Abstract: A decomposable furnishing item wherein a number of separate elements are mutually connected by a number of joints, each defined by a first and at least a second element substantially perpendicular to each other, and by a device for mutually locking the elements; the device presenting a nut screw extending through the first element, and a screw assigned to the second element and engaging one end of the nut screw, the opposite end of which is fitted integral with a retaining plate cooperating with an axial stop on the first element and having a number of teeth fitted into the first element for angularly locking the nut screw.

Abstract: A load distribution system for railway cars, in which the load is applied to the supporting structure by fixed bearing arrangements, at one pair of longitudinally spaced points, at one side of the center line of the structure and is applied to the supporting structure at another pair of correspondingly longitudinally spaced points at the other side of the center line of the structure, and aligned with the first pair of points by a pair of hydraulic cylinders which are connected to each other in a closed hydraulic system. In effect my arrangement converts a statistically indeterminate four point suspension to a statistically determinant three point suspension.

Abstract: A reduced-pivot assembly for supporting one end of a load for movement along a track in which a load support member for receiving that end is supported on a truck for lateral movement relative to the way. A limit switch mounted along the longitudinal center line of the truck at a location corresponding to a desired pivot center spaced from the load support center senses the lateral deviation of an adjacent portion of the load support member and actuates lateral shifting apparatus to shift the load support member in such a direction as to achieve the desired pivot center. A plurality of such sensors are disposed at longitudinally spaced locations on the truck to permit variation of the desired pivot center while moving along a track. Other sensors responsive to the lateral movement of the load support member inhibit the operation of the lateral shifting apparatus whenever the lateral displacement of the load support member exceeds a predetermined safe limit.