Abstract: An improved windshield for a transit vehicle. The windshield comprises a pair of windshield sections horizontally separated by a vertical divider. Each of the windshield sections are positioned at different angles from a common vertical axis whereby at night the interior lighting of the vehicle is reflected rearwardly from the interior surface of the windshield section in a manner which prevents interference with the forward vision of the operator through the windshield sections.

Abstract: Each prefabricated side wall of a transportation type vehicle has a joint surface formed along the lower, inner side thereof for seating thereto the laterally outward edge portions of two flanges which extend laterally outwardly in vertically spaced, parallel relation along each side of a prefabricated floor slab of such vehicle. An upwardly tapered bead along the outer edge of the uppermost of each pair of such flanges enters a recess provided therefor along its respective side wall surface. Also, one half of a plastic-key-interlock joint is formed along the outer edge of the lowermost flange of each pair for interlocking engagement with a second half of each such joint which is formed along each such joint surface. With the side walls substantially perpendicular to the floor slab, upward movement of each tapered bead into its recess also moves the joint halves associated therewith into interlocking engagement with each other, and simultaneously opens up a key-forming passage lengthwise within each joint.

Abstract: In order to provide increased ramp clearance for the front end of a bus body forwardly of the front wheels, the underbody of the bus is angled upwardly and forwardly toward the lower edge of the front bumper from a transverse line just forwardly of the front wheel wells, and a lower front step for the bus is hingedly mounted at its rear end to swing between a raised, stowed position, flush with the angled underbody, and a lowered, deployed position with the step horizontal and supported to carry the weight of passengers boarding and leaving the bus. Mechanism is provided for operating the step synchronously with the opening and closing of the bus front doors.

Abstract: A plurality of at least two plate or panel-type members are formed with edge portions which hook together to define a key-forming passage therebetween, with tongue-and-groove type interlocks directed laterally from the elements defining both sides of the passage. The passage is filled with initially flowable, solidified key-forming material injected therein under pressure sufficient to cause the injected material to flow along and fill all, or one or more selected portions of the passage. The elements of the panels defining such passage are so formed that the pressurized, injected material tends to expand the passage, and thereby urge adjacent edges of the two panels toward abutting relation with each other, whereby further expansion of the passage is prevented. Upon solidifying, the injected material comprises a key, which interlocks the panels and seals the joint therebetween.

Abstract: For controlling the tension on the belts of a multiple belt drive, one or more sheaves are journaled on each end of a walking beam, which in turn is pivotally mounted on a spring-biased lever. The total number of sheaves employed corresponds to the number of belts in the multiple belt drive, and the sheaves are spaced apart axially thereof, and the lever is so mounted, that one of the sheaves is in rolling, bearing engagement with each of the belts. The walking beam-to-lever pivotal connection is so located as to cause the sheaves to exert equal, or controlled differential, pressure on all of the belts.

Abstract: In a transit vehicle having a row of hingedly suspended windows along each side thereof, an individually, manually releasable latch is mounted adjacent the lower end of each window. An inflatable latch actuating member is concealed within each latch, and when inflated moves the latch to unlatched condition. Conduit means interconnects a selected plurality of the inflatable latch actuating members and leads to a valve controlled by the vehicle operator, which valve, when actuated, admits pressurized fluid through the conduit means to inflate its selected plurality of inflatable members.

Abstract: A unitary sandwich panel having a polyurethane core and aluminum facing sheets, forms bottom and back support portions of a seat cantilevered at one end thereof from a transit vehicle wall or other vertical support. Cushions, arm rests, and a molded back cover are attached to the panel.

Abstract: In a transit vehicle, such as a bus or rail car, wherein each vehicle side wall comprises a framework of upright posts or mullions spaced apart for mounting the vehicle windows therebetween, and covered exteriorly below the windows with strakes of extruded aluminum, slots are provided at selected heights in the front and rear sides, respectively, of each two mullions between which a seat is to be mounted. One mounting tab extends from the wall end of the seat portion of each seat, and another from the wall end near the upper end of the seat back portion. These mounting tabs are inserted one in each of the openings provided in the facing sides of two mullions between which the seat is to be mounted, and the seat is secured in such position by a retaining screw which anchors the seat to the wall.

Abstract: A hand assist rail for a transit vehicle comprises an aluminum extrusion of Y cross sectional shape with a bulbous, preferably laterally offset, bottom portion shaped for gripping by hand of a passenger standing in the aisle of such vehicle. A resilient cushion of conforming shape comprises the under side of the bulbous hand grip bottom portion, and a web portion of the rail which comprises the stem of the Y preferably is reversely curved to permit the thumb and fingers of a hand grasping the bulbous bottom portion to overlap.