Abstract: A dunnage bar system for freight containers utilizing a fixed elongated track cooperable with fittings mounted upon the opposite ends of an elongated bar. The bar fittings including a head captive within the associated track affixed to a neck extending through an elongated slot wherein the fitting may be adjusted along the track length and openings formed in the track selectively cooperate with head projections to lock the fitting against longitudinal track displacement. The dunnage bar fittings are releasable from the track openings by a rotative movement of the head either with, or relative to the bar, and with a relatively movable head a latch is associated therewith locking the fitting head relative to its bar.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a cargo control tack and a fitting for use therewith wherein the fitting is captive to the track. The track is of a generally U configuration having a base attached to a surface of a cargo compartment, parallel legs extend from the base, and the legs terminate in outwardly extending flanges disposed parallel to the base. Aligned notches or indentations are defined within the track at the intersection of the legs and flanges. The fitting is associated with a strap loop, and includes a pair of side plates having a keeper plate located therebetween. The side plates slidably hook upon the track flanges, and the keeper plate is forced into a locking relationship with the track indentations by tension within the strap to fix the fitting upon the track. The flexibility of the strap loop permits the keeper plate to be disengaged from the track notches for adjustment of the fitting along the track.

Abstract: The invention pertains to vehicle brake actuators of the expansible motor type wherein the actuator includes a cylinder having a piston and piston rod assembly reciprocal therein, a helical spring biases the piston in a braking direction, and a pressurized medium, such as hydraulic fluid, forces the piston in a spring compressing direction. The unique features include a piston drawn from sheet metal wherein the piston rod is pressed thereinto, and the piston seals are retained in position by a wire ring having an interference fit with the piston. Additionally, novelty resides in the use of a retainer formed of wire or of stamped construction having protuberances defined thereon for retaining the cylinder end cap upon the cylinder in a manner to permit ease and safety of assembly, and uniform force distribution.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an anchor for cargo carts wherein transported carts are restrained against movement within a cargo compartment. The anchor consists of a jack type implement utilizing a screw interconnecting telescoping tubular sections wherein the anchor includes a fitting attachable to permanently installed cargo control track within the cargo compartment. The anchor is formed of economically producible components, and is readily attached to, or removed from, the track by orienting the telescoping sections in a predetermined manner to the track.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an over center strap buckle of the type commonly used in cargo hold-down systems wherein straps connected to the cargo are tensioned to prevent shifting during transport. The buckle includes a handle pivotally mounted upon a U-shaped body, and the tension strap is looped through the handle wherein pivoting thereof between open and closed positions tensions the strap. A manually operated wire latch mounted upon the handle cooperates with notches defined upon the body when the handle is pivoted to the closed strap tensioning position, and the latch includes finger engagable portions for manually displacing the latch from the body notches to release the handle for pivoting to the open tension-release position.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a releasable fitting for anchoring webs such as used in cargo control systems, the fitting including two side plates having a keeper plate located therebetween, and the plates each including an opening through which a web loop is passed. An anchor supports the side plates, and may also support the keeper plate, and is pivotally related to the plates wherein the plates may swivel with respect to the anchor to permit alignment of the plates with the web tension force or may swivel to a non-protruding position to protect the web. The anchor includes projections for selective locking reception within a support member opening, and latch tabs defined upon the side and keeper plates are located within the support member opening to prevent accidental release of the anchor therefrom at all pivotal positions of the plates.

Abstract: A valve for conduit systems, such as a base valve for precharged refrigeration circuits, wherein the valve element is initially closed, and is opened by the application of heat to the valve body exterior. The valve element is maintained in a closed or sealed position by a low temperature fusible material, such as solder, and the application of exterior heat melts the fusible material to release the valve element and open the valve to unrestricted flow therethrough. The valve structure includes means for preventing restriction by the released valve element.

Abstract: A fitting for connecting a metal conduit to a conventional 37.degree. flared adapter which does not require flaring of the conduit, and constitutes a compression type fitting utilizing a radially contractable ferrule and compression nut. Metal-to-metal sealing contact is achieved, and no modification of the conduit is required.

Abstract: A compression fitting for use with tubular conduits wherein the fitting includes means for retaining the desired positioning of the conduit or tube within the fitting prior to completion of the making of the joint by the tightening of the compression nut. The tube retaining means disclosed take the form of two embodiments. One of the tube retainers is in the form of gripping means which engage the tube when initially inserted into the fitting to prevent partial axial withdrawal of the tube prior to completion of the joint. Spring biased edges embed into the tube exterior surface preventing inadvertent axial displacement of the tube prior to axial forces being imposed upon the tube during completion of the joint. The second type of tube retention utilizes a plurality of serrations engaging the end of the tube which embed into the tube end and retain the tube against rotation relative to the fitting during tightening of the compression nut.