Abstract: A trailer structure for transporting sheet glass and other frangible sheet material which includes in a preferred embodiment, a support structure characterized by a fixed A-frame rigidly mounted on the chassis of a trailer with a cooperating material-supporting saddle frame pivoted on the apex ridge of the fixed A-frame and disposed for controlled pendulum movement responsive to road and motion stresses ecountered during transportation of the glass. The glass or other frangible sheets are secured by conventional straps on the saddle frame for transportation over roads and highways and coil springs with cooperating shock absorbers serve to minimize the transmission of stresses from the trailer chassis and fixed A-frame to the saddle frame. The trailer chassis is fitted with pivoting deck panels to facilitate convenient and safe loading of the glass and to provide additional deck area for other cargo.

Abstract: An extendable and flexible trailer mechanism according to the present invention is adapted to be towed by a tractor on a roadway and the length of the trailer mechanism is adjustable between minimum and maximum lengths in order to accommodate loads of varying length. The trailer mechanism may include front and rear chassis means, the spacing of which may be varied by varying the position of a telescoping flexible connector element that has telescoping relationship with at least one of the chassis means. Each of the chassis means may be supported by separate wheel and axle assemblies that may be disposed in justaposed relation in the contracted condition of the trailer mechanism and may be disposed in spaced relation in the extended condition thereof.

Abstract: Automatic arc welding apparatus in accordance with the present invention comprises a welding carriage movably supported by a horizontal guide beam, which carriage supports a plurality of arc welding heads for forming welds on a generally horizontally disposed work piece, wherein the welds may be of compound curvature. The welding head mechanisms are supported by compound connection apparatus that defines three interrelated axes that are cooperatively related to enable an electrode support to which welding wire electrode is automatically fed to precisely follow a joint of compound configuration that is established between angularly related portions of the work piece. Additionally, the welding head mechanisms are movable both vertically and laterally to facilitate proper positioning thereof to the work piece being welded.