Abstract: A lifting assembly for lifting containers onto rail cars includes a substantially rectangular horizontal frame slidably mounted on vertical hoist assemblies each supported on a tracked undercarriage. The lateral separation between the hoists and the lateral dimensions of the frame are hydraulically adjustable to adjust the alignment of two cantilevered lifting beams which extend from the frame over the undercarriage. An operator housing that rides with the frame provides view exposure to the lifting alignment of the cantilevered beams.

Abstract: An improvement for a low frictional connection between a first element and a second element wherein one of the elements rotates with respect to the other, such as a crankshaft and a connecting rod, includes the addition of a helical member located between the elements. One of the elements i.e., a crankshaft, would include a convex journal surface and the other element i.e., a connecting rod, would include a concave receptacle surface. The helical member is located around the journal surface. A bearing is positioned between the two elements directly adjacent to the helical member and moves against the helical member. The helical member is capable of being hardened and/or machined such that it presents a low frictional surface for the bearing to move against.