Abstract: A spraying apparatus without electrical connections comprising means for controlling air supplies with signals generated with compressed air. The apparatus may further include a metering device which delivers metered amounts of powder to a spray gun and which may be controlled by the same compressed air which controls the air supplies.

Abstract: A device is disclosed comprising (a) a first and second member in rotational alignment to each another; (b) a torsional resilient mechanism for providing torsional resilience between the first and second members, the torsional resilient mechanism comprising at least two or more coaxial helical springs connected in series with the inner-most spring connected to the first member and the outer-most spring connected to the second member; and (c) one or more stops for preventing at least one of said springs from winding or unwinding beyond a particular point.

Abstract: An extractor comprising (a) a frame being configurable in an extracting position having a front and back orientation; and (b) an extractor assembly mountable to said frame for imparting a backward urging force against a drill bit lodged within said object.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for drilling into an object with a drill bit. The system comprises: (a) a frame having a front and back orientation and at least one configuration, the at least one configuration being a drilling configuration; (b) a driving assembly supported by the frame during drilling, the driving assembly transferring a rotational force from to a drill bit, and, at least initially, providing a forward axial force to the drill bit; and (c) attachment means for releasably and rigidly securing the frame to the object.

Abstract: Railcars for transporting timber in either the "tree-length" form or "long log" form are provided. The present invention discloses a railroad car comprising a central support member having at least one set of wheels disposed near its ends. A bulkhead is affixed to each end of the central support member and a plurality of cross members extend from the central support member, to which a plurality of stanchions are affixed. Thus, the cross members and the stanchions preferably form substantially "U"-shaped structures that are in a spaced-apart relationship selected to restrain both tree-length logs and long logs. The railroad car of the present invention may also include one or more apparatus for restraining a stack of timber, such as a winch and a strap. Most preferably, at least six pairs of stanchions are provided. The distance between a first stanchion and the bulkhead is between about 7.5 and 8.5 feet; the distance between the first stanchions and a second stanchion is between about 12.0 and 13.

Abstract: Railcars for transporting timber in either the "tree-length" form or "long log" form are provided. The present invention includes a railroad car comprising a central support member having at least one set of wheels disposed near its ends. A bulkhead is affixed to each end of the central support member and a plurality of cross members extend from the central support member, to which a plurality of stanchions are affixed. Thus, the cross members and the stanchions preferably form substantially "U"-shaped structures that are in a spaced-apart relationship selected to restrain both tree-length logs and long logs. The railroad car of the present invention may also include one or more apparatus for restraining a stack of timber, such as a winch and a strap. Most preferably, at least six pairs of stanchions are provided. The distance between a first stanchion and the bulkhead is between about 7.5 and 8.5 feet; the distance between the first stanchions and a second stanchion is between about 12.0 and 13.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for maintaining a restraining device placed over a load in constant tension as the load shifts during transit are disclosed. The present invention provides a winch having two ratchets, the first of which provides the initial tension in the restraining device. The second ratchet is connected to a spring, which is connected to the shaft upon which the restraining device is wound. By operating the second ratchet, the spring is displaced and an urging force is created. Upon a reduction of the initial tension in the restraining device, the urging force acts upon the shaft, advancing the shaft and the first ratchet, thereby maintaining the tension in the restraining device. Since the first ratchet is advanced, any slack in the restraining device is accumulated and the strap is locked into a tighter position. Methods and apparatus providing a locking bar to prevent unauthorized use of the winch and theft of the restraining device are also disclosed.

Abstract: A remote release mechanism is disclosed which permits restraints such as flat straps placed around a load and placed in tension by a winch to be released by an operator positioned on the same side of the transportation structure as the winch. Thus, the present invention permits the hook end of a load restraint to be released from the winch side of the transportation structure, thereby eliminating the need to perform separate operations on either side of the restraint mechanism. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides apparatus comprising a hook bar connected to a rotatable drum which is held from rotation in one direction by a ratchet and pawl. Upon release by the application of force to a remote release rod, the hook bar is released and permitted to rotate, thereby causing the hook which connects the restraint to the hook bar to fall away, releasing the restraint. Methods of remotely releasing a load restraint are also disclosed.

Abstract: A remote release mechanism is disclosed which permits restraints such as flat straps placed around a load and placed in tension by a winch to be released by an operator positioned on the same side of the transportation structure as the winch. Thus, the present invention permits the hook end of a load restraint to be released from the winch side of the transportation structure, thereby eliminating the need to perform separate operations on either side of the restraint mechanism. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides apparatus comprising a hook bar connected to a rotatable drum which is held from rotation in one direction by a ratchet and pawl. Upon release by the application of force to a remote release rod, the hookbar is released and permitted to rotate, thereby causing the hook which connects the restraint to the hook bar to fall away, releasing the restraint. Methods of remotely releasing a load restraint are also disclosed.