Abstract: A trailer is disclosed having a forward section, a middle section, and a rearward section. The forward section is adapted to be attached to the fifth wheel of a tractor while the rearward section supports the trailer on a set of wheels. The middle section extending between the forward and rearward sections is positionable in at least two load-transporting positions at different heights above the ground. The forward and rearward sections each include fixed support elements and locking pins for securing the middle section to the fixed support elements at each of the load-transporting positions. Rollers are provided to guide the movement of the middle section between the load-transporting positions, at least some of the rollers being easily removed to permit front loading of the middle section. An air bag jack is included to move the front end of the middle between the lower-most load transporting position and a ground contacting front loading position.

Abstract: A trailer is disclosed having a forward section, a middle section, and a rearward section. The forward section is adapted to be attached to the fifth wheel of a tractor while the rearward section supports the trailer on a set of wheels. The middle section extending between the forward and rearward sections is positionable in at least two load-transporting positions at different heights above the ground. The forward and rearward sections each include fixed oblique support elements and locking pins for securing the middle section to the fixed oblique support elements at each of the load-transporting positions. Power actuators are provided for moving the middle section between the load-transporting positions.

Abstract: A handle is disclosed for use in conjunction with a rotatable interlocking coupling on the end of an air line of a brake system. The coupling conventionally has a laterally facing surface including a central opening for communication with a similar coupling, a forwardly projecting tongue on a distal end thereof, a shoulder situated on a proximal end thereof including a rearwardly facing opening for communication with the air line, and a flange at least partially overlying the laterally facing surface defining a tongue-receiving slot for engaging the tongue of a similar coupling. The handle is illustrated in three different embodiments but in all embodiments the handle has an outer surface sized to be easily grasped by a human hand for facilitating the engagement and disengagement of the laterally facing surface and tongue of the coupling in such a manner as to avoid the application of coupling or uncoupling forces to the air line thereby reducing the incidence of line failure.

Abstract: A trailer is disclosed having a forward section, a middle section, and a rearward section. The forward section is adapted to be attached to the fifth wheel of a tractor while the rearward section supports the trailer on a set of wheels. The middle section extending between the forward and rearward section is positionable in at least two load-transporting positions at different heights above the ground. The forward and rearward sections each include fixed oblique support elements and locking pins for securing the middle section to the fixed oblique support elements at each of the load-transporting positions. Fluid-actuated cylinders are provided for moving the middle section between the load-transporting positions.

Abstract: A method of forming an article from sheet metal in a press, in which method a water reducible coating is applied to the work piece in the press to serve not only as a lubricant and coolant during pressing but also as a hardenable coating on the work piece after pressing. The use of an ethyl acrylate-styrene-acrylic acid co-polymer in water is described. Further coatings may be applied to the first coating either before or after hardening of the first coating.