Abstract: Techniques for improving safety at railroad track crossings are described. Example embodiments provide a train detection and collision avoidance system configured to detect potential collisions between vehicles (e.g., cars, trucks, motorcycles) and trains. The system detects potential collisions based on location information obtained by tracking modules installed in or carried by the trains and vehicles. When a potential collision between a vehicle and a train is detected, the train detection system alerts an operator of the vehicle and/or the train, so that the operator can take steps to avoid the collision. The operator may be alerted in various ways, including by audio, visual, or tactile output.

Abstract: An endless track drive system includes a track and multiple shafts bearing outer flanges integrally secured proximate first and second ends of the shaft and a middle flange integrally secured to the shaft between the first and second outer flanges. A central wheel secures to the middle flange and engages the track. The central wheel is formed of first and second semi-circular sections combinable to form a circle. Each half section includes a rim made of polyurethane, or like polymer and a hub made of an ultra-high molecular weight (UHMW) polymer. The hub bears a plurality of projections extending radially outwardly and having a proximal portion secured to the hub and a distal portion forming an outermost portion of the hub. The distal portions are substantially larger in the circumferential direction than the proximal portion. The rim is molded around the plurality of projections.

Abstract: A snowmobile ski having improved turn stability. The ski includes a lower surface for sliding contact with snow, the lower surface being configured with at least one longitudinally extending, downwardly open groove having an internal cross-section dimension that diminishes rearwardly to thereby progressively constrict the groove. The groove is open forwardly to receive snow within it and is open rearwardly to enable snow to exit from the groove. Snow received within the groove becomes packed when such snow encounters the progressively constricted portions of the groove as the ski slides forwardly on a snowy surface.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a composite article having joined ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene and melt-flowable polyethylene portions and method of making the same. The ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene portion has a textured surface with a pattern of ribs which may vary in shape and configuration, such as a series of parallel ribs or a plurality of pins of various cross-sectional shapes, e.g., oval, round or rectangles. The melt-flowable polyethylene portion is melt-bonded to or fused to the ribs of the ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene portion providing high bond strengths between the two portions. In the method of the invention, a ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene portion having a rib surface is contacted with molten, melt-flowable polyethylene. The molten, melt-flowable polyethylene is at a sufficient temperature that the temperature of the ribs is raised quickly to a temperature enabling the melt-flowable polyethylene to strongly melt-bond to the ribbed surface.

Abstract: A molded bearing plate of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene is formed with a bearing surface and series of strong, spaced, integrally formed posts extending from the opposed surface. A metal support plate is provided with a series of perforations through which the posts extend. The posts may have exteriorly threaded surfaces, and internally threaded fasteners may be threaded onto the posts to secure the molded bearing plate to the support plate. The posts are integrally formed with the bearing plate in a compression molding operation, and offer sufficient tensile strength to firmly attach the bearing plate to the metal plate. The bearing plate assembly is particularly suitable for use as a fifth wheel assembly.