming the same. The structural members have their compressive loading axes offset from their load central longitudinal axes.

Abstract: Eccentrically loaded structural members and methods of forming the same. The structural members have their compressive loading axes offset from their load central longitudinal axes.

Abstract: Eccentrically loaded structural members and methods of forming the same. The structural members have their compressive loading axes offset from their load central longitudinal axes.

Abstract: A composite tube assembly and a method of making the same are provided. The composite tube assembly includes a composite tube and a fitting penetrating the composite tube. The fitting includes a reduced diameter section surrounded by a reduced diameter tube portion of the tube. A bolstering structure surrounds this reduced diameter tube portion. The method includes inserting the fitting into the composite tube, heating the tube portion surrounding the fitting to soften the same, radially compressing the tube portion onto the fitting reduced diameter section, and providing a bolstering structure surrounding the compressed tube portion.

Abstract: A composite tube assembly and a method of making the same are provided. The composite tube assembly includes a composite tube and a fitting penetrating the composite tube. The fitting includes a reduced diameter section surrounded by a reduced diameter tube portion of the tube. A bolstering structure surrounds this reduced diameter tube portion. The method includes inserting the fitting into the composite tube, heating the tube portion surrounding the fitting to soften the same, radially compressing the tube portion onto the fitting reduced diameter section, and providing a bolstering structure surrounding the compressed tube portion.

Abstract: An alternator comprises a housing including a first portion, and a second portion having a plurality of electrical connectors and having an aperture; a stator supported in the first portion of the housing; a rotor supported for rotation relative to the stator and configured to have a force current applied thereto; and a resistor coupled to the rotor and configured to reduce the current through the rotor, the resistor being removable and replaceable. Other apparatus and methods are provided.

Abstract: An alternator comprises a housing including a first portion, and a second portion having a plurality of electrical connectors and having an aperture; a stator supported in the first portion of the housing; a rotor supported for rotation relative to the stator and configured to have a force current applied thereto; and a resistor coupled to the rotor and configured to reduce the current through the rotor, the resistor being removable and replaceable. Other apparatus and methods are provided.

Abstract: A baluster driver tool for rotating a baluster to threadably secure it to a support. The driver tool includes a housing having a connector at one end for connecting it to a drill and a baluster-engaging member at the opposite end for receiving the baluster. The baluster-engaging member includes a cavity that is complementary sized and shaped to receive an end of the baluster. When the drill is activated, the housing rotates about its longitudinal axis causing the baluster to rotate in unison with the housing and securing a threaded end of the baluster into the support. In a second embodiment, a smooth tapered end of a baluster is received within a threaded tapered cavity in the housing. The threads secure the smooth tapered end of the baluster within the cavity so that rotation of the housing causes the baluster to rotate in unison therewith and securing the threaded end of the baluster to the support.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to synchronize devices in a network to a sub-millisecond timing accuracy. In a first embodiment, the transmission of data is synchronized between a first source device and destination devices communicatively coupled to a network. In a second embodiment, data is deterministically transmitted between a first source device and destination devices communicatively coupled to a network. In a third embodiment, a deterministic network synchronizes the transmission of data between a first source device and destination devices coupled to a network.

Abstract: An adjustable spacer tool for spacing balusters includes an extendable pantograpic assembly having a first and second end and including evenly-spaced parallel uprights and X-shaped sets of cross-bars pivotally connected to one another. Each X-shaped set is pivotally connected to a pair of uprights adjacent upper ends thereof and pivotally and slidably connected to the uprights adjacent lower ends thereof. An arm, finger and cam extend outwardly from each end of the assembly to provide spacing between each end of the assembly and a desired surface for various sets of same-width balusters. Each arm is pivotally connected to one end of the assembly and to one end of the finger. The other end of the finger is pivotally and slidably connected to a respective end of the assembly. Each cam is pivotally connected to the arm distal the assembly. Removable connections permit adjustment of the overall length of the tool and replacement of parts.

Abstract: An adjustable spacer tool for spacing balusters includes an extendable pantograpic assembly having a first and second end and including evenly-spaced parallel uprights and X-shaped sets of cross-bars pivotally connected to one another. Each X-shaped set is pivotally connected to a pair of uprights adjacent upper ends thereof and pivotally and slidably connected to the uprights adjacent lower ends thereof. An arm, finger and cam extend outwardly from each end of the assembly to provide spacing between each end of the assembly and a desired surface for various sets of same-width balusters. Each arm is pivotally connected to one end of the assembly and to one end of the finger. The other end of the finger is pivotally and slidably connected to a respective end of the assembly. Each cam is pivotally connected to the arm distal the assembly. Removable connections permit adjustment of the overall length of the tool and replacement of parts.

Abstract: A long distance auxiliary drive tender for railroad locomotives which stores significant quantities of fuel and delivers the fuel to the locomotives while underway and which also includes traction motor drive axles powered by the locomotive generators. The traction motors are also capable of providing dynamic braking. Preferably, the auxiliary drive tender will also store and transfer lubrication oil, water, and sand for the locomotives. The auxiliary drive tender operates much like a B-unit in conventional MU operations except that it does not have its own power source.

Abstract: A system is disclosed that includes a plurality of processors, which in some embodiments include DSPs and other microprocessors, and a distributed uniform memory. The distributed uniform memory is subdivided into a plurality of addressable memory spaces each of which are respectively primarily associated with one of the processors in the plurality of processors. At least an addressably contiguous portion of the addressable memory space primarily associated with one processor is mapped into the addressable memory space primarily associated with another processor. Thus, a processor will have access to the addressable memory space primarily associated with another processor, but will have such access independent of the load and timing requirements of the other processors.

Abstract: A system is disclosed that includes a first processor, which in some embodiments includes a DSP, and a first memory pool and a second memory pool. The second memory pool is primarily associated with the DSP and stores code that is available for execution by the DSP. A plurality of code modules are stored in the first memory pool, which in some embodiments is associated with a second processor. The code modules are individually and dynamically swapped into the first memory pool, which in some embodiments is not large enough to simultaneously store all of the code modules. In some instances, the dynamic code module swapping is done at the direction of a second processor, which is aware of the state of the DSP execution. In other instances, the dynamic code module swapping is done at the direction of the DSP. In each instance, dynamic code swapping is performed in a manner that minimizes or eliminates any halts in DSP instruction execution.