Abstract: Combination flex and torsion springs for use with light weight covers for containers having self-closing gates, the springs operatively connecting the gates to surrounding cover portions. A tri-fold seam including a frangible seam works cooperatively with the flex-torsion springs to implement three modes of operation of the gates. In a first mode, the gate returns to a reclosed orientation after removal of downward pressure. Further pressure on the gate engages a toggle operation that locks the gate open. In a third mode, if the gate is pushed even further downward, the toggle mechanism is defeated and the combination flex-torsion spring is forced past its elastic limit and the gate remains in a permanently open orientation. The flex-torsion springs in accordance with the invention may be fabricated from aluminum sheet stock or spring wire.

Abstract: A system for testing a rail car brake system includes a valve manifold having valves that selectively supply and vent test air to or from the brake system. A control circuit is operatively connected with the valve manifold and configured to operate in a first mode to automatically position the valves according to a prescribed test and to operate in a second mode to allow manual positioning of the valves. A method for testing a rail car brake system includes connecting test air to a valve manifold, connecting the valve manifold to the brake system, and testing the brake system using a control circuit configured to automatically position valves in the valve manifold according to a prescribed test. The method further detects a failed test result in the brake system and troubleshoots the brake system using the control circuit to manually position valves in the valve manifold.

Abstract: A system for testing a rail car brake system includes a valve manifold having valves that selectively supply and vent test air to or from the brake system. A control circuit is operatively connected with the valve manifold and configured to operate in a first mode to automatically position the valves according to a prescribed test and to operate in a second mode to allow manual positioning of the valves. A method for testing a rail car brake system includes connecting test air to a valve manifold, connecting the valve manifold to the brake system, and testing the brake system using a control circuit configured to automatically position valves in the valve manifold according to a prescribed test. The method further detects a failed test result in the brake system and troubleshoots the brake system using the control circuit to manually position valves in the valve manifold.

Abstract: The present invention is a means and method for powder dusting various manufactured products such as extrusions, sheet materials, thin films, and piece parts. The powder dusting system includes a regenerative compressor which propels an air/dust mixture through a control valve body into a cone shaped filter where a majority of the air is filtered out. The remaining concentrated air/dust mixture enters a head component where head jets direct the air/dust mixture to the item that is being coated. The powder duster of the present invention also provides a method of coating manufactured products on both their interior and exterior surfaces.