Abstract: A training module is used to train railroad personnel how to detect and correct potential defects on railroad cars. The training module simulates various devices and systems that are commonly found on railroad cars. The training module contains over 100 intentional defects and training items that can be used to properly educate and test personnel for rail vehicle safety and maintenance.

Abstract: A pressure reducing valve for coupling to a pressurized water supply line includes a valve body with an inlet for coupling to the pressurized water supply line, an outlet, a passage extending between the inlet and the outlet, and a valve seat in the passage. A valve stem extends into the passage, which has a sealing member. An automatic pressure reducing system is provided for urging the sealing member toward the valve seat for throttling the valve to thereby reduce the pressure at the outlet. The automatic pressure reducing system includes parallel springs that occupy less space than conventional springs for a given spring load.

Abstract: A pressure reducing valve for coupling to a pressurized water supply line includes a valve body with an inlet for coupling to the pressurized water supply line, an outlet, a passage extending between the inlet and the outlet, and a valve seat in the passage at or adjacent the inlet. A valve stem extends into the passage, which has a sealing member. An automatic pressure reducing system is provided for urging the sealing member toward the valve seat for throttling the valve to thereby reduce the pressure at the outlet. The valve also includes a manual system that is decoupled from the automatic pressure reducing system for manually urging the sealing member toward the valve seat for closing the valve.

Abstract: A radio controlled liquid monitor, capable of rotation about a vertical axis through an infinite arc is disclosed. A rotatable body is rotatably mounted onto a base element for rotation about a vertical axis, and a discharge elbow is rotatably mounted on the rotatable body for rotation about a horizontal axis. A horizontal drive unit and a vertical drive unit operate on gears on the rotatable body and the elbow, to enable the rotatable body to rotate about a vertical axis, and the discharge elbow to rotate about a horizontal axis. A control module is attached to the rotatable body which receives radio control commands from an operator via a portable transmitter apparatus or a fixed transmitter apparatus. The control module and drive unit receive electrical power and control signals through a rotating connector positioned within the base element and rotatable body so that the control module and drive units receive electrical power and control signals regardless of the rotational position of the rotatable body.

Abstract: A fire-fighting monitor for directing the flow of fluid from a fluid source includes a base, which is adapted to connect to a fluid source, and a monitor housing. The monitor housing includes an inlet and an outlet, with the inlet releasably mounted on the base and for receiving fluid through the base. The outlet is in fluid communication with the inlet for discharging fluid from the housing. A rotatable connection is provided between the inlet and the base. The inlet is rotatable about the base at the rotatable connection about a first axis. A drive mechanism is associated with the rotatable connection for rotating the inlet about the base at the rotatable connection. The monitor further includes a control system for selectively actuating the drive mechanism and includes a receiver for receiving an input signal from a transmitter remote from the monitor. The control system actuates the drive mechanism in response to the receiver receiving the input signal.

Abstract: A deck gun elevator includes a tubular base, with an inlet, a longitudinal axis, and a transverse passage extending along the longitudinal axis, and a tubular member in the transverse passage, which forms an annular space between the tubular base and the tubular member. The tubular member includes an outlet, a longitudinal axis, and a transverse passage, which is in communication with the transverse passage of the tubular base for directing the flow of water through the deck gun elevator. A piston is mounted on the tubular member and positioned in the annular space and defines a first chamber, which is formed between the tubular member and the tubular base, and a second chamber, which is formed between the tubular member and the tubular base. A control controls the flow of fluid into and out of the first and second chambers to control the position of the tubular member along the longitudinal axis of the tubular base.

Abstract: A personal information manager computer program for storing names, addresses, telephone numbers and the like for personal and business contacts includes a capability for delivering geographic information in response to user requests. The personal information manager provides a display which includes one or more fields for entering or selecting contact information. The display also includes a number of buttons for requesting different types of geographic information, such as maps, directions, weather and yellow pages information. When the user clicks on one of the buttons, the personal information manager utilizes an address or other location identifier associated with the contact name to format a request to a geographic information server. The server uses the location identifier to retrieve the appropriate geographic information for that location, and sends the information to the personal information manager for display.